Chapter Text
The sharp click of new dress shoes echoed on the linoleum floors. Men clad in black suits rushed to keep up with their boss’ brisk pace. He looked angry. Furious, even. The warehouse was rarely that quiet, but the air was stifling, as though it could sense the mood. The overhead lights didn't dare to flicker, and not even wind blew in through the tiny windows above.
He stopped in front of a large door, and a man quickly opened it, bowing as he entered.
San glanced up from his phone, as did the group of men he was surrounded by. They all wore similar looking black suits, though San had forgone the suit jacket in favour of a neat vest. They bowed upon seeing their boss, any chatter or whispers having immediately died down.
“Sir,” San nodded respectfully, “We caught the rat.” He gestured to the middle of the group where a man sat, tied to a chair, his hands bound and one of his shoes missing. All things considered, he seemed to be in good condition, the only sign of injury being the blooming bruise across his cheek.
Hongjoong stalked forward. One step. Then the next. The man on the chair whimpered, wriggling in a futile effort to make an escape. The room was still. Hongjoong peered at him and then, slowly removed his sunglasses, bending slightly, his eyes coming into the man's direct line of sight. No one dared to breathe. They remained like that for a long few seconds before Hongjoong straightened up again.
“Who the fuck is this?” He asked gruffly, staring pointedly at San. San's throat bobbed as he swallowed.
“The- the rat, Sir. Jang Seobin. We discovered that he attempted to leak the whereabouts of the next drug transfer to a rival gang.”
Hongjoong turned to stare at the man once more, frowning deeply. Though muffled, the man, Seobin, attempted to plead for his life, if the shaking of his head and tears were anything to go by.
“Not ringing a bell.”
“He's a new hire.” San replied stiffly.
“Ahh,” Hongjoong slipped his glasses back on, “Have fun with him then, you boys look like you need some stress relief.”
The men, San's team, grinned at one another wolfishly, the bloodlust evident in their eyes. Some had already begun loosening their ties and rolling up their sleeves, though one sharp glare from San stopped them in their tracks. He bowed at Hongjoong.
“Yes, Sir. My team and I will… take care of him.”
Hongjoong waved a hand dismissively, walking out the same way he entered, with men nearly tripping on themselves to see him out. Had they actually tripped, they'd be dead of course, as Hongjoong wasn't too fond of clumsiness in his vicinity. As soon as they joined his gang, they had to withstand months of grueling training that never truly ended, ensuring that every single one of them were up to standard. San's team, they were the exception. They were more like ruffians or thugs rather than the men part of the well-oiled syndicate that Hongjoong led. San had practically begged to have them, and being long time friends and partners, and strongly trusting San's judgement, he allowed it. Besides, making San happy was his top priority, and he prided himself at being good at that. Now, they took care of the literal dirty work, or minor inconveniences, like torture or extortion. It was ultimately a win-win situation in Hongjoong's eyes.
“You have a business dinner in thirty minutes.” A voice popped up seemingly from thin air. Park Seonghwa. His secretary. “You did read the files I sent you, right?” His wire framed glasses were perched on his nose as he looked at Hongjoong, they slid further as he walked, struggling to keep up with the unnecessarily fast pace. Hongjoong wasn't even sure Seonghwa needed them for anything more than the aesthetic. It was a charming trait.
“Of course I read them.”
He did not. Seonghwa quickly caught on to that fact.
“Sir,” he sighed.
The sleek car door opened for Hongjoong and he climbed into the backseat, Seonghwa following.
“Give me a rundown.”
Seonghwa whipped out a tablet, “Alright, the meeting is taking place at Aurora -the restaurant, not the hotel- with Board Director Do Myungil of Tera Corp. While we've been able to purchase most of the seats there and thus, most of the stocks, Myungil refused to allow us to buy his shares, which are 36% in total. As steady expansion and the eventual takeover of Tera Corp is our ultimate goal, we let it slide. However, it's been two years and the progression of expansion has slowed because of him. Granted, we don't necessarily need his shares to own Tera Corp, but for the ‘business ventures’ we have in mind for the company, it would be preferable that he has no ties to it. We have shareholders who share our vision waiting for you to get rid of any… unsavoury characters before they can invest. This meeting is to convince him in a civil manner.” He stopped talking and glanced accusingly at Hongjoong who simply shrugged. “If that fails then I have prepared a folder with enough blackmail to convince him to give up even his family if need be.”
Hongjoong nodded. “Good job.”
Though imperceptible to anyone else, Seonghwa preened under the praise, an almost-smile dancing on his lips.
“Anything else?”
Seonghwa took his bottom lip in-between his teeth, thought better of it, and then let it go. His tablet was clutched to his chest somewhat protectively, using it as a makeshift shield for his heart.
“Hongjoong,” The words came out as a whine as Seonghwa struggled to control himself. “We- we haven't seen you in so long. Yeosang hasn't spoken to any of us and Jongho hasn't been home in two weeks. They miss you. We all do.” He added on softly. He had now taken to chewing nervously on his lower lip and Hongjoong reached over and gently pulled it away from the nibbling.
“I'm sorry darling, I hadn't realized it had gotten that bad. I promise, after this meeting, I'm all yours. Tell the boys, too. And make sure that Jongho knows if he's not there, there'll be hell to pay.” Though he sounded serious, the tiny smirk on his face betrayed him. Seonghwa nodded, the tension leaving his shoulders.
“We're here, Sir.” The driver called out, parking in front of a multi-storey building, the word Aurora plastered on the very top. The reflection of the sun bounced off of it, only further highlighting its magnificent structure.
“I'll see you at home, alright?” Hongjoong reassured his lover one last time before exiting the vehicle, noticing Yunho already waiting outside the expensive restaurant. Ever the friendly person, he was talking to the valet, but ended the conversation when he spotted Hongjoong.
Once near enough, Hongjoong nodded at Yunho who returned the greeting with a bow.
“I trust Seonghwa has already briefed you on today's meeting, Sir?” He didn't wait for a response, trailing closely behind Hongjoong as he continued to speak. “Jongho was… not able to make it so I will be accompanying you today. Mingi is nearby, leading the security team so he will notify us when your guest arrives.”
Yunho was one of his most trusted men, his right hand man, and though not his usual position, was his bodyguard for that day. He didn't seem to mind though, his hidden smile and shining eyes giving him away. Though he couldn't openly express his joy in front of the rest of the team, Hongjoong could tell he was beaming on the inside.
“Mr Kim,” An attendant spoke, bowing until he told her to get up. “We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Please follow me this way.” They were taken into an elevator going up to one of the higher floors. Then, they were led into a private dining room, the room empty save for the bartender, and two men from his security team that Mingi no doubt dispatched there. He sat at the head of the table then dismissed everyone else, instructing Yunho to find Jongho’s location before the end of the meeting.
Then, he waited.
Hongjoong could be a patient man when the need arose, though it didn't happen very often, as not many people would dare to make the Kim Hongjoong wait. This time, however, he was early and so waiting was the inevitable cost. He gestured to the bartender, who came over hurriedly.
“Good evening, Sir. Would you like anything to drink?” Hongjoong glanced at him, scanning the man from head to toe. He was young, blond and black oreo hair styled neatly, though most likely inexperienced, his barely concealed nervous jitters emphasized that fact. His eyes darted around like he wasn't sure where to look but figured that anywhere other than directly at the mafia boss was fine. 'Wooyoung' the nametag read. He was pretty.
“Whiskey. One finger. Neat.”
Wooyoung nodded and scurried off to fetch the drink, and Hongjoong's eyes stayed glued on him until he returned to the table. His movements were jerky and he fumbled with opening the bottle, but otherwise appeared to know what he was doing.
“Your drink, Sir.”
“Thank you. Wooyoung, was it?”
The bartender nodded hesitantly, as though he'd forgotten that his name was on display for all to see.
“How long have you been working here?”
Wooyoung stiffened, “Oh, um, I was hired recently. So, only a few weeks.”
Hongjoong eyed him, scrutinizing his very being. He enjoyed the way the man squirmed uneasily beneath his gaze. Finally, having tormented him enough, he looked down at his glass, swirling the dark liquid around. “A few weeks and you're already working up here? On your own?”
“I'm a hard worker and an even quicker learner, Sir.”
Before Hongjoong could respond, one of the guards came over, whispering low enough for Hongjoong to hear that Mr Do had arrived and was heading up. He was ten minutes early. Wooyoung had escaped back to his sanctuary behind the bar, wiping down the counter for the third time, pretending not to feel Hongjoong's eyes still on him.
In less than five minutes, Mr Do was seated across from Hongjoong. He barely concealed a grimace at the other man, already much preferring the company from his pretty bartender. Mr Do was a nearly balding, middle aged man with an awful mustache that made him look like he belonged on some kind of list. Though, if what Seonghwa said had any weight -and it always did- he was on various lists, or should be. The director sat down, offering his hand to Hongjoong, who shook it with a firm grip.
“Mr Kim, what a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” His sleazy, confident grin sought to hide the nerves that Hongjoong easily took note of.
“Likewise, Mr Do. Shall we get to business?”
Throughout the meeting, Hongjoong's eyes strayed to Wooyoung who had evidently begun cleaning the glasses hanging above in a futile attempt to avoid eye contact.
When he had been called over for two glasses of wine, he looked down as he served them, staring somewhere below Hongjoong's eyes. It was endearing for some reason.
“Of course, you'll be paid directly for your seat Mr Do, though, once you sign the contract it will be with immediate effect.”
The man across from him squinted at the words on the contract, looking for some loophole or flaws that didn't exist. Finally, he straightened, brushing over his shirt.
“And if I refuse to sign?” He was testing boundaries, seeing just how far he could get without incurring Hongjoong's wrath.
“Then, you refuse.” Hongjoong shrugged, his posture nonchalant, though his eyes remained sharp. “I would just hope that, for your sake, you could become an ally rather than an enemy. The choice is yours.” He took the final swig of his drink.
Mr Do grit his teeth, knowing that he had virtually no choice in the matter. At the very least, he would be allowed to keep his dignity, and with that, he carefully signed the papers. He didn't need a lawyer for the inevitable.
“It was a pleasure doing business with you.”
The director forced a strained smile, “Likewise.”
“I hope you've found Jongho.” Hongjoong said to Yunho, forgoing any greeting. The car engine rumbled to life smoothly, and Yunho turned his whole body to face him.
“He should be on his way home as we speak.” He stared intently at the man who made no effort to return the look. Yunho would speak on his own accord. “Is what Seonghwa told me true? You're coming home tonight?” There it was. The question that had been burning the tip of Yunho’s tongue. Now that they were within the privacy of his car, he could finally say it.
“Why? Has my puppy missed me?”
The tips of Yunho’s ears turned red at the petname, but he frowned. “Of course I have. You've been so busy lately that I was beginning to think we didn't matter anymore.”
“Don't.” For all his height, Yunho seemed to shrink under that single word. “Don't ever think I don't care about any of you. I'm only going to warn you once, Yunho.”
Even though he was upset at the pseudo-scolding, his eyes shone, happy with the forceful reassurance. The faint hum of the air conditioning filled the silence. Scenery passed by them in a blur through the heavily tinted windows, and beside him, Yunho squirmed in his seat, eager to get home. With one hand placed on his thigh, he ceased all movement, but the thrum of excitement was palpable.
“Do me a favour. The bartender that was in the room, I want every single piece of information on him. His name is Wooyoung.”
Brows furrowed, Yunho asked, “Why? Did he do something? Is he working for a rival gang?”
Hongjoong sighed. “Let me rephrase. This is an order; find out everything about Wooyoung and report back to me. I expect his files to be sitting on my desk tomorrow morning.
“Yes, Sir.”
The taller man eyed him curiously, but said nothing more. An order was an order and he'd been taught not to question anything. Questions meant doubt, and doubt meant defiance, according to Hongjoong, and so, despite more questions looming above him, he said nothing.
Upon arrival, Yunho all but bolted out of the car, not waiting for Hongjoong, who moved like a man controlling time itself. They met outside the door anyway, as the rest of the men drove back to their respective places. They had been dismissed for the night, and were most likely eager to have some time off.
The house -or mansion, rather- was nothing short of grand. Perfectly tended to lawns that spanned for acres, leading up to the magnificent architecture they called home. White pillars supported high roofs and ceilings, large windows that allowed for both sunlight and moonlight to bathe the rooms in a gorgeous glow, and gold decal decorated the lining -courtesy of Seonghwa- giving it an elegant feel. Yunho pushed open the large door, waiting for Hongjoong to enter before he himself did. There were normally staff on hand to do such things, but he guessed that Hongjoong had given them the night off as well.
The interior of the mansion was no less grand than the exterior. It had the same white and gold detail, with just enough black and grey to keep from giving Hongjoong or Jongho a headache.
Just as Hongjoong had gotten his house slippers on his feet, Yeosang came bounding over, dressed comfortably in large sweatpants and an even larger hoodie that clearly wasn't his.
“Are you really staying tonight?” He asked. And Hongjoong had to wonder where he'd gone wrong that all his boys were astounded at the fact that he was home. Still, he reached over and ruffled Yeosang’s hair, smiling at him.
“Yes, angel, I'm all yours. We certainly need to catch up as I've heard down the grapevine that you've been refusing to talk to anyone.”
Yeosang gaped, blush covering his cheeks. “Ah, well… oh, would you look at the time, I'm late for something that's totally happening right now.” He pressed a quick kiss to Hongjoong's cheek and bolted. Hongjoong shook his head fondly, watching Yeosang’s retreating figure.
He only saw the rest of them once he'd taken a shower and changed into something that wasn't a suit and tie. From the staircase, he could see Jongho was lounging on the couch, legs propped up on Yeosang, watching Yunho and San play some video game that he didn't recognize. Somewhere from the kitchen, he could hear Mingi and Seonghwa bickering about something or the other. He chose to enter the living room first, greeting the group.
“Yunho’s cheating!” San pouted once he caught sight of Hongjoong. The screen flashed with Yunho's victory as he threw his controller on the ground.
“Not my fault I'm better, Sannie.” The taller man stuck his tongue out, laughing when San lunged at him playfully.
“Well, I'm glad to see everyone getting along.” Hongjoong smiled at them. Jongho sank into the seat, while Yeosang tugged at the strings of his hoodie nervously.
“Surprised to see you here, Jongho.”
“Could say the same about you.” Jongho mumbled, drawing out a gasp from San who immediately stopped fooling around.
They stared at each other, challenging, seeing who would back down first. At last, Jongho lowered his eyes and the tension that filled the room lessened.
“I've been busy, sweetheart. You know this.” Hongjoong shifted him to the side and took a seat beside him. He looked at Jongho softly, then turned his gaze to Yeosang, who had taken to gnawing on the strings, still avoiding his eyes. “Actually, Sannie, can you call Seonghwa and Mingi, I need to address all of you.”
San nodded and bolted out of the room, returning within the minute with Seonghwa and Mingi in tow.
He squeezed San's hand softly as he passed to get back to his seat. “Thank you, kitty.” Once they were all seated, Hongjoong turned his body to face them, one hand gently resting on Jongho’s thigh. “I know I haven't been around lately and I'm sorry. It absolutely wasn't intentional and you know that if I could, I would spend more time here with all of you. This time period is very fragile, with the recent police crackdown on one of our warehouses and the merger with Inception Inc. Once this is over, I promise you will be seeing so much of me that you'll be sick of my face.” Some laughter went around, along with a sniffle that could have been either Seonghwa or Yeosang. “But whether I'm home or not, it is unacceptable to take out your frustration on everyone else, and that includes ignoring people or going missing for two weeks.” He gripped Jongho’s thigh, not tight enough to hurt, but enough to serve as a warning. “Would anyone like to explain?”
Everyone remained silent, eyes shifting and fingers fidgeting until someone spoke up. It was Yunho, carefully choosing his words. “I, well, it wasn't that bad. We weren’t-”
“I won't repeat myself.” Hongjoong interrupted. Yunho shrunk into the couch.
“I didn't mean to ignore them.” Yeosang spoke, pouting hard. “I just… I missed you. And they aren't you. So, I maybe, kinda ignored them a bit…?” He trailed off, looking to the side.
“Angel, look at me.”
Yeosang slowly obeyed.
“Again, I'm sorry for not being here, but don't ever be afraid to just show up to my office if you're feeling like that. Everyone was worried about you.”
“I know, I'm sorry for ignoring you guys.” He whispered, hiding his face when he heard a chorus of “it's okays”.
“And you?” He turned to Jongho, who had stayed quiet the whole time.
“It's not even a big deal. I just figured that, since we're above the rules, it doesn't matter whether I follow them or not. You weren't coming home so why should I?”
“We're not above the rules, I am. I set the rules and you follow them. Apart from it being very dangerous for your safety that no one knows your whereabouts, if I say something, you do it. Missing me will never give you the right to disobey my orders. Nothing will ever give you the right to disobey my orders. Do you understand me?” His voice was stable, clear. No one moved a muscle. It was obvious that although he was addressing Jongho, the message was meant for everyone. And like they'd been taught, obedience meant survival.
“Yes, Sir. I'm sorry.” To accompany Jongho’s affirmation, the rest of them nodded at Hongjoong's words, accepting them as the gospel, as they always had.
Hongjoong didn't move for a bit, surveying the room as they stared back cautiously. Finally, he breathed out a sigh and allowed a smile to slip onto his face.
“Now come here, I can't stay mad at any of you for long.” He held open his arms and as if by instinct, they piled on, clutching whatever piece on him they could, San choosing his lap and sticking out his tongue at anyone who grumbled. Things were good. In moments like those, Hongjoong could almost believe that they were a normal family with regular problems, instead of who they truly were. Who he'd made them into. If Hongjoong ever had any regrets, it was that he'd damned them all to hell with him, but even still, he'd go back and do it a thousand times over.
“So, assuming nobody wants to move, what are we ordering for dinner?”
“Chicken!”