BAI Ch 29

“He’s the kind of person who crushed Gwak with an affair scandal. Putting a powerless kid in prison is nothing to him.”

Shin Haebeom chuckled as if amused, but Shin Yena couldn’t bring herself to laugh along.

“Did Ha Seongrok know about those circumstances too?”

“He’s a cunning old man.”

“What about the arsonist?”

“He was released on probation not long ago and died soon after. He was supposedly an alcoholic and was found dead on the street. There were too many defensive wounds for it to be a simple death, so there was some quiet talk internally.”

“Did Kwon order it?”

“According to Major Gi’s findings, he was processed as an unclaimed body. It’s suspicious.”

“Did you tell Ryujin?”

Shin Haebeom answered vaguely.

“We’ll see.”

“What? It’s important.”

“Is there a need to reopen wounds? He’s doing fine now.”

Shin Yena’s eyebrows furrowed in the rearview mirror.

“You’re going to hide something like that?”

“He probably doesn’t want to know.”

“That’s not for you to decide, Oppa.”

“Everything about Jung Ryujin is my decision.”

“What gives you the right?”

“As his commander and his pimp.”

“Every time you say things like that…”

Shin Yena couldn’t finish her sentence. She just let out a deep sigh.

“Why so glum?”

“Jeong Seonghyeon reminds me of Ha Seongrok.”

“Ha Seongrok would cry, offended.”

“No, really.”

Shin Yena was sincere. Jeong Seonghyeon resembled Ha Seongrok. The only difference was that Ha Seongrok had more power, but both were equally irresponsible.

Shin Yena rolled down the car window. The family restaurant where she met Jeong Seonghyeon was relatively modern and comfortable. She’d thought about buying some local specialties while she was here, but the area felt desolate. It was nothing like the bustling, crowded, and brightly lit metropolitan city that sparkled at all hours.

She took out a cigarette, lit it, and inhaled.

Two students in summer school uniforms entered a shop with a crude sign scrawled in spray paint on a slate board that read “Bakery.” Shin Yena smoked and wondered. What are those kids doing out of school at this hour?

The students emerged quickly, each holding a fried doughnut that reeked of oil. Shin Yena flicked ash out the window. The boys, munching on their doughnuts and walking toward her, widened their eyes. The taller one tapped the shorter one’s shoulder, making a fuss. Their hesitant approach was rather cute. Shin Yena smiled and honked the horn loudly. Where are you little ones going? Want Noona to give you a ride?

“Oh…”

She’d messed up. They ran off. Shin Yena giggled, watching the fleeing students’ backpacks. They must be local kids. White short-sleeved shirts, navy pants, mid-to-low-end brand backpacks, and sneakers—typical of kids from working-class families.

She recalled Ryujin’s back as he lay on the veranda of the annex. His deer-like nape and long, thin limbs came to mind. Shin Yena suddenly wondered. What kind of school uniform did Ryujin wear as a student? He’d probably look good in anything. His frame was perfect for clothes. But his school days in that uniform likely weren’t happy.

As she was about to drive off, her phone rang. Shin Yena instinctively reached for her work phone. It was a photo sent by a Howollu employee. A smile spread across her face as she checked the message.

“So cute…”

Puppies the size of an adult’s hand were wriggling. The white dog Ryujin adored had given birth to seven pups. Four were white, two were spotted, and the last one, born latest, was pitch black from head to toe. Shin Yena’s finger swiped the phone screen. So who’s the daddy of these pups?

Having finished the call, Shin Haebeom turned around. Meeting Ryujin’s gaze, he smiled broadly.

“If you stare at me so passionately, I’ll get shy.”

“Who were you just talking to?”

“You know, so why pretend you don’t?”

“…”

“Why are you mentioning Noona and the boss? And why would I go to prison? You’re plotting something behind my back, aren’t you? What is it? Tell me the truth!”

With a sulky expression, Shin Haebeom perched on the desk.

“Are you doubting Yena right now?”

“What?”

“That’s what it sounds like. You know exactly who I was talking to. Did you think I didn’t notice you perking up your ears? This is upsetting, Jung Ryujin. Yena’s been so good to you. This is like saving someone from drowning only for them to demand your bag and slap you. I’m stunned.”

His brazen attitude was sky-high. Ryujin stomped his feet.

“I’m the one who’s stunned! Stop dodging and tell me honestly!”

“Your interrogation skills are pathetic. You’d lose to a seven-year-old. Little chick, be honest. You got called dumb a lot as a kid, didn’t you?”

“No! I take after Noona…”

Ryujin’s mouth snapped shut mid-protest. Shin Haebeom grinned triumphantly.

“Shot yourself in the foot.”

Ryujin glared at Shin Haebeom, but Shin Haebeom shrugged, unfazed, as if he wasn’t scared at all.

“You can’t beat me, little chick.”

“Bullshit.”

“You gotta admit what’s true to look less pathetic.”

Ryujin stood near the door, his resolve to bolt if needed radiating. Shin Haebeom hummed a tune and went to his cherished cabinet. He picked out a Hermès mug with a white base and red geometric patterns. As he boiled water, Ryujin, watching his back, urged him.

“What do you want to say? Nothing’s happened to my aunt’s family, right?”

“No, nothing’s happened.”

“Really?”

“Really. The family thing was an excuse. I figured our little chick wouldn’t follow me if I told the truth.”

“You liar! Every word out of your mouth is a lie!”

“Yup, you’re right. That’s probably why my nose is so high.”

Shin Haebeom took a tea box from the drawer. It was a luxurious traditional tea set, with the name embossed in gold on thick paper. He opened the box, pulled out a metal canister, and shook it. It had a red base with a plum blossom design.

“This was a gift, and it’s really good tea. I saved it for our little chick. Don’t tell the MVP, okay? By the way, Chiwoo doesn’t know about this either.”

“You’re bribing me with food? You’re so rich…”

Ryujin grumbled. Shin Haebeom ignored him and gestured.

“What are you doing? Sit.”

“I’ll stay here.”

“Wouldn’t you rather walk over than be dragged by your head?”

Ryujin’s thin shoulders slumped. The loose-fitting casual clothes, made for convenience, looked too big. The length was fine, but he was so skinny. Shin Haebeom scanned Ryujin from head to toe as he hesitantly approached, thinking to himself.

“What… what are you staring at?”

“You’re pretty. Sit.”

“Bullshit…”

Shin Haebeom laughed, unbothered. When he handed over the mug, Ryujin took it obediently, which was cute. But the moment Ryujin sipped the tea, he grimaced.

“It’s bitter! What is this!”

“It’s good for you. Drink it up.”

“Good for what?”

“Stamina.”

Ryujin immediately set the mug down. Shin Haebeom giggled.

“Kidding. It’s just flower tea. It’s for enjoying the unique aroma, not for any specific benefits. Can’t you tell?”

“No. And I don’t want to sit here drinking tea with you.”

“I do.”

“Bullshit.”

“Say bullshit or crap one more time, and I’ll make you smile forever.”

He meant he’d split Ryujin’s mouth ear to ear. Shin Haebeom was the type to do it. Ryujin silently picked up the mug again. Seeing Shin Haebeom drink, it didn’t seem suspicious. And he had to admit it. The color and fragrance of the tea were genuinely good.

Shin Haebeom sank into the sofa. Crossing his legs and tilting the mug, he looked like a magazine model. Ryujin gritted his teeth inwardly. A guy who traded personality for looks.

“Have you learned how to wear tactical gear?”

“Not yet.”

“There’s a lot of equipment, and improper wear can lead to serious accidents, so you need to learn thoroughly. I’ll teach you now, so take it off.”

“What?”

“Didn’t hear me? Strip.”

Ryujin slammed the mug down. Shin Haebeom frowned.

“You startled me.”

“I knew it.”

“Knew what?”

“You’re trying to mess with me again! I’m not falling for it anymore.”

Not falling for it anymore. Shin Haebeom inwardly repeated Ryujin’s words, smiling. It was like a Pomeranian, recalling ancient glory, bristling and stomping in threat.

Shin Haebeom draped an arm over the sofa back.

“Look in a mirror, little chick.”

“What?”

“You seem to think just standing there makes guys’ dicks stand at attention, and I’ll admit you’ve got the looks, but in that shabby state, it’s a bit of a problem. Did you wash your face this morning? Comb your hair? Geez, go outside, and magpies will nest in it.”

“I washed my face!”

“But you didn’t comb your hair, right?”

“Well, what’s the point when you’re just gonna mess it up anyway?”

Shin Haebeom scowled.

“You just say whatever pops into your head.”

“…”

“Always carry yourself properly, Jung Ryujin. I’m not being picky; it’s basic. Wake up, wash your face, brush your teeth, clean your hands and feet, wet your hair, and comb it a little, and you’ll look human. Like I said, our little chick’s got the looks, so…”

“What’s the point of caring?”

“Hm?”

“I’m not doing anything just to make you happy.”

Shin Haebeom’s rise from the seat was like a hibernating predator waking, stretching, and standing.

“Don’t you want to show that guy a confident you?”

“That guy?”

“Ham Youngjae.”

“Say that name one more time, and…!”

“Ham Youngjae. Hampung 2-do. Yena’s there right now.”

Shin Haebeom savored Ryujin’s pale face.

“Why’s Noona there? Did she meet that bastard? Why?”

Shin Haebeom approached Ryujin and caressed his pale cheek. The shape of bones was palpable under thin skin.

“She met someone.”

Ryujin looked ready to collapse. Spreading his limp hips after he passed out wouldn’t be bad, but Shin Haebeom wanted something else now.

“Yena met Jeong Seonghyeon. To deliver your Howollu wages.”

“They could’ve wired it. Why make Noona…”

“He refused to take it, so what could we do?”

Shin Haebeom smiled, feigning confusion.

“You and your uncle both. Why refuse money?”

“…”

“First and last time. I won’t grant such ridiculous requests again.”

“During that call earlier, why did the boss’s name come up?”

“Hm? Did I say that?”

“You did.”

“Don’t remember. Maybe you misheard?”

Ryujin protested.

“No, I heard it clearly. You mentioned Ha Seongrok’s pride or something… Don’t dodge.”

Shin Haebeom grinned brightly and grabbed Ryujin’s chin.

“Our little chick is adorable.”

“Ow, that hurts…!”

“We’re going to Hampung 2-do. Officially, it’s for recruiting new members next quarter and patrolling the area. Don’t be nervous; it’s not hard. It’ll feel like a festival. They’ll prepare a lot for our arrival, and we’ll show our sincerity. I’ve already prepared my speech for the briefing.”

“Such a show-off…!”

“Only you think that.”

Shin Haebeom’s hands gripped Ryujin’s collar.

“Ham Youngjae will be at the briefing. He may not like us, but as the son of a powerful local family, he’d fear repercussions for skipping a government event. You’ll wear tactical gear then. Fully equipped, with a gun. How’s that? Doesn’t it feel good just thinking about it? Imagine the look on that bastard’s face when he sees you return as part of the Disciplinary Corps suppression team. Envy? Fear? Anything’s fine. One thing’s sure: he won’t treat you like a bathroom anymore.”

Shin Haebeom’s grip on Ryujin’s collar tightened.

“So strip. I’ll teach you something you must never forget.”

Shin Haebeom’s hand reached for Ryujin’s nape. His fingers traced down the spine like playing a piano. Naked, Ryujin covered his groin with both hands, eyes tightly shut, flinching. Shin Haebeom was right behind him. It felt like a beast with a strong jaw and sharp teeth might bite his neck any moment.

“What are you doing…”

“Stay still.”

Something touched Ryujin’s back. Shin Haebeom’s firm chest. His warmth and heartbeat were felt through the uniform shirt.

“Tactical gear has lots of protective equipment, so it’s heavy. Not as bad as ancient generals’ armor, but for a skinny guy like you…”

Shin Haebeom hugged Ryujin’s shoulders.

“Just wearing it slows you down.”

Ryujin, clutching Shin Haebeom’s arm, swallowed dryly.

“Add the gun’s weight, and standing upright will be tough.”

“I get it, so let go and talk.”

“Stay still.”

Shin Haebeom bit Ryujin’s earlobe, nibbling gently.

“That hurts…!”

“You’ve gotten teary.”

“It’s because of you!”

“Is it? Nice.”

“What?”

“That you’re changing because of me.”

Ryujin’s shoulders spasmed. Shin Haebeom’s large hand slid under his armpit, caressing his chest, inner arm, and side. Long fingers reached for the nipples, stiff from the cool air. Ryujin instinctively raised the hands covering his groin to grab Shin Haebeom’s wrist.

“Don’t.”

“Have you ever jerked off?”

“Why would I do that…!”

“Try it. In front of a mirror. Touching your chest feels really good. Weird, right? You’re so skinny, nothing to grab. But it’s true. Our little chick’s chest is soft, chewy, and the nipples are pretty…”

“Shut up! Save that nonsense for your dreams!”

Shin Haebeom tightly hugged the struggling Ryujin. Whispering into the gasping Ryujin’s ear, he said.

“My dreams become reality. Want to know what I dream about when I see you?”

“I don’t need to know. Stop… just stop. You said you’d teach me to wear gear…!”

Ryujin was on the verge of tears. As Shin Haebeom’s hand slid down to stroke his pubic hair, Ryujin bent forward, screaming.

“Don’t. Don’t. Don’t touch me!”

“Morning wood doesn’t happen either?”

“If you’re gonna do it, just fuck me and get it over with. Stop toying with me, you perverted bastard…”

“I told you earlier. I’m teaching you something you must never forget.”

Knobby fingers parted the pubic hair. They grabbed the limp penis and shook it. Ryujin twisted, trying to escape Shin Haebeom’s hold, but each struggle tightened the grip on his penis.

Shin Haebeom rubbed the glans in circles with his fingertips. He kneaded the shaft with his whole palm, shaking it with wrist snaps and recoil. Ryujin’s body became drenched in sweat, trying to pry off Shin Haebeom’s relentless hand. Sweat beaded on Shin Haebeom’s temple too.

“Pathetic.”

Shin Haebeom sighed. So pathetic. In the time a typical twenty-one-year-old guy would’ve come three or four times, Ryujin was just whimpering and thrashing like a strangled animal.

Shin Haebeom released his grip. He threw the sobbing Ryujin to the floor and pointed to his chair.

“Sit there.”

A plush, high-end black leather chair with a tall back and wide armrests. Tear-streaked Ryujin looked up at Shin Haebeom.

“No.”

“Why not? Try it. You need to enjoy nice things to get greedy.”

“I don’t need that. I’m leaving…”

Shin Haebeom kicked Ryujin’s lower back as he staggered to his feet.

“Agh!”

“Stop messing around and sit!”

Ryujin, rolling naked on the floor, groaned. Shin Haebeom sneered coldly.

“Ten seconds. One, two…”

The pale, thin body scrambled up. He must’ve hit something wrong while falling, as he limped and collapsed.

“Three, four. Five…”

From the sofa to the desk, not far but not exactly close, Ryujin crawled. Using elbows and weak knees, he inched forward.

“Six, seven.”

Shin Haebeom watched, arms crossed, as Ryujin, wearing not a thread, climbed onto his work chair.

Sunlight streaming through the full-length window illuminated Ryujin. His body seemed to waste away each time Shin Haebeom saw it. The bony limbs and protruding joints could’ve been off-putting, yet they strangely drew the eye.

Blinding sunlight flowed down his taut collarbone. Fine hairs stood out on pale skin. Sweat beads on Ryujin’s shoulder made Shin Haebeom’s throat burn.

“Eight. Nine…”

Sitting on the chair, Ryujin pulled his knees to his chest. As his knees touched his chin, Shin Haebeom counted the final number.

“Ten.”

“I did it! I sat!”

Shin Haebeom’s applause rang out.

“Well done.”

“What?”

“I said well done, Jung Ryujin.”

Ryujin didn’t want praise. He buried his face between his knees, motionless.

Approaching Ryujin, Shin Haebeom gripped the chair’s armrests. A shadow fell over the small head.

“I want you to experience nice things. As many as possible.”

“…”

“Look at me when I’m talking.”

Ryujin slowly raised his head. Shin Haebeom was smiling. Sharp canines peeked between his upturned lips.

“What you lack right now is greed.”

“I don’t want to be greedy.”

“No, you need to be. That’s what the world stole from you.”

Poverty castrates desire. Every human naturally craves a big house, tasty food, warm clothes and shoes, and valuable, flashy accessories. But those born poor can’t desire. They don’t know how. You can’t want what you don’t know.

“Seeing you makes me miserable, Jung Ryujin.”

“What?”

“You don’t fall. No money, no parents, raped, beaten, humiliated, yet you always endure. Why don’t you break? Why don’t you resent the world?”

“…Is that bad?”

Ryujin’s voice trembled.

“Is enduring and holding on wrong? And what changes by resenting the world?”

“Think keeping your pride makes you something?”

“What?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Jung Ryujin. No one cares if you endure. You’re not noble; you just look pitiful. Don’t say you’re fine without nice things. It’s not about substance; it’s about appearance. Looking good means you won’t be ignored.”

“Live like that yourself. I won’t.”

Shin Haebeom grabbed Ryujin’s chin.

“Don’t kid yourself, Jung Ryujin. Integrity is a virtue for the powerful, not a mindset for the poor.”

Tears rolled from Ryujin’s eyes. Shin Haebeom opened a desk drawer. He pulled out two gleaming handcuffs and shook them, making the small face pale.

Handcuffs were fastened on both wrists and ankles. The right hand was linked to the right ankle, the left hand to the left ankle. Shin Haebeom pressed the chair with his knee to keep it from tipping, then grabbed Ryujin’s knees and spread them.

“Can’t wait.”

He placed Ryujin’s trembling feet on the cushioned armrests.

“Ugh…”

Ryujin held a keyring in his mouth. The two keys to the handcuffs binding his limbs were threaded on a round ring, which he bit, looking up at Shin Haebeom with terrified eyes.

Shin Haebeom’s fingers poked Ryujin’s cheeks.

“Don’t lift your feet from the armrests. Don’t drop the keys from your mouth. Follow these two rules, and I’ll finish quickly. But if our little chick annoys me or pisses me off, you’ll crawl out of this room. You know what crawling out means, I trust.”

Shin Haebeom cupped Ryujin’s face with both hands. He kissed his forehead, temples, nose, and cheeks in order. He pressed a mark on the trembling lips holding the keyring. Smiling close to Ryujin’s face, Shin Haebeom said.

“Got it?”

The small face nodded up and down. Shin Haebeom saw despair and resignation in Ryujin’s eyes.

Shin Haebeom knelt on the floor. He stared between Ryujin’s legs, then gripped the thin thighs. The trembling, fully exposed sight was delightful.

“Hm…”

Shin Haebeom buried his face in Ryujin’s lower abdomen and inhaled deeply.

“Good smell.”

The skinny body began to heat up. Whether from excitement or fear, Shin Haebeom didn’t care. He didn’t stop. He brushed Ryujin’s pubic hair with his lips, moving downward.

“Ugh…!”

Ryujin, on tiptoes, shook his head. The keys clinked. His desperate effort to endure satisfied Shin Haebeom.

“Uncomfortable position? I know. So let’s finish quick. Just stay still, little chick.”

His sturdy chest heaved rapidly. The emaciated body, drained of muscle, had only erect nipples. Did his ultra-sensitive chest compensate for his useless dick, or had his body learned from past experiences? Shin Haebeom didn’t care either way.

“Pretty. Our little chick’s dick is pretty too.”

He rubbed his face against Ryujin’s penis, occasionally licking lightly with his tongue.

“Ugh…”

Ryujin’s body was already soaked in sweat. From the uncomfortable position and the humiliation of having his private parts scrutinized. Shin Haebeom looked up from between Ryujin’s legs.

“You’re really pretty.”

“Sob…”

“There’s a reason the old man sucked so eagerly.”

Shin Haebeom closed his eyes. He took a deep breath. The scent of a young male, fresh and unripe. He examined Ryujin’s penis again. The more he looked, the more appetizing it seemed. Saliva pooled under his tongue.

“Honestly…”

It was a splendid piece, regrettably dysfunctional. The shape, color, size—all perfect. Indeed, God was fair. To this face, this body, he gave a perfect dick but made it useless.

That made it even better.

Shin Haebeom was satisfied. That such a splendid piece was merely a handle for tightening the backdoor. He couldn’t imagine Ryujin with a woman. He’d probably cry, red-faced, if girls teased him to drop his pants.

He took the glans in his lips. Ryujin twisted his hips in futile resistance. Shin Haebeom wished he had eyes on his head. He wanted to see Ryujin’s sobbing face while sucking his penis, but he couldn’t.

Greed filled his dark eyes. He opened his mouth and swallowed Ryujin’s penis. All at once, to the hilt. His balls hit Shin Haebeom’s chin. The glans tickled his throat. Shin Haebeom admired his own audacity. Little chick, I didn’t know I could do this either.

Ryujin threw his head back. His lips, holding the keyring, trembled violently.

“Ugh…!”

Unbelievable. Shin Haebeom was sucking his penis. His mind went blank with shock, but the thought of not dropping the keys dominated. Crawling out was a later concern. If he dropped the keys or lifted his feet from the armrests, he might truly become impotent. Shin Haebeom was capable of biting it off.

Ryujin’s body shook like a leaf. The handcuff keys jingled.

“Sob, ugh, sob… sob…”

The tears wouldn’t stop. Shin Haebeom didn’t care whether Ryujin cried or not. It was his first time, but he was confident. He had plenty of experience receiving fellatio. Just as someone who’s been loved knows how to give love, someone who’s received a lot of head can do it well.

Shin Haebeom gripped Ryujin’s convulsing thighs to keep them still. This was a special lesson. Private tutoring for a student who’d gag just from putting a man’s dick in his mouth, let alone sucking it. Practical training.

Shin Haebeom chuckled with Ryujin’s penis in his mouth. Why don’t people have two mouths? One to suck and another to whisper filthy things, doubling the humiliation. He kneaded the thin thighs so hard the bone outlines were palpable.

Being with Jung Ryujin, everything felt insufficient. Two mouths, four arms, six eyes—he wished he had them. He’d be fine as such a monster. With elongated canines, he’d bite Ryujin’s neck, drinking every drop of blood gushing from the wound like a fountain.

That would be…

Really nice.

Inside Shin Haebeom’s mouth, Ryujin’s penis gradually responded. The limp flesh grew hot and firm, a sensation felt through the sensitive taste buds on his tongue. Shin Haebeom glanced at Jung Ryujin’s handcuffed hands, trembling as they clenched into fists. He knew exactly how humiliating, how degrading this moment was. That’s why he was satisfied.

Asexuality was Jung Ryujin’s last bastion. The final means to preserve pride while his body was violated. Shin Haebeom wanted to see the moment it crumbled. He wanted to be the one to tear down the barricade. Me!

While performing fellatio, Shin Haebeom felt the sensations of receiving it. Strange, but true. A tingling spine. A warmth spreading below the waist, strength reaching the toes. Ecstasy coursing through veins to every corner of the body. Like electricity flowing through capillaries… like soaking his brain in a tub full of adrenaline and pulling it out. That kind of…

Shin Haebeom closed his eyes. I wish you felt the same as me.

Ryujin didn’t climax in the end.

Shin Haebeom stood, wiping his saliva-soaked chin. He stared intently between Ryujin’s sobbing legs.

The freed penis had a chafed glans, with clear teeth marks on the shaft. It was swollen red from engorged blood. Shin Haebeom ground his teeth. Should I rip it off and chew it up?

“Little chick.”

Shin Haebeom spoke. He whispered into the ear of Ryujin, who was crying endlessly with his head bowed.

“Say it felt good.”

Only choking sobs came. Shin Haebeom grabbed Ryujin’s hair, forcing his head up.

“Wasn’t it good? Really? Not even a little?”

“Sob. Ugh.”

“I tried hard.”

“Sob, if you’re done, let me go…”

Shin Haebeom’s face twisted.

“You’re really dismissing my effort.”

“Sob…!”

Shin Haebeom wanted to cry.

“Little chick. What do I do with you, huh?”

Shin Haebeom had hoped. Today, he wanted to see Ryujin come. Not drugged, but fully conscious, properly aroused, shooting milky semen. He’d already planned the next step. He’d spit the semen he held in his mouth, smear it all over Ryujin’s anus, and ask how it felt to come, saying the more he came, the less it’d hurt.

“This is driving me crazy.”

Total failure. Failure.

He’d gotten hopeful when it got hard in his mouth, but this stupid chick only barely squeezed out some bitter precum and a few drops of semen.

“Little chick… Ryujin.”

The more he thought about it, the more absurd it was. Shin Haebeom removed the keys from Ryujin’s mouth. As if waiting, curses flew.

“You bastard! Son of a bitch! Evil fucker! Why do this to me? Why torment me like this!”

“I get cursed for giving head.”

“I didn’t ask for it! Who’d enjoy this…!”

Ryujin screamed and cried at Shin Haebeom. He was sad and wretched. His swollen red penis stung and ached. Anger surged to his head. Ryujin couldn’t understand Shin Haebeom. Knowing he couldn’t get hard. Why not just tear his backdoor, thrust, shake, and come like usual? Why keep tormenting him? Why!

“You bastard… evil fucker. Bastard… What did I do wrong…?”

Shin Haebeom, standing with arms crossed, said.

“Why didn’t you come?”

“What?”

“You’re not impotent. You got hard. I felt it. So why couldn’t you come?”

“You crazy bastard, talking nonsense! I didn’t!”

“I felt it!”

“That was…!”

Ryujin, crying and protesting, shut his mouth. It was a sensation he hadn’t felt before. But he swore, it wasn’t arousal. It was fear. Fear that Shin Haebeom might bite his penis off… that’s why he reacted. Mistaking it for sexual arousal was so like Shin Haebeom.

Ryujin hiccuped, choking on sobs.

“Leave me alone. Please don’t touch me! It hurts enough without you doing this. It’s hard!”

“Look at you throwing a tantrum.”

“Then what do I…!”

Sobs clogged his throat. Ryujin glared at Shin Haebeom. The tears blurring his vision were a relief. He couldn’t see Shin Haebeom’s face clearly.

“Well, damn.”

Shin Haebeom clicked his tongue.

“Little chick, you don’t seem to realize how amazing what you just got was…”

“I don’t need it, undo this!”

Ryujin thrashed wildly. Being naked in front of Shin Haebeom was unbearable. Tactical gear or anything else—he didn’t care anymore.

“You’re done! Undo it. I said undo it!”

“Ready to crawl out?”

Shin Haebeom bared his canines and laughed.

“I was gonna let it slide if you came nicely. A celebration for our little chick escaping impotence. But you disappoint me, curse, and rebel… How you gonna fix this?”

Ryujin was speechless, dumbfounded. He dropped tears, mouth agape. He wanted to wipe them but couldn’t with his wrists bound. Lowering his head to avoid Shin Haebeom’s gaze was the best he could do.

“Little chick.”

“…”

“Hey. Jung chick. At least pretend to listen when called.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Be honest. It felt good, right?”

Shin Haebeom approached and lifted Ryujin’s crying chin.

“A bit more sucking, and you would’ve come, huh?”

Saying yes might get him freed. It felt like it.

“Say it.”

“…”

“Tell me. Say it was good.”

Shin Haebeom’s eyes gleamed.

“Hurry.”

“You call that… talking…”

“Yeah. Talking.”

“…”

“Did it feel good?”

“Bullshit! How could it!”

A smile spread across Shin Haebeom’s face. Not a happy or joyful one. A self-mocking laugh with twisted lips.

Shin Haebeom kicked the chair. The large leather chair toppled backward. Ryujin couldn’t even scream, tumbling off.

“Ah…!”

Ryujin curled up sideways. He tried to make himself as small as possible in Shin Haebeom’s view. Goosebumps raced across his body. A siren blared in his head. It’s over. I’m dead.

Shin Haebeom kicked the innocent chair again. The noise was so loud it seemed the entire glass wall might fall off. Ryujin buried his face in his knees. Just die. Bite my tongue and die, if I can.

Shin Haebeom’s voice fell from above.

“You’ve got integrity, Jung Ryujin.”

“…”

“That’s why I like you.”

A combat boot pressed his shoulder. Ryujin braced with all his strength but ended up lying with legs spread before Shin Haebeom.

The sound of a belt buckle being undone. A predator’s shadow loomed overhead. Shin Haebeom said.

“I like you.”

Ryujin squeezed his eyes shut. He knew it’d come to this. From the start, this was the plan, dragging it out for fun. A human who enjoys toying with people.

A large palm grabbed his buttocks, lifting them. His lower body was fully airborne. Ryujin groaned from the pain of his bent waist. Shin Haebeom didn’t care.

Just endure a bit. Hold on a little more. Shut up and stay still, and it’ll be over soon.

Tears overflowed past tightly shut eyelids.

The hand gripping and spreading his cheeks was vivid. Shin Haebeom’s thumb brushed the tightly closed entrance. Then a thick glans approached. It rubbed against the entrance. The sensation of precum wetting the hole was sharp.

Ryujin stayed still.

Clenching his fists, eyes tightly shut, holding his breath, he awaited the pain he could never get used to, no matter how many times he endured it.

Shin Haebeom didn’t insert right away. The precum-slick glans rubbed circles around the hole for a while.

The moment Ryujin exhaled his held breath, it happened. Stopping the circling, it plunged into the wet entrance in one go.

“Ahhh… Agh! Aagh!”

It was forced in with strength. All at once, in one thrust.

Ryujin screamed, thrashing. His wrists and ankles chafed against the handcuffs, but he didn’t feel it. He shook his head wildly.

“Gasp, ugh. It hurts, hurts…”

“I know.”

“Don’t move! Don’t move!”

“Alright. I’ll stay like this.”

It was astonishing how such a kind voice could sound so cruel. Ryujin shed tears in streams. Thinking of his lower body, torn and bleeding, choked him.

“It hurts, please… pull out. It hurts…”

“Yeah. Pretty.”

As Shin Haebeom pressed his weight down, Ryujin’s body folded completely. Ryujin’s screaming, crying face was reflected in Shin Haebeom’s pupils.

“Little chick.”

Shin Haebeom, looking at the junction, spoke.

“You didn’t tear.”

“Sob, ugh, ugh… It hurts… please…”

Shin Haebeom grabbed Ryujin’s ankle. So thin it fit in one hand. He hadn’t gone all the way in. Unlike before, when just the glans would tear raw flesh, this was different. Definitely different.

“Feel it?”

Shin Haebeom muttered. He shook Ryujin’s ankle loosely, laughing.

“Little chick, can you feel me?”

In Ryujin’s tear-blurred vision, Shin Haebeom’s face appeared, breathing roughly and smirking. He licked his lips with his tongue. Like someone savoring the taste before a delicious meal.

Ryujin turned his head. Pooled tears flowed down his temple.

Ryujin’s cheek, pressed against the mahogany desk, scraped against the wood grain.

“Ugh, ah, ah! Gasp! Urk!”

Each time Shin Haebeom moved, his body slid forward. His pelvis hit the desk edge, hurting.

Ryujin barely turned his head sideways. His chest felt like it was crushing. Breathing was hard, and each second felt like an hour.

His legs, braced in front of the desk, trembled violently. It felt like a cramp in his foot. Ryujin grabbed Shin Haebeom’s hand, which was clawing at his chest.

“Wait, wait. Just a second. Ah, ah… Just a second…!”

“What.”

“My legs, my legs. Ah, ugh, ah! Ah!”

“What about your legs?”

Shin Haebeom laughed, telling him not to whine. His movements quickened. A child’s forearm-sized penis moved in and out of the precariously stretched hole. Merciless insertion, relentless thrusting. Ryujin’s thin hand scratched the desk.

“Stop, please, stop… Just a second…”

“Not standing straight?”

“Ugh… ugh…”

“Can’t even talk now?”

Shin Haebeom giggled. He grabbed Ryujin’s knee, lifting one leg onto the desk. The junction stretched sideways, deepening the insertion. Ryujin threw his head back.

“Hagh! Ah!”

“Say it feels good.”

Where Shin Haebeom looked down, Ryujin’s face, wet with tears, sweat, and saliva, lay. He cupped Ryujin’s chin to keep his head from dropping.

The thin body trembled violently. He saw Ryujin’s swollen, almost bruised eyelids. He wanted to lick the tears leaking from the tightly shut eyelids.

“Stop…”

“I said, say it feels good.”

The sobbing grew louder. Shin Haebeom released Ryujin’s face. The thin torso collapsed onto the desk with a thud. Shin Haebeom pressed Ryujin’s knee on the desk with one palm, while the other hand wrapped around the pelvis, which kept hitting the edge.

“Feels good.”

The wet slapping sounds grew louder. The noise of slick skin friction filled the spacious office. Shin Haebeom swallowed the breath rising to his chin, looking down at Ryujin sprawled before him. A stretched nape, angular shoulders from emaciation, prominent shoulder blades, and a slender waistline led to tensed, contracted buttocks. Between them, a small hole, stretched wide, devoured his penis. Claiming to hate it yet eating a man’s dick so well, you cheeky lower mouth.

Shin Haebeom gripped Ryujin’s bony body’s only plump part, his buttocks.

“This tastes good.”

Shin Haebeom’s hot, firm chest pressed against Ryujin’s sweat-soaked back.

“You’re really tasty.”

Ryujin panted, mouth open. It felt like his guts were being pushed to his throat. A bit more thrusting, and he’d vomit blood and organs on Shin Haebeom’s desk and die.

“Ah, ah…”

Slender fingers scratched the desk. He no longer had strength to clench a fist.

“What? Need something?”

Shin Haebeom’s voice feigned concern.

“I’ll give you anything. For our little chick.”

He giggled, placing a black wireless keyboard in Ryujin’s hands.

“You can break it.”

The choking sobs were music to his ears.

“I’ll deduct it from your paycheck anyway.”

Ryujin clutched the keyboard. He needed something, anything, to hold onto. He couldn’t hear what Shin Haebeom was saying.

“Stop… please.”

Ryujin groaned.

“It hurts. You, it hurts so much…”

Shin Haebeom didn’t stop. He just chuckled, poking the entrance where his veiny penis roughly thrust, with his fingers.

“Hurts, huh.”

The whisper was sly. He held his fingers before Ryujin’s eyes.

“No blood. Know what that means?”

Ryujin blinked. Shin Haebeom’s fingers entered his hazy vision. Long, knobby fingers moved.

“No blood, right now.”

“Ah…”

“Your hole’s making solid progress. Keep… doing this, and one day you’ll come while being fucked.”

Ryujin shook his head.

“No.”

“Yes. I’ll make you like that.”

Ryujin wailed like a child.

“No, no… not me. No.”

Shin Haebeom’s palm pressed Ryujin’s eyelids.

“Yes. This is you now.”

“No. No…!”

“Then you like the pain?”

Ryujin sobbed, shaking his head. The blindness was terrifying.

“Right. Feeling good is better.”

Shin Haebeom covered Ryujin’s eyes and moved roughly. Near-screaming cries battered the office ceiling and glass wall. Sunlight streaming through the glass illuminated Ryujin’s pale back. Without the scratches and bruises, it’d be like a polished plaster statue.

A boiling sound came from Shin Haebeom’s throat. With a low growl, he came inside Ryujin.

The washing machine stopped. Kwon Sehyuk picked up the laundry basket Ryujin left. As he took out the clothes, he recalled a story his grandfather told him as a child. The tale of Ureonggaksi, who cleans the house and prepares meals while the master is away. As a young child, Kwon Sehyuk thought the household staff were like Ureonggaksi.

Of course, Kwon Sehyuk wasn’t an idiot who couldn’t do laundry without Ureonggaksi. The next step after the washer was the dryer.

He moved quickly. He wanted to finish before Ryujin returned. No matter how he thought about it, underwear laundry was a no-go. He’d rather have someone else do it than let Ryujin hold his panties.

He dumped the laundry into the dryer all at once. The buttons were labeled with functions, so operating it wasn’t hard. Kwon Sehyuk sat on a plastic chair, staring at the spinning dryer.

The laundry room door opened. Two Disciplinary Corps members in casual clothes entered, each with a laundry basket under their arm.

“Oh.”

“Huh.”

“For the Commander and the Fatherland! We greet the Prince!”

The shorter one was quicker on the uptake. Kwon Sehyuk nodded with a smile.

“Do your work. Don’t mind me.”

They settled as far from Kwon Sehyuk as possible. Seeing them flustered over mixed laundry, they must be roommates.

“That’s yours.”

“This guy always steals my stuff. Hey, jerk, can’t afford your own underwear?”

“What’re you saying? You stuffed it in my basket. This guy’s eyes are fucking blind. How’d this get in here?”

Kwon Sehyuk rubbed his face with both hands. Here or there, it’s always a fuss over goddamn underwear.

After their squabble, the members scooped detergent into the machines.

“You know about the field trip from Kansa? Don’t go gawking at girls and stay at your post. The memo today says the mood’ll be tense for a while.”

“I know. Team leaders were all called in this morning.”

“It’s scarier how quiet it is after all the chaos to get in.”

“It’s a one-star order; what can they do?”

Kwon Sehyuk heard it all. He felt no guilt eavesdropping. They must be fine with me hearing, or they wouldn’t treat me like I’m deaf.

Sensing sneaky glances, one member spoke to Kwon Sehyuk.

“Thanks to the Prince, we’re seeing real PR benefits. It’s the first time the nursing academy is visiting our Disciplinary Corps.”

“Really?”

Kwon Sehyuk replied nonchalantly. But he was pleased inside. If his presence improved the Corps’ image, that was great.

He leaned toward the members and asked.

“When’s the field trip?”

The taller one answered.

“Scheduled for next Friday.”

Kwon Sehyuk thought, of course. A day with “gold” in its name.

Shin Haebeom filled the bathtub. He stirred the water with his hand to mix cold and hot properly. On a whim, he tossed in a blue bath bomb. It was a gift left under his desk for ages. Good thing he used it before it was too late.

He shuffled out in slippers. He touched Ryujin’s face, sprawled on the sofa, and flicked water droplets at him.

“Ugh…”

“Get up. Bathe.”

“No. I’ll just go… Kwon Sehyuk’s waiting.”

“Ten seconds to get in. Start.”

Ryujin’s thin shoulders flinched. He barely got up.

“What’s that?”

White steam leaked through the bathroom door crack.

“What’re you planning now?”

“I said wash; what’re you imagining? You were whining about pain earlier, and now you want more? Our little chick’s secretly a perv?”

“What’d you put in the water?”

“Huh? How’d you know?”

Ryujin’s face paled. The memory of being dunked headfirst in scalding ethanol water was vivid.

“I won’t fall for it again…!”

“Smells nice, right?”

“What?”

Shin Haebeom shrugged.

“Doesn’t the bath bomb smell nice?”

“…”

“Why that face? Smile, little chick. I’m doing this much for you, and you’re so lukewarm.”

Ryujin took a deep breath. He couldn’t stand Shin Haebeom’s brazenness anymore. Raping someone and then what? The bath bomb smells nice?

“What did I do so wrong to you?”

“Hm?”

“What did I do so wrong? What heinous crime did I commit! Why are you doing this to me!”

Ryujin pounded the sofa with his fists.

“Just leave me alone. Please, just leave me alone!”

Shin Haebeom’s face twisted. He spread his palms, looking utterly baffled. Water dripped from his outstretched fingers.

Ryujin tore at the sofa, wailing.

“Please, please don’t touch me…”

Shin Haebeom scratched his brow, laughing.

“Can’t live like this, really.”

He pulled the sobbing Ryujin from the sofa, lifting him. Tucking the struggling Ryujin under his arm, he walked to the bathroom.

“I’m not going…!”

“This is really something.”

Shin Haebeom shoved Ryujin, who clung to the door, inside.

While he caught his breath and wiped sweat from his forehead, Ryujin collapsed on the tile floor. He sobbed, shedding tears like chicken droppings. Shin Haebeom laughed, incredulous.

“Someone die?”

“I wish you’d die…!”

Shin Haebeom crouched beside Ryujin. Touching his hot, tear-soaked cheek, Ryujin jerked his head away.

“Don’t touch me!”

“Oh, really?”

“I said no! Why don’t you listen, why…!”

“People get treated as people when they look like people.”

“If you wanna play that game, you’re the one who should be treated like a dog or cow!”

“Yeah. That’s how I’ve lived.”

Ryujin’s thin body trembled harder. Shin Haebeom lifted the quaking Ryujin. Pulling back the shower curtain revealed a tub full of blue water. Hot steam rose.

Ryujin nearly had a fit, clinging to Shin Haebeom.

“No! No. I won’t go in. No, no, no!”

Shin Haebeom’s smile deepened. He gently patted Ryujin’s back.

“It’s okay. It’s not scary. Not painful. I know you don’t trust me, but it’s true. Really. Look, it smells nice.”

“No. I said no! Don’t, don’t! Don’t splash me!”

“God, you’re funny. What’s so scary?”

“It’s hot!”

“Not hot. My hand’s in it.”

“You put something weird in it…!”

“Yeah. A bath bomb. Smells nice, right? The color’s pretty too. Sky blue. See? How nice.”

Shin Haebeom splashed water on Ryujin’s body, clinging to him like a koala.

“…”

It was warm water. It smelled good too. Ryujin slowly raised his head and looked back.

“See? It’s fine.”

“…”

“Thought it was a boiling hell pit?”

“I thought… you were gonna torment me again.”

Shin Haebeom laughed. When he shut up and just smiled, he looked handsome. Ryujin hurriedly pulled away from Shin Haebeom and got into the tub. Warm, fragrant water rose to his shoulders, neck, and chin.

Shin Haebeom sat outside, resting his elbow on the tub’s edge.

“How is it?”

“It’s… kind of nice.”

“If it’s nice, just say it’s nice. What’s with the ‘kind of nice’?”

“I’ve been fooled too many times.”

“Well, our little chick’s life has been pretty rough, hasn’t it?”

Ryujin muttered.

“It’s because of you.”

“Of course. Absolutely. It’s all this guy’s fault. I’m the one who deserves to die.”

Shin Haebeom laughed, splashing water. Ryujin pressed himself against the edge of the tub, trying his best not to meet Shin Haebeom’s gaze.

“Not getting out?”

“Nope. I like it here. I want to stay with our little chick.”

“…”

“What’s with that face?”

“Don’t you have work to do?”

“Work? Hmm… work. Right. I should. Gotta work to earn a paycheck, buy our little chick hamburgers, pizza, sandwiches, juice, cake, and snacks. Yeah. I should work myself to death.”

Ryujin turned his head. Every time Shin Haebeom spoke like that, it felt like his throat was tightening. He seemed like someone desperate to punish himself.

“Why do you talk like that?”

“What, does it bother you?”

“You sound like an old man.”

“Compared to our little chick with a bright future, I’m practically an old man with one foot in the grave.”

“So why do you keep talking like…!”

Ryujin shut his mouth. The next moment, a question he hadn’t expected slipped out.

“Don’t you ever feel sorry for me?”

The bathroom was filled with steam and heavy silence. Ryujin stared piercingly into Shin Haebeom’s eyes.

A wet palm caressed his cheek.

“Why ask something like that, little chick?”

“Tell me you’re sorry.”

“Would that make you feel better?”

Shin Haebeom shook his head with a smiling face.

“I doubt it.”

Long, knobby fingers pinched Ryujin’s cheek. But there was no flesh to stretch, so instead of pulling like sticky rice cake, it only left a red mark. Ryujin swatted Shin Haebeom’s hand away.

“Stop messing around. I’m being serious…”

“People whose job is hurting others need to develop a sense of humor. Otherwise, they’d go insane.”

Ryujin swallowed hard. His voice trembled.

“Not even once… ever? You’ve never felt sorry for me, not even once?”

Shin Haebeom fell silent. Ryujin asked again, voice shaking.

“Not even once?”

“Yeah.”

Shin Haebeom felt no remorse. Thus, he sought neither forgiveness nor understanding.

“Those kinds of feelings are useless to me.”

He’d lived his whole life for revenge. Rolling in the dirt under the enemy who killed his parents, he uncovered their secrets and weaknesses. As a dog of power, he killed and hurt countless people on his enemy’s orders. Trampling and crushing even his past self, he realized one thing. Don’t create anything precious. People with something to protect become weak.

Shin Haebeom stroked Ryujin’s reddened cheek.

“Don’t ask questions like that in the future. I want our little chick to be a cold-blooded bastard without tears or blood. The kind of person who, when a starving kid begs for a piece of bread, says, ‘What’s it to me? Stop bothering me and get lost.’ That’s what’s needed in this era. A world where astonishing villains succeed more than righteous heroes.”

His large palm slapped the water’s surface.

“Like me.”

Water splashed, wetting Ryujin’s face. Shin Haebeom repeated the action several times, laughing loudly and asking, “Fun, right? Fun, right?”

It wasn’t fun at all.

“Shin Haejun.”

The smile vanished from Shin Haebeom’s face.

“I know. That’s your real name, isn’t it?”

The hardened expression didn’t last long. Shin Haebeom quickly put his mask back on.

“Correct.”

He clasped his hands in front of his chest, as if praying. His voice was emotional.

“I’m thrilled. Our little chick is showing interest in me.”

“It’s not interest…”

“Well, this feels like a courtier graced by the emperor’s favor. Can I get my hopes up? Can a guy like me date someone as pretty, cute, and sexy as our little chick?”

Ryujin steeled himself. This was Shin Haebeom’s go-to move. Deflecting awkward situations with charm.

“Stop joking. I know more about you than you think. You’re not the only one who knows things about me.”

“Oh, my. Is that so? I’m honored to be noticed.”

“Gonna keep playing around like that?”

Ryujin swatted away Shin Haebeom’s hand, which was subtly reaching for his chest.

“Alright, alright. Are you mad because I called you a chick? But it really suits you. Our little chick is perfect. I can’t think of a better nickname. And I’m pretty good at naming, you know…”

“Don’t change the subject. Why’d you change your name? Were you adopted too?”

“…”

“Or were reporters hounding you? Did your school reject you? Did rumors spread in the neighborhood, and people recognized your face, talking behind your back as you walked by?”

“Let’s stop. This isn’t fun.”

“It happened to me.”

“…”

“But Hyeonwoo hyung didn’t change his name. He didn’t want to, but even if he applied, it wouldn’t have gone through. His registry was unchanged.”

“…”

“Jin Chiwoo’s name is his real one too. So why did you…”

Shin Haebeom stood up. Ryujin’s head followed.

“What’re you doing?”

He stripped off his uniform shirt and the tee underneath. Unbuckling his belt, he tossed his pants aside. As Shin Haebeom stepped into the tub, splashing water, Ryujin recoiled in panic.

“What, what…!”

Shin Haebeom laughed. It gave Ryujin chills. He hurriedly turned to climb out of the tub, but his arm was grabbed, and he was forced back down.

“Ah!”

Water splashed.

“Where you going?”

Shin Haebeom, hugging Ryujin from behind, whispered.

“Always running at the first chance.”

“It’s too small for two.”

“Listen to my answer.”

A strong arm reached forward. A hot palm caressed his chest. The touch on his areola and nipple was subtle. Ryujin twisted, trying to escape Shin Haebeom’s embrace.

“Hey!”

The more he struggled, the tighter the hold became. The sound of water spilling over the tub was loud.

Shin Haebeom’s chest pressed against Ryujin’s back. Ryujin panted, head bowed. His rapid breaths—hah, hah—filled the bathroom.

“Don’t touch…!”

The fingers pinching and twisting his nipple between them drove him crazy. And the tongue licking up his nape—what about that? Ryujin pulled his lower body forward as much as possible, trying not to stimulate Shin Haebeom’s groin.

“I’m an adoptee too. My aunt took me in.”

“…”

“Shin Haebeom is the name my aunt gave me. But at home, both she and Yena called me by my original name. I still don’t know why they bothered changing it. But one thing’s clear. I really wanted to kill Shin Haejun, that naive bastard.”

A bitter self-loathing was palpable.

“I hate ATMs. Especially the old ones on the street—I want to smash and scrap them all. Know why?”

“…”

“I found out my father’s shadow account was empty. In front of that cold metal. No matter how much I kicked and pounded, it was useless. That damn stupid machine just kept saying there was no balance. Can you believe it? Seokje Pharmaceuticals was a business my grandfather built. My father inherited and grew it. It took decades to turn a neighborhood pharmacy into a proper company. But it took less than two weeks for everything to vanish.”

The sound of swallowing dryly was audible. Ryujin, turning his head instinctively, flinched. Shin Haebeom was smiling faintly, his face pale as paper.

“Lions don’t protect tiger cubs. There’s no loyalty in a dog-eat-dog world. A fallen lion casts out the tiger cub to be hyena prey. That buys time for their escape.”

Ryujin lowered his head. Shin Haebeom’s face reflected in the painfully blue water. A man with icy eyes and steel hands. He crashed into the world, bleeding, yet never stopped.

Ryujin hated Shin Haebeom. But he didn’t have the confidence to inflict pain greater than Shin Haebeom’s self-abuse.

While transferring the fluffy laundry to the basket, the door opened. A smile spread across Kwon Sehyuk’s face as he turned.

“Ryujin hyung.”

“You’re still here.”

“Just finished. Was gonna put this away and come get you.”

“Get me? We’re in the same building…”

Kwon Sehyuk closely observed Ryujin as he sat on the plastic chair.

“What?”

“What’s with that outfit? Long sleeves in the middle of summer?”

Ryujin was wearing a black knit cardigan. It was oversized, looking like he’d borrowed someone else’s clothes. The sleeves covered his fingers. A yellow dragon symbol on the chest showed it wasn’t casual wear.

Kwon Sehyuk recalled there was a winter cardigan among the issued uniforms. But he’d never lent Ryujin his.

“Did you take it from my wardrobe?”

“It’s not yours.”

“Then?”

Ryujin fidgeted with the cardigan sleeve as he answered.

“Shin Haebeom.”

“Huh?”

“…Captain.”

Kwon Sehyuk’s expression turned subtle. Ryujin hurriedly explained.

“I think I’m catching a cold. From the AC.”

“Cold from the air conditioning?”

“Yeah, that.”

“Oh.”

The moment Ryujin thought Kwon Sehyuk was convinced and relaxed, a large hand reached out and grabbed his nape.

“What…!”

“No lie. This smells like Haebeom hyung’s cologne.”

“…”

“Chanel, right? Classics are timeless. But isn’t it a bit old-fashioned? Not very rare either. Honestly, you see it everywhere in department stores.”

Released from Kwon Sehyuk’s grip, Ryujin stepped back.

“I don’t know about that. Don’t want to either.”

“The trend now is niche fragrances. Penhaligon’s, Byredo, Jo Malone, Diptyque.”

“Didn’t ask.”

“Chanel doesn’t suit you, hyung.”

Ryujin glared at Kwon Sehyuk.

“I know that. But do you have to say it to my face like that?”

“Why’re you suddenly mad? What’d I do?”

“You said Chanel or whatever doesn’t suit me.”

“No, hyung, that’s not what I meant. I just thought a fresher, lighter scent would suit you better…”

“Forget it. Must be nice being someone who suits luxury brands.”

As Ryujin turned to leave, Kwon Sehyuk grabbed his wrist. It was, unfortunately, the spot chafed by the handcuffs. Ryujin almost screamed in pain.

Kwon Sehyuk, pulling Ryujin into an embrace, said.

“Tell me why you’re mad.”

“Go show off to someone who understands that stuff. I wouldn’t get it anyway. And that Chanel or Penthouse or whatever, buy it and use it yourself.”

“Penhaligon’s.”

“Fuck, whatever!”

Ryujin struggled to break free from Kwon Sehyuk’s hold. The more he thought, the more unfair it felt. What Kwon Sehyuk enjoyed now came from others’ sacrifices. What he had might’ve been Ryujin’s share. Nice clothes, expensive cars, people’s unconditional kindness, and family…

The more he thought, the more unfair it felt. Ryujin envied Kwon Sehyuk’s ability to separate past from present. No matter how much he struggled, he and Shin Haebeom couldn’t escape the past. Being kind and innocent was also a form of strength.

Ryujin pushed Kwon Sehyuk’s shoulder. Naturally, it didn’t budge. His physical condition was superior to Ryujin’s in every way. The obvious fact fueled his anger, and Ryujin stomped hard on Kwon Sehyuk’s foot.

“Agh!”

Kwon Sehyuk’s scream echoed in the laundry room. Ryujin ran for the door. But his limping gait made proper running impossible.

“Hyung!”

He was caught before reaching the door. Ryujin was pulled back into Kwon Sehyuk’s embrace. Over his shoulder, Kwon Sehyuk said.

“I’m sorry.”

“…”

“I was wrong.”

Being able to apologize, to admit fault, was strength. Power. It was something he could say because he knew bowing his head didn’t make him lesser.

Thinking that, everything about Kwon Sehyuk felt like an act. The gentle voice, kind touch, warm gaze… Ryujin squeezed his eyes shut, then opened them.

“I’m not mad. Just a bit frustrated. I could’ve lent you clothes.”

“What do clothes have to do with it?”

“I don’t like you walking around smelling like someone else’s cologne.”

“What?”

“Even if it’s Haebeom hyung, I don’t like it. I’ll buy you the same cologne as mine, so use that from now on.”

“No. I don’t need cologne.”

Ryujin flatly refused. The thought of Kwon Sehyuk dousing him in cologne gave him a headache. Only he didn’t know how strong it was. Even if someone told him, he wouldn’t change. He had to mask the smell of medicine.

“Kwon Sehyuk. Are you still on meds…”

“Oh, right.”

Kwon Sehyuk lowered his voice.

“Dexy. I want to try that.”

Ryujin thought of the amphetamine-based stimulant. Dexedrine.