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Minhyuk pitched the idea to him. Because Hyungwon found information on that jewel through some way, and Minhyuk found out about this dude who apparently has organized an auction of some sort, and apparently quite efficiently managed to charm all information out of him, only to then get trapped in a choke hold until he revealed his own plan. Kihyun cackled when Hyungwon told him the story, until they actually met a quite disgruntled-but-trying-not-to-show-it Minhyuk followed by this big hunk of a dude with an unassuming face but eyes that spell out that he'll take none of their bullshit.
Cards have been revealed and shuffled so many times Kihyun already lost track after the first five minutes of friendly get-to-know-each-other over iced americano, but that's why they have silver tongue Minhyuk. Even though he's scrawny and really couldn't hide his sulk whener the guy who introduced himself as Shownu unintentionally flexed his arms whenever he shifted in his seat. And while Kihyun could take both Minhyuk and Hyungwon on easily with one hand while lifting weight with his other one, he can recognize an opponent that he wouldn't be able to beat physically.
But, Kihyun is almost as cunning as Minhyuk himself, that's how they work so well together, and on the right people his charm can gift him open doors easily. Put Hyungwon's hypnotic drawl in the mix and they manage to have Shownu, Son Hyunwoo, on their side after just a couple of days of persuading and showing parts of their prepared equipment.
Four people won't get them a successful heist though, especially not with the plan they've started to assemble, which both frustrates and elates Kihyun just as much as Minhyuk. This is big, really big, and they have to be super careful and prepared, and it's gonna be so much fun . Hyungwon doesn't have much love for their definition of fun but still goes along with them, probably out of boredom.
Fun won't get them more people though, and they are in dire need of them. Minhyuk heard rumours about someone named "Honey" but refused to tell more and stormed off on his quest, and Hyunwoo somehow managed to convince Hyungwon to do some physical training (it was more gentle coercion, because while Minhyuk successfully dipped out on the gym sessions, turns out Hyungwon has somewhat of a weak spot for Hyunwoo's pouty lips and puppy eyes (Kihyun does as well, but so far he did a good job in hiding it. The dude doesn't need to know he has them wrapped around his big forearms already). Though maybe one of the reasons is also that ridiculously jacked gym trainer they found).
That leaves Kihyun to mull over their planning, constantly getting stuck because their ideas are good but they don't have anyone to carry them out. In the end, he resorts to doing some digging himself, into special infamous people who might be fitting and willing to go along with them.
And he does actually find talk about someone who sounds promising enough. Special Intelligence of some sort, talented with technology and science. Probably able to build them a small but effective bomb with a timer, maybe even remote control.
The problem that he faces is that this "I.M" character is very elusive and somewhat of a lone wolf, even his contract partners rarely ever met with him, much less heard his voice.
It almost seems impossible to find him, and Kihyun can't keep his delighted grin to himself as he prepares equipment to catch this special intelligence character. He could try to contact him, but where is the fun in putting himself up in fake vulnerability, when he could also track the guy down and see for himself what makes him so special. If he really is so special, or if his intimidation comes from keeping himself a shadowy mystery.
Kihyun intends to find him, test him, and hopefully recruit him. And he intends to have fun with it.
MX
Changkyun is aware that wearing his all black gear in broad daylight would attract attention he really doesn't need, if someone were to spot him on this rooftop.
Doesn't matter if he has surveillance on all airways passing above the building, doesn't matter that any security cameras that could spot him will conveniently not look into his general direction for a couple hours. Still too many few ways he could get caught. Still too risky, technically.
But alas, he hasn't been in an even remotely close to dire situation in years, and while he of course never becomes neglectful, he knows he is good at what he does and can afford to not be overly cautious. He's I.M. He's pretty much untouchable.
Also he does need his gear, and while he admittedly stands out against the grey concrete, he's not about to go civil, much less wear unassuming clothing to cover himself up. He needs all the room for movement he can get, no matter if an emergency situation pops up or not.
Besides, this particular job is done already anyway, payment collected and customer unnerved but relieved, and the only reason he still lingers is to get as much additional information as he can get. The security system here is advanced and he's been working on it for over 15 minutes now with only slow progress, and he's excited . It's been quite some time since he had a real challenge, and with one eye on the flight radar, ears concentrated on listening to how cars come to a stop below or whether people within the building are approaching his position, he sits cross-legged in front of his laptop, calculating which method he should try next.
Though, maybe he was allowing himself to be a bit careless this time, as it takes him a whole second to realize he's not alone anymore.
Of all things, he didn't consider anymore to pay attention to footsteps on top of the roof.
Snatching up his laptop he rolls away before wires from a taser gun could hit him, obviously and deliberately too slow and dilettantish to have been a real attempt.
Which isn't good because that means he shouldn't take the stranger half hidden against the far wall lightly.
Cursing internally for getting too arrogant and letting his guard down, he stays crouched to the ground, not taking his eyes off the man slowly coming towards him, carefully shoving his laptop behind a ventilation shaft that the man won't be able to reach unless he gets past Changkyun.
As the stranger steps into the light, at first glance he seems quite nonthreatening. But when he doesn't move further, Changkyun takes a moment to evaluate him, the white dress shirt and rolled up sleeves exposing strong forearms, a tie with an actual pin holding it in place, a silver coffer held in one hand, black tech pants stuffed securely into combat boots. His entire posture screams confidence and he looks so comfortable in what he's wearing it makes it even more obvious this is a professional.
And then there's his face. His deceptively cute face with way too sharp a nose and jawline, immaculate eyebrows shown off by his stylishly swept back black hair, and dark eyes that pierce right through him, interest and mirth dancing in them.
Like a fox that is overjoyed to have found a plaything.
MX
Kihyun didn't really know what to expect from I.M. It definitely isn't a mature and intense face framed by almost shoulder length, well-taken-care-of black hair under a beret, wide shoulders that could probably rival Shownu's, and very long legs. The black gear he is wearing compliments his figure, enhancing his waist. Usually Kihyun is immune to a pretty face when he's on a mission, but there's something about I.M that already has him so entranced, which is both frustrating and exhilarating. Maybe it's because he had to put actual effort into finding him. Maybe it's because he has never been particularly technology-savvy and thus he's very much out of his element when it comes to fully understanding the talents and potential someone like I.M possesses. Maybe it's because it's been way too long since he confronted someone that isn't painfully below his own league.
Whatever it is, he wants to get to know him. Wants to know what makes him infamous, wants to see behind that calm, focused facade. On the way to finding him he picked up an interesting tidbit that I.M might actually be younger than him, which only fanned the fire of interest even more.
If I.M is exactly who they need, Kihyun will get him no matter what.
He tries really hard to suppress an excited smirk but he can't help it. He might’ve not properly aimed for I.M, but the way he sensed the attack and dodged it, all the while saving his laptop and now staring him silently down, it mercilessly sends adrenaline into his veins. So graceful and elegant, calculated moves from years of training and experience.
And then his eyes . Intense, like those of a wolf, quiet, calculating, observing, waiting to make a move.
But Kihyun, if anything, knows how to taunt someone and push their buttons. And while I.M does look like a wolf, there's also something else that, with his elegant and strong body, fits him even more.
Kihyun's grin grows that little bit sharper.
"Cats sure do love high places, don't they."
Like a lightning bolt in the sky I.M's eyes flash in indignation for but a second and Kihyun actually has to suppress a shiver.
He knew it, this is going to be so much fun.
MX
Changkyun already feels ticked off by this guy, and he only said one sentence. How can someone have such a smooth and melodic voice but use it to sound so fucking cocksure of himself that it already pushes most of Changkyun's buttons. He prides himself on his calmness and control, staying level-headed and cool in even the most nerve wrecking situations, and yet, this fucking guy effortlessly destroyed all that with one single comment. Not that Changkyun has never heard that one before, but.
He doesn't need this when he already made one embarrassing mistake.
He certainly doesn't need that sharp, cocky smirk accompanying it.
"What do you want," he demands, only barely holding himself back from snarling as the guy's smirk only grows.
"I like cats," is the answer he gets.
Asshole.
Changkyun straightens up a little, very unwilling to be in any way at even just an optical disadvantage to this guy. The man's eyes flash as he gets to his feet and, oh, they seem to be the same height actually.
Pride has never really been one of Changkyun's vices but he won't allow this guy to get the upper hand, no way.
"There's a hole-in-the-wall place four streets down, go pet some kittens there."
The fox-like guy cocks his head to the side, chin jutting forward ever so slightly, and Changkyun would give him a smirk of his own if he wasn’t still on so high alert. Though, he's itching to ruffle this guy's feathers, to get rid of that confident stance. He can't really explain it but he just rubs him the wrong way and he'd prefer to put a lot of distance between them as soon as possible.
MX
"To be honest, I do prefer dogs, but maybe you can be both, hm?"
Kihyun is fully aware he's riling I.M up for not reason at all but he really can't help himself, he can practically feel how he gets under his skin and he loves it, loves that rush, loves knowing how he affects people, and it seems he is capable of easily breaking through that cool and capable façade, to see the fire and defiance underneath. He wants to push, so very badly.
I.M clenches his jaw and lifts his head a little, staring him down from over his nose, widening his shoulders. He is incredibly beautiful and Kihyun really, really can't help himself.
"Making yourself bigger to show me you're more of a dog?"
"Fuck off."
Oh, his voice comes out deep, like a growl, such a perfect reaction it makes Kihyun's pulse race, fingers clenching around his coffer, resisting the urge to open it and get started now.
“Tell me what you want from me, or leave.”
“You think I want something from you?”
“Don’t play coy with me,” I.M scoffs, glaring at him with cold eyes. “You tracked me down, deliberately fumbled your shot, and now you’re running your mouth. You’re wasting my time, so get to it already.”
Well. If he insists.
“Alright then,” Kihyun drawls, adjusting his grip on the coffer handle and flicking the clasps open with his free hand. I.M’s eyes snap to his hands and back to his face, long eyebrows slanted deep and intense. “I’m here to recruit you--”
“I refuse.”
A laugh escapes him at the immediate rejection, only stoking the fire within his chest.
“I assure you, it’d be worth your while--”
“Not interested. Now leave.”
He chuckles under his breath, but it comes out strained, irritation settling on his face. He might’ve not left the best first impression, but that’s no reason to be rude, now is it.
I.M’s expression changes to one of interest, one of his eyebrows quirking as he still regards him over his nose. Oh, how Kihyun wants to knock him down and see him struggle.
“How about you collect your manners and let me speak first?”
“Oh?” And, oh indeed, because I.M suddenly sounds very delighted, thin lips tugging into a mean smirk. “That’s funny, spewing insults but then getting miffed over being interrupted.”
Now it’s Kihyun’s turn to scoff.
“Please, I was not insulting you. If you can’t handle a little provocation like that--”
“How about instead of attacking me, next time you start by introducing yourself and stating your intentions? Since you’re so big on manners.”
Kihyun glares at I.M who gives him a wide, shit-eating grin (cute - it makes Kihyun want to step on him even more), like he has gotten the upper hand now.
"I heard you were some kind of big shot? I have to say, it doesn't really look like it, what with you whining about me "attacking" you."
That wipes I.M's grin so fast off his face Kihyun feels giddy.
"It's almost disappointing that this is what you consider a--"
MX
"Shut up!" Changkyun blurts out, cursing his beret for exposing his ears because it might not show on his face when he's blushing but his ears are a dead giveaway. The sloppy way the taser was fired really can't be called an attack, but Changkyun is about done with this guy and doesn't need the constant reminder of his own carelessness. "You're really not convincing me in hearing you out in any way, so scram, whatever your mission was, it failed, I have no intention of listening to what you have to say."
The guy raises one immaculate eyebrow, lips pressed together ever so slightly, and then suddenly whips his hand behind his back. Changkyun immediately springs into action, lurching forward to stop him from pulling out whatever weapon he has hidden but the guy jumps back at the same time, holding both arms up, one with his suspicious coffer, the other-
Empty.
The guy is smirking again, and as much as Changkyun knows he can't underestimate him, at this point he really just wants to throw the annoying fucker over the roof.
"Well, your reactions certainly surpass my expectations, so you can be useful after all."
"How often do I have to repeat myself, I have no interest in working together with you!"
"Oh, but I certainly do, my dear little rooftop cat."
Changkyun scowls, very close to just baring his teeth at him (maybe not the best way to make him stop calling him cat or dog), when the guy's dark eyes leave his face and rake down his neck and torso, coming to a stop at his stomach, where he can feel how his black shirt twisted more tightly around his body from his sudden movements.
Oh. Fuck.
Because he thought the guy already had a sharp face but the expression he has now is positively predatory, smile wide enough to expose his flawless white teeth, canines probably as pointy as Changkyun's, eyes blitzing as the wind picks up and lets their ties dance a little in the air.
Changkyun swallows, something like heat and dread and apprehension swirling in his stomach.
He thought of the guy as a fox. But, fuck, he might actually be a shark.
His eyes jump back to Changkyun's, and they're so intense it actually sends a shiver down his spine.
"Won't you hear me out?" Voice saccharine and almost cloying in how faux gentle he pitches it. "You respond beautifully in the face of a real threat, surely we can work something out."
"Tch, you see yourself so high and mighty that you'd actually call yourself a threat?" Changkyun won't let himself be intimidated by this guy, shark or fox or simply man.
The smirk sharpens, if that is even possible.
"I do."
MX
Kihyun noticed the form-fitting shirt earlier when he shot at him with the taser but had been too distracted by I.M's beautiful face, so being able to get a proper look feels positively divine. He wants this man so badly, in so many ways, he wants him on their team, he wants to see him in action, he wants to put him in an expensive suit and then push him down onto a table, he wants to see all kinds of expressions he can elicit in him.
Kihyun wants, and what Kihyun wants, he gets.
He and Minhyuk really are too alike in that regard.
Even though I.M stays defiant and unwilling to hear him out (Kihyun isn't even mad, he's already in love with how strong-willed the other man is and how much he wants to see what it'll take to make him break), he didn't miss the movement of his long and thick neck when Kihyun swiped his eyes over his body, doesn't miss how he's still on high alert, watching his every move as Kihyun lowers his arms again.
Maybe it's time they stop talking altogether, since it doesn't seem to get them anywhere.
Kihyun reaches for his coffer and I.M takes another step towards him, threatening, eyes clearly spelling "don't you dare", that one strand of hair that escaped his beret fluttering in the wind.
Kihyun has never been good at resisting challenges.
"Wanna play?" he taunts, thumbing over the switch to open his little arsenal of handy equipment.
I.M lunges at him so suddenly Kihyun actually lets the coffer fall in surprise as he only narrowly manages to dodge to the side. I.M pushes it away with his foot, putting himself directly between it and Kihyun and also his own equipment that's still near the ventilation shaft he put his laptop behind. Clever, good strategic move.
Kihyun feels his own smile fade away, concentration settling on his face as he feints a dash to the right, planning on whooshing past I.M to get his coffer, but the other man only widens his stance and doesn't fall for the trick, never once letting him out of sight. It burns him up from the inside.
Fine. It's not like he can't fight with his fists, no one ever said he isn't good with his hands.
He rolls his head from side to side, cracking his neck a little, reciprocating the intense eye contact I.M is bestowing upon him, shakes his arms to loosen them up and jumps a little in place. And then, without further ado, swiftly walks towards him and unceremoniously takes a swing.
I.M blocks his fist with a wide palm, not showing any reaction aside from flaring his nostrils, and yanks his arm to the side to make Kihyun lose his balance, but he goes along with it, using the momentum to turn around with his back facing I.M and aims to ram his elbow into his stomach. I.M jumps back to dodge the attack, but now there's distance between them again and while his grip is strong Kihyun has the advantage of their positions and manages to twist out of his hand easily, facing him again and barely being able to duck the swing aimed at his own face. He crouch-jumps away from a knee aimed at his face as well, immediately straightening up again and rolling his shoulders as I.M is holding his fists in front of his face, feet ready to slide forward.
"Kitty got claws" might've not been the most clever thing to say in his situation, Kihyun has to confess, because against his expectations and faster than he could react I.M thrusts a leg out and kicks him hard into the knee, causing him to falter as pain shoots up his leg. And his foe doesn't stop to taunt him back, no, I.M is so clearly done with him that he makes to kick him again, regarding him with uncaring eyes, and, yeah, maybe Kihyun should've held back that last comment.
Just barely does he manage to throw himself away from the attack, turning it into a roll to dampen the fall and put more distance between them again, the pain only making his blood run hotter.
I.M looks even more captivating in action, breath already coming faster, not letting Kihyun out of his sight. He hears himself panting in exhilaration, immensely pleased he obviously underestimated I.M, and decides he should get serious after all.
MX
Shark guy is slippery and quick on his feet, but also too reckless, too cocky. He’s been playing his little game ever since he intercepted Changkyun on the roof and thought he had the upper hand the entire time, and for that arrogance he earned himself a bruised knee.
And yet, Changkyun doesn’t believe it. Of course, it could just be that the guy got lucky in finding him and his own arrogance will be his downfall now, but Changkyun doesn’t buy it . The look on his face, the way he holds himself - this guy is capable of more than this poor performance he just gave him, and it puts Changkyun even more on edge. After pushing him back and getting into position to block future attacks, something on the guy’s face changed. Something he had seen earlier, when he finally dropped that irritating grin and simply walked up to Changkyun to punch him in the face. As much as that could be mistaken as pride before the fall, no, that was a glimpse of his true face.
And Changkyun hates to admit it, but next to the apprehension he feels - there’s a flicker of excitement settling in his limbs.
It’s really been way too long since he had a proper opponent.
The guy gets back up to his feet and adjusts his sleeves, reaches to his tie, tugging a little at his collar to loosen it, all the while holding eye contact. His face is serious, a calculated expression playing around his sharp features, but eyes bright.
He looks intimidating. Dangerous, even. Changkyun decides then and there that he can’t let him get to his coffer, ever.
Shark guy mirrors his pose and advances on him again, but this time Changkyun won't allow him the first swing. He skips forward and feints a punch with his left hand, switching to his right for an uppercut, forcing the guy to evade or step back. Shark guy ducks to the side, but lets out a pained groan and stumbles as that puts pressure on his bad knee. Not wasting any opportunity Changkyun follows right after, intends to grapple him to the floor by kicking his injured leg again, but suddenly the guy whirls around and punches him in the stomach.
Hard .
It is such a well-placed hit Changkyun feels all air leave his lungs, dark spots dancing in his vision as everything goes blurry for a second. He walked right into a trap, for fuck's sake.
He collapses to his knees, gasping and coughing, blinking rapidly to clear his vision, to keep his opponent in his sights, to know what will come next--
Shark guy is facing him, fists clenched and hovering in the air, but instead of keeping Changkyun down he takes careful steps backwards, towards…
Towards his fucking coffer.
Changkyun doesn't think, embarrassment over another mistake of his and simmering rage from all the taunting roaring in his head and blocking everything else out. With strength fueled by adrenaline he pushes himself up and forward, flinging his entire body at shark guy with a yell and bringing them both harshly to the ground. Shark guy lands on his back with a choked gasp, Changkyun’s head still slightly spinning from earlier but he does his best to pin the guy down, one knee on his chest and grabbing for his arms.
Shark guy lets out a wheeze, slapping at Changkyun's hands with strong fingers and tries to push him off him at the same time, legs scrambling slightly, and then fucking starts laughing.
"You, you're really something," he gets out, strained, but grinning from ear to ear, one arm successfully trapped in Changkyun's hand but the other one clenched half in his cropped vest and half in his tie, pulling and bucking his hips. It puts Changkyun on edge, so he makes to punch him again, really just wanting to get a hit on that stupidly perfect face.
Before he can though, shark guy does manage to wrestle him off, catching his attacking arm and twisting it painfully behind his back. The position isn't ideal for both of them, half sprawled half crouching on the ground, Changkyun twisting and kicking out as best as he can to get free. Shark guy actually curses under his breath and tightens his grip, his other hand still clenched in Changkyun's clothes to hold him down.
Pride thoroughly bruised Changkyun snaps his teeth at his foe over his shoulder, actually making him flinch back and that's the opening he needs. Determination gives him a boost and he rips himself away, stumbling to his feet and already turning around to keep him in his sights, but shark guy kicks at his hips and sends him sprawling to the ground again.
At this point Changkyun is seething with anger.
"What a big, bad dog you are," another infuriating smirk, voice insufferably smug and sounding like he's having the time of his life, and Changkyun can't take it anymore.
"What the fuck is your problem man?!!" he snaps, jumping to his feet, glaring viciously at the other man who just raises a groomed eyebrow.
"You're a good fighter but, again, if you can't handle this much I might really don't need you after all."
One hit. Changkyun just needs one hit.
"I'll fucking show you what you could've had if you had asked!!"
He has a brief moment of grim satisfaction when the guy's eyes widen in shock and then darts away as Changkyun charges at him.
They must make a ridiculous sight, two grown men playing chase on top of this roof. Except they aren't playing, and shark guy narrowly manages to evade Changkyun's hands, always keeping in motion, jumping and diving, never stopping. He's fast, but so is Changkyun, and whenever it looks like he wants to start a counterattack Changkyun is right there, not giving him any opportunity. They're quite evenly matched, Changkyun has to begrudgingly admit, but that just pushes him to play dirtier, sharper movements and unexpected turns, to finally get him, to finally wipe that smirk off his face for good.
Changkyun’s focus is completely on the other man, how he moves, where he looks, how he positions his feet, he's on the lookout for any signs that he will try to turn the tables, and yet, the moment he does, he completely catches Changkyun off guard.
By sheer luck (Changkyun refuses to think of it as anything else), shark guy manages to twist away from his hands at the last second, his fingertips only grazing his pristine white dress shirt, a black and white blur in the corner of his eyes. And before Changkyun can manage to turn around, a knee rams into his side and throws him heavily onto the ground. He thrusts his hands out to soften the impact, painfully landing on his palms and attempting to roll sideways to keep in motion, but shark guy immediately follows and practically jumps on him, slamming his shoulders down and digging his knees into the back of his thighs. Changkyun can't contain a painful groan, immobilized by the weight on his back, his chin and right cheek scraping along the ground.
In the corner of his vision he sees something silver catching the light, hears a click and a triumphant huff behind him.
Dread slams into him. Oh. Fuck. No.
How could he have let this happen, how! He’s struggling as best as he can but the pain in his stomach from both the punch and the kick makes him dizzy, shark guy putting all his weight on him and it hurts and it’s so incredibly frustrating and humiliating to be caught like this, by this absolute menace of a stranger.
MX
Kihyun relishes in the feeling of the heaving body beneath him, keeping his weight concentrated between I.M's shoulder blades with one hand while he fumbles for his coffer with the other, giddiness making him twitchy. He is very riled up, a part of him incredibly satisfied about how much fight I.M put up, another part positively seething for how long it took him to finally get him in this position. His fingers are shaking as he blindly grabs for the rope in his coffer, bumping against some other stuff that sends a shiver down his spine just imagining putting that on I.M as well. Something snapped in him, he knows, an unhinged smirk creeping on his face.
“You little shit, I finally, fucking finally got you,” Kihyun bites out, grabbing for his arms and wrestling them viciously behind I.M’s back, registering the pained hiss which only fuels his heated emotions, “you are one pain in the ass to catch, so wonderfully tricky and resiliant, I’m gonna make you pay for giving me such a hard time, you little--!!”
“Dude, what the actual fuck, YOU were to one who came to ME!!” I.M explodes, tilting his head to the side as best as he can and glaring hellfire, though he looks almost mortified, like he can’t believe Kihyun actually managed to catch him, and, oh. Kihyun feels absolutely delighted seeing that expression on his face, gleefully binding his wrists together.
“And now you’re coming with me,” he retorts simply, controlling his voice, patting his bound arms and tugging at the straps around his biceps.
“Who the fuck even are you?!?”
“Call me Kihyun.”
“Never heard of you!” I.M spits, wriggling and twisting his arms and Kihyun watches him with bated breath, having felt the muscles under the black sleeves. Even though he won their fight he does hold a lot more respect for the other man now, seeing him take on everything Kihyun threw at him and even being able to quip back. But, no matter how much I.M struggles he can’t seem to loosen his bonds, only tightening them further, and Kihyun has another oh moment.
For all the respect he holds for him now, having him all helpless and at his mercy sounds super fun.
Kihyun changes his position and sits himself directly on his shapely butt, eyes roving over the beautiful body hugged by black gear, itching to touch but trying to hold himself back at least in that regard, instead stopping the movement of I.M’s wrists who are surely rubbing themselves raw already.
"Alright, listen here pup--"
"Don't fucking call me that!!" I.M snarls, bucking his hips as best as he can.
Kihyun immediately lets go of him with one hand and presses his palm to the small of I.M's back, fanning his fingers out over the black fabric and feeling the warmth of his body underneath, sliding them higher beneath the cropped vest, concentrating his weight on that point of contact and leaning forward.
"Okay then, kitten , but you will listen to me now."
He doesn't miss the hitch in I.M's breath, doesn't miss how tense he's gotten, jaw clenched so tight he's sure he can hear him grinding his teeth together.
“I came all this way here to seek you out, and then you wouldn’t even listen to me, and you gave me such a hard time catching you, I think it’s only fair you help me out now.”
I.M scoffs, rolling his eyes, flailing around with his legs a bit.
“I. Refuse.” he grits out.
Kihyun sits still for a second, waiting, almost hoping for more, but I.M just huffs, almost petulantly kicking out behind him.
Kihyun sighs in exasperation and reaches for his coffer again.
“Alright then, I.M,” and it occurs to him that is the first time he ever actually called him by his code name out loud, which I.M realizes too if his flared nostrils are any indication, “since you insist on being difficult, you leave me no choice.”
“Gonna find more ways to try and force me to agree with you, asshole?”
The insult actually makes Kihyun laugh, feeling himself become that little bit more unhinged.
"I might not look like it but I can be very patient."
He doesn't give him time to find another venomous reply and pulls out what he had been wanting to use ever since he laid eyes on I.M, shuddering ever so slightly as he imagines how he'll look. With precise movements, as much as the excitement zinging through his veins allows, he removes I.M's beret, admiring his black hair, and slides his fingers beneath the other man's neck, feeling him freeze as he exerts pressure to lift him slightly away from the ground. The feeling of I.M swallowing harshly is tantalizing and it takes only a little bit more pressure for him to lift his head in order not to choke. And then Kihyun quickly and efficiently clips on the collar and leash, making sure it sits snugly and securely, and jumps up.
I.M looks a little shell-shocked, unmoving for a delicious, incredulous second, before making to roll over and away but that's what Kihyun has been waiting for. With one sharp yank of the leash he keeps I.M firmly on his front on the ground, earning a strained grunt, basking in the multitude of expressions on his face, most of them being rage and humiliation. The best part is that there's a little bell attached to the collar that jingles ever so slightly with every move the other makes.
It gives Kihyun such a high he almost feels lightheaded from it.
I.M glares daggers at him, which just makes Kihyun yank on the leash again, watching his burning eyes fill with unshed tears from the strain and humiliation, strands of his hair having come loose and framing his cheeks.
"Stay." he taunts, loving how I.M is still so full of fight even in this helpless position. Teeth get bared at him in response with a choked hiss, and, oh no. Oh, I.M shouldn't have done that.
"Still so feral, aren't we… You really leave me no choice then."
Not breaking eye contact Kihyun reaches for his coffer and I.M renews his struggles, almost slamming his chin into the ground when Kihyun pulls the leash again. That really won't do now, not his pretty face.
Kihyun unceremoniously kneels down in front of him, on the leash, and procures a muzzle, his free hand cradling I.M's cheek as he lifts his face up again. The man looks like he can't actually believe what is happening which just makes Kihyun's work easier. Gently but swiftly, because I.M still has his teeth gritted tightly together which can't be comfortable in his current position, he fastens the muzzle around his head and can't hold himself back from cooing:
"Look at you now, put in your place so nicely."
I.M briefly closes his eyes and inhales a shuddering breath, eyebrows almost touching each other, looking deliciously like he's on the very verge of his control. Not being able to do anything. Upon opening his eyes again he gives Kihyun a withering look, lips curling back in a snarl.
"I. Want. To hurl you off this roof. So, so fucking bad, you absolute nightmare of a condescending menace--!!"
He cuts himself off as Kihyun lovingly puts the beret back on his head, tracing the strap of the muzzle that goes over his strong nose, rocking back on his heels and taking the leash in hand again.
"Well, who would've thought that a muzzle meant for a dog would look this good on a cat, you just showed that it fits you even better than I expected."
MX
Shark guy grins at him all pleased, fueling how Changkyun is seething with anger and mortification. He allowed this to happen, he allowed someone to take him down and tie him up and put a fucking collar, leash and muzzle on him. If it wasn't for the strain in his neck and his aching body he'd be tempted to convince himself that he is only having a bad dream.
But that wide, toothy grin in front of him is very real, and Changkyun wants to spit at him, scream in his face, break his stupidly strong hands, anything but lay here on his front, blood drumming with fight but pretty much rendered helpless and immobile. Consciously blinking back frustrated tears, to not give Kihyun the satisfaction.
He's never even heard of the guy before and that is alarming, considering his skills. Or Changkyun just became that neglectful. Fuck.
Each tug of the leash is so fucking humiliating as shark guy audibly contemplates what he should do now, regarding Changkyun with so much interest and delight that his eyes literally sparkle. If they had met under any other circumstances, Changkyun would have (maybe) loved to stare at him for hours. Before his brain can take apart that treacherous line of thinking, his ears pick up the unmistakable sound of the company's security vans down in the streets and people getting busy, eyes involuntary jumping to where he put his laptop and equipment away.
Panic grows in his chest. He can't allow anyone to get his laptop, to get access to all his data or him for that matter, but he's utterly defenseless right now thanks to fucking Kihyun--
Who cocks his head at him with an unfairly cute questioning sound, making the bell on his collar jingle a little (Changkyun will punch him in the face, he swears) but almost immediately straightens up, expression melting into serious focus, only to quickly morph back into that damned smirk of his as he likely realized what's going on.
"You look to be in quite a troublesome position now, aren't you?"
I'm gonna kill him
There's a patronizing yank of the leash, shark guy stepping back and pulling the length taut, Changkyun grunting as that pulls at his neck. What does he want, that Changkyun pathetically wriggles after him on the fucking concrete?
And then the leash falls to the ground.
It takes less than a second for Changkyun to decide to not question that turn of events and roll over on his back to grind his bound wrists against the ground. He doesn't have time to worry about his dignity, the fucking bell around his neck more than enough to remind him of his shameful situation, but he still has a chance to get free and save his skin--
He notices shark guy moving and snaps his head to the side to check what he's doing, blanching when he sees him nonchalantly gathering up Changkyun's equipment. He squirms around and manages to get on his knees, a feeble protest already on his lips.
"Don't touch that!"
Shark guy glances at him and simply smirks.
"What can you possibly hope to do to stop me?"
He's right, of course he's right, and Changkyun has a lot of retorts ready on his tongue already but holds them back. He can't risk pissing him off now, even though Kihyun seems to thoroughly enjoy that, as he does his silence, an infuriating self-satisfied expression settling on his face.
His laptop and technical equipment gets packed up with practiced movements, strapped neatly together with that blasted coffer, and then he finds himself much closer to a very nice pair of legs than he'd like, a hand gently curling around his chin (and what a horrid reminder that gesture is of the fucking muzzle strapped around his head) and tipping it upwards. The guy's smirk is a permanent fixture on his face by now.
"You, my dear I.M, are utterly dependent on me right now, aren't you."
It is not a question. Fucker.
The palm puts pressure on the underside of his chin and pulls, giving Changkyun no other choice but to try to somehow gracefully get back on his feet if he doesn't want to choke. He manages, barely, breathing deliberately calmly and resisting the urge to hiss. Though he feels more in control again, now that he's standing, on the same height as shark guy.
Kihyun lets his hand fall but suddenly grabs the leash, pulling sharply and making Changkyun stumble in place, the muzzle almost touching the sharp nose in front of him.
"You need me to get out of here, unless you want to get caught--"
"You could just let me go, since I already made it clear that I'm not going to work together with you."
Shark guy lets out a surprisingly high pitched laugh, walking his fingers over the leash to his collar and flicking the little bell.
"I am not letting you go, not after all the fun we had, with or without your cooperation."
And that, well, Changkyun actually fully believes.
MX
Kihyun can practically see how I.M is mentally warring with himself, torn between staying defiant and maybe even finding a way out of his binds, and giving in to Kihyun and letting him save them from getting caught.
It's absolutely delicious to watch.
Because in the end I.M has no choice nor chance to make it out of here on his own.
The moment finally comes when he briefly closes his eyes, jaw clenching, and then gives a miniscule nod.
"What was that, I didn't catch that."
Kihyun shudders as those wolf-like eyes are back open and searing into him, so much pent-up anger from everything he put him through burning brightly, held back by a muzzle and a collar. It's so good. Kihyun won't be able to ever let go of him now.
"I'm going with you." The words are reluctantly growled out. And Kihyun is living.
"Then how about you tell me your name? It'd only be fair that we're on the same page."
"You fucking ass--!!" I.M bristles, making to rip himself away but Kihyun digs his fingers beneath the collar and keeps him close, loving the power he has, gleefully clicking his tongue when I.M snarls at him.
"I don't think you have the time to get feisty again, right?"
Somewhere in the building they hear people shouting and I.M mutters some very colourful words under his breath, seizing up when Kihyun clicks his tongue again in imitation of a clock.
"Fine, it's Changkyun, now get us out of here already!"
Changkyun.
"It'd be my pleasure. Changkyun." He purrs out, can't help himself but roll the name around his mouth, testing it, loving how it feels on his tongue.
I.M, no, Changkyun has his mouth open, staring at Kihyun's lips, swallowing tightly in the minimal space Kihyun's fingers in his collar leave him.
Kihyun wants him. Fuck.
They snap out of their trance as the sound of doors getting slammed open is dangerously close to the rooftop. Kihyun lets go of the other man and loops the far end of the leash around his wrist, gathers up their equipment and shoots I.M-- Changkyun a cheeky wink when he pointedly jerks his still bound arms.
"All in due time," he whispers, tugging him behind a row of tall ventilation shafts just as the heavy steel door to the roof bursts open.
Changkyun is as docile as he allows and follows silently, Kihyun patiently guiding them unseen into the building and through floors and hallways and storage rooms, always just gone as security personnel darts around a corner, cursing when they still can't find the intruders. Changkyun even maneuvers Kihyun with him once or twice into a more hidden passageway with an unreadable expression, cold professionalism in his eyes as he scans their surroundings, alert and gorgeous in his focus.
It is tempting to see how well he can hold himself together in a dicey situation like this when he's being teased but Kihyun holds himself back, he'd only be sabotaging his own escape and that won't be beneficial to his quest of indeed convincing the great I.M to join them of his own free will.
Besides, it wouldn't be too much fun with him all tied up and not being able to properly fight back while also making sure they don't blow their cover. Another type of situation though, tying him up even further would be--
Changkyun kicks at his feet with harsh eyes and Kihyun quickly opens the door he had just been staring at, Changkyun fluidly slipping past him like water. One last look inside the building and Kihyun follows outside, the click of the lock falling in place sounding almost ominous for how excited he is for what's about to come.
He walks past Changkyun who's mustering the unassuming car parked in the narrow alleyway, unlocking the trunk to put their equipment inside. The leash is hovering in the air between them, a little taut as Changkyun isn't coming closer.
"I figure now is as good a time as any to explain."
Behind his back Changkyun scoffs, muttering "really" under his breath.
"Me and three, maybe four others are planning a heist. It involves attending an auction and finding the people with invitations, and the reason I sought you out specifically is because we need someone to get to the floor plans and to build a handy bomb."
Silence. Kihyun secures their equipment with a few belts, snapping them to make sure nothing will come loose, and then gets body slammed into the nearby wall.
"You couldn't have just started with that from the beginning?!?" Changkyun explodes, barely not screaming in his face, pressing him roughly into the wall with his entire weight and Kihyun thought he'd seen his eyes angry and worked up but it's no comparison at all to how he looks now, pupils dilated and eyes wide open he can see the veins at the edges.
He's still fucking beautiful.
"If you'd just fucking talked to me like a normal person we could've worked something out peacefully but you fucking had to make a scene just to fuel your ego, is that it, you insane moronic--!!!"
Kihyun hooks a leg around Changkyun's ankles and pushes him away with his arms, tripping him and watching him crash to the ground with no way to catch himself, only pulling on the leash so he won't hit his head. His back hurts where Changkyun pressed him into the wall but he doesn't care, following after him and seating himself on his chest, Changkyun gasping as his weight settles on his ribs.
"You wanna know why I did all that?" Kihyun hisses in his face, pulling the leash and grasping onto the muzzle with his other hand, a wide grin back on his face.
"Because I wanted to have fun . And with your reputation I knew you'd be so fucking fun to play with."
"' FUN'?? All this just so you could have some goddamn fun?!!"
"What else, dear Changkyun? I heard you would be perfect for this job, there was no way I'd let you go. And once I saw you on that rooftop, I knew you wouldn't disappoint."
Eyes blazing and feral, a chained up, wild wolf trapped.
"You're twisted," the other man wheezes out.
"Wouldn't you like to know."
Neither one of them breaks eye contact, the vein on Changkyun's neck slowly becoming more pronounced the longer Kihyun's on top of him.
"So, what, you're going to keep me like this forever?"
"Don't give me more ideas, I.M."
"Fuck you," Changkyun spits, but it's weak, exhaustion seeping through. And just as Kihyun opens his mouth to reply, he adds "Don't."
It makes Kihyun chuckle, loosening his grip on the leash a little to let him rest his head on the ground. Changkyun regards him wearily.
"Get off me already."
"Say my name."
"...huh?"
The words coming out of his mouth surprised him too, if he's honest with himself. But the moment he said them, they also made perfect sense to him.
"I won't let you up until you say my name."
"... why?"
"Say. My. Name." Each word emphasized by a tug on the leash, his other hand splayed out over Changkyun's wide chest and pressing down against the fabric, taking away even more air. "So you won't ever forget it."
Changkyun pants shallow breaths, wincing the more weight Kihyun puts on him.
"Kihyun."
It's like he got struck by lightning from the inside, that deep, gravelly voice rasping out his name while his expression has become unreadable again, like saying Kihyun's name is something he has to hide his reactions for. It's heady. It's hypnotizing. He wants him to say his name over and over again.
Although he does realize he wasted too much time playing around. So he pulls his head out of the gooey waters that is the other man's presence and resolutely says,
"Good."
voice coming out way deeper than he intended.
Changkyun tries to be subtle about it but he lets out a sigh of relief when Kihyun gets off him, circling to his head and pulling at his shoulders and arms to make him sit upright. With quick and precise movements he frees his wrists, lingering a little on the red marks that formed until Changkyun decidedly pulls his arms away, groaning as he brings them forward and begins to knead. Staring at the back of his head, where the snaps of the muzzle have gotten a little tangled with his black hair, Kihyun has to consciously hold back the urge to grab onto his arms and help him get the kinks out. Instead, he unclips the muzzle and takes it to the trunk of his car, once again pulling the leash taut.
He hears Changkyun huff and get up behind him, feels him come closer and throws him a lopsided grin over his shoulder.
"Can I trust you to be good and get in the car without trying to escape?"
"I'm not your damn dog. Is the collar going to stay on?"
"You'll find out when you get in the car," Kihyun sing-songs, slamming the trunk shut. Changkyun rolls his eyes and walks over to the passenger side.
"Unlike you, I'm able to take my defeats in stride."
"Isn't someone getting awfully familiar now that he's not bound anymore."
Changkyun tosses him an unimpressed look but doesn't say anything more.
Kihyun goes to the driver's side, the leash scraping along the roof of the car, and feels his stomach flutter when he lets go. For a long, long moment, Changkyun doesn't move, eyeing him, lips pressed together.
And then he gets into the car, the leash sliding after him.
Kihyun exhales harshly, casting one last look around the area, and swings himself onto the driver's seat.
("Where's the wolf, Kihyun?"
Kihyun slowly looks up from the floor plans he's still pretending to understand, to Hyungwon's expectant face. Pausing for dramatic effort, and to annoy him.
"I'm not the wolf’s handler, Hyungwon."
He receives an eye roll.
"No, but you wish you were, so, where is he?"
Kihyun feels the dramatic gasp already building up inside his throat, because how dare Hyungwon think he can analyze him, when Minhyuk walks into their strategizing room with a gleeful smirk and hands rubbing together like a cartoon villain.
Shownu and Honey take one look at him and simultaneously groan,
"What did you do?"
"Oh, nothing, nothing, just a little something for everyone's entertainment," Minhyuk giggles, skipping towards the table. And before anyone can question him, Changkyun follows through the door.
Kihyun feels time around him slow down and his heart starting up a sexy rhythm inside his chest because Changkyun, no, I.M, no, Changkyun enters the room in the new gear they've all acquired for the last part of the heist, black techwear and sturdy boots and convenient belts and--
"I'm not an attraction to be shown off," I.M growls, a new file in his hands.
"No, but the reactions you elicit are," Minhyuk snickers.
A fucking crop top.
He's dimly aware the plans have slipped from his lax fingers, Hyungwon laughing beside him.
Changkyun throws a glance at Kihyun and deliberately straightens up, rolling his neck, raising his elbows to his shoulders for a stretch.
Making his top rise up.
And Kihyun, meticulous, focused, professional Kihyun, gets distracted by the barest slivers of skin, eyes, despite his best efforts, sliding away from the plans when Changkyun so much as twitches.
Honey tries to get them all to focus on why they've gathered now, hitting Shownu's arms to get him to help, and Changkyun honestly couldn't care less, he has a bomb to build, but watching Kihyun almost break the table because of him is very satisfying and makes him stay.
The crop top had been Minhyuk's idea, after they had trouble putting Changkyun in a suit jacket that won't horribly ride up when he has to quickly move about because his shoulders are simply too wide for how slim his waist is. Changkyun had protested the ridiculous notion but he had already known the moment he did that nothing would deter Minhyuk from going through with it.
Ridiculousness on a high stakes mission, that's apparently the team he was recruited into.
Judging by Kihyun's reaction he hadn't been made privy to the outfit change though, very much to the amusement of his same-age partners in crime. Even Shownu quirks a smile, and when Shownu smiles Honey smiles, and when Honey smiles everyone smiles. The two most powerful members on their team.
Kihyun huffs, sorrowfully ripping his eyes away and burning holes into the miniature copy they made of the building, and that’s the let’s-get-back-to-work-huff.
And even though Changkyun is presenting himself all controlled and bored, internally he’s not faring that much better, because fucking hell Kihyun's outfit, that cropped jacket and the form-fitting shirt and pants, is to die for.
He doesn't register much of what is being said around him, his mind mostly circling around how to build the bomb and where to place it and how to adjust it so it will work perfectly. Kihyun will be the driver of their getaway car, all he has to do is find his way there and he doesn't need a strategy meeting for it.
On the other side of the table, Kihyun is quiet himself, running the details of the plan through his head next to all the ways he wants to take advantage of Changkyun's wonderful, ridiculous outfit. He's torn between wanting to thank Minhyuk and cursing him.
In the end, the meeting is adjourned after Hyungwon and Shownu laid down a few too many complications of their current plan, leaving the room to Changkyun and Kihyun to plan the bomb operation, Minhyuk cackling away while Honey grumbles something about professionalism.
Changkyun is scribbling away on his clipboard of notes, hair tied up into a messy ponytail at the back of his neck, glancing at Kihyun when he senses him move. Kihyun slithers to his side, dark eyes leaving his face to rake down his neck and arm, coming to a stop at his stomach. He almost reverently lifts his hand to brush over the short sleeve, running his fingers over the belt around Changkyun's biceps, making him shiver from the contrast of his cool fingers against Changkyun's warm skin.
Changkyun deliberately flexes a little as he writes down another thought, the fingers falling away to where the crop top ends, ghosting over the skin there.
"Kitten," Kihyun murmurs, sliding his fingers that little bit deeper beneath the cloth, tugging at the straps with his other hand, not able to take his eyes off the exposed skin. Changkyun hasn’t been successful yet in ridding him of his need to call him pet names whenever he can, and they’re actually starting to grow on him.
He's getting distracted by Kihyun being distracted by him. Dammit.
“Get yourself together already.”
Kihyun hums but only cups his hand around the curve of Changkyun’s bare side, rubbing his thumb over the muscles there, observing how they contract in response.
It’s flattering, of course it is. But.
Changkyun sighs and fists a hand in the top of Kihyun’s jacket, jerking his head and knocking their foreheads together.
“Kihyun.”
Kihyun gasps at the impact and tightens his grip, eyes shooting up to Changkyun’s. So wide and pretty. He can feel his breath hitting his face.
“That’s hyung to you,” he says quietly, thoughts turning into mush with Changkyun being so close to him.
“Then perhaps be professional and I’ll consider you deserving of that word.”
The not-so-subtle dig actually shakes Kihyun out of his reverence, a smirk blooming on his face when he tilts his chin up and Changkyun immediately separates their faces.
"You're really getting familiar with me, aren't you."
Changkyun just stares at him, unimpressed, pointedly flexing his muscles where Kihyun's hand still rests on his stomach.
Alright, hint taken.
Regretfully, Kihyun removes his hands, holds them up in faux surrender to see Changkyun's eyes darting to them, and after another agonizing moment he's let go.
"I dread the outcome of your heist mission if a bit of skin can knock you out." Changkyun observes, cocking his hip against the table and crossing his arms over his stomach. Kihyun takes a step back, unzipping his jacket and feeling delight crawl through him when Changkyun immediately zooms in on his torso.
"Trust me, by the end of our mission, you will be calling me hyung."
"...sure."
Changkyun waves a dismissive hand and turns back to his notes, but Kihyun doesn't miss the small smile playing on his lips. He's gonna let him have this victory. Although, Kihyun thinks as he saunters out of the room, he'll soon reap the consequences of his cockiness. There's an emergency plan idea he wanted to discuss with Minhyuk in case they need to buy more time…)