AMF | Chapter 1.1

Jazz music softly filled the entire hall. The bartender, who was polishing a glass, casually glanced at a guest.

The guest sitting at the bar table was alone. With hazy eyes, he was completely drunk. From the moment this young guest entered the bar, he drank nonstop. He didn’t even touch the complimentary snacks, just kept tilting his glass.

Watching his swaying upper body, the bartender grew worried. What if he passes out? The bartender cautiously approached the owner.

“Boss.”

“Yeah, keep an eye on him. If it gets worse, we should call him a taxi.”

The owner’s lips twitched as if he was about to smile. He was clearly excited about the unexpected high sales. The bartender shrugged and went back to his work.

Clink, clink.

The guest was now fiddling with an empty glass. His gaze was dark as he stared at the round ice inside. He gently closed his eyes and pressed the glass to his cheek. But instead of calming down, his insides twisted even more.

“Unbelievable…”

He murmured to himself, eyes still closed. His voice was so low that no one could hear it.

In his mind, the events of today unfolded like a panorama. It was a nightmare of an incident, so terrible that he couldn’t help but drink. The veins on the back of his hand holding the glass bulged with a bluish tint.

The man’s name was Seo Eunho. He was the representative of a famous gallery, a young man who lacked nothing. His father had amassed wealth through business and had connections with various entrepreneurs and politicians. As the only son, Eunho led the gallery with his father’s support and backing.

He had an eye for art, exhibition planning skills, and the finesse to build and maintain connections, much like his father. Many people coveted him for his neat and tidy appearance.

Thus, Eunho became engaged to a peer, the second son of a corporate group called LE. Since it was a strategic relationship, their love didn’t burn like fire. However, Eunho didn’t have major complaints. His fiancé, Lee Dohoon, was a decent person. He was upright, gentle, and had no rough edges.

In short, he was a man who matched well with Eunho. Although there was no passionate love like a hot summer, he was perfect for forming a calm yet solid relationship of trust.

But Eunho didn’t know. He didn’t know what his seemingly good fiancé, whom he thought was moral and upright, was doing behind his back. If he hadn’t attended today’s party, he would have never discovered the ugly truth.

.☘︎ ݁˖ .☘︎ ݁˖ .☘︎ ݁˖

“Hey, I’m gonna step outside for a bit.”

Dohoon said the champagne was too strong. Laughing, he added that it felt like his face was going to explode and he needed some fresh air. He gave a gentle smile to the surprised Eunho, assuring him he was fine, and then left.

“You two really suit each other.”

The party host approached Eunho. She giggled, saying they looked like a picture together. Then, seeing Dohoon’s back, she tilted her head.

“Oh, where’s he going? That’s not the way out.”

At her words, Eunho’s gaze followed Dohoon. He was heading up the stairs to the second floor, not towards the exit.

“Is he so drunk he can’t find the way out? That’s strange, it’s not even that strong of a drink.”

“Dohoon isn’t great with alcohol. It seems like it’s suddenly hit him… Could you get me some water, please? I think I should follow him.”

“Of course.”

The host cheerfully handed over a prepared water bottle and some hangover relief. She winked, finding it cute how Eunho was taking care of his fiancé.

“You used to say being engaged was awkward, but now it’s all ‘Dohoon, Dohoon.’ You call him so fondly.”

Eunho felt a bit awkward.

“Did I say it was awkward? That’s all in the past. We’ve known each other for quite a while now.”

“Oh, are we going to hear wedding bells soon? When are you giving out the invitations?”

Eunho’s cheeks turned red. The host laughed and told him to hurry along. Despite being a gallery representative, she found Eunho, who still had a boyish innocence, quite endearing. Feeling embarrassed, Eunho headed up the stairs. Meanwhile, Dohoon had disappeared somewhere.

Where did he go? Walking down the dark hallway, Eunho looked around. The words he had just heard kept echoing in his mind.

‘Are we going to hear wedding bells soon?’

‘Marriage, huh.’

Just the thought of the word ‘marriage’ felt unfamiliar and awkward. Of course, Dohoon was a good person. Not just because he was the son of a businessman. His easygoing and understanding nature was what Eunho liked about him. Being with him felt like drinking a warm cup of tea, warming him up inside.

But just because he was a good person didn’t mean marriage felt easy. Eunho stopped walking and asked himself.

Am I really thinking about marriage?

Both families were hinting they should get married soon. It would be good for him to make up his mind quickly. Eunho sighed silently.

‘I…’

But Eunho couldn’t answer his own question. Just as he was about to think deeply, he heard someone groaning. His eyes widened at the sound of the moan.

Could it be Dohoon? Maybe he’s struggling because of the alcohol. Clutching the water bottle tightly, Eunho followed the sound. The faint noise was coming from the terrace at the end of the hallway.

“Dohoon…”

“Ugh!”

Just as he was about to call his fiancé, Eunho quickly covered his mouth with his free hand. It wasn’t Dohoon. Someone’s high-pitched voice was thick with moans. His ears turned red. What on earth were they doing in someone else’s villa?

“Be quiet.”

Then, a low but familiar voice spoke harshly. Eunho’s heart sank to his feet. Despite the harshness, there was laughter in that voice. It was the kind of laughter that couldn’t contain how amusing and thrilling the situation was.

Eunho stood there blankly, then slowly moved forward. The door was slightly open. Through the gap, he could see the terrace. And the men clinging to each other.

“Then bite gently. You’re making noise.”

“I can’t help it, you look too tempting.”

As expected, it was Dohoon. He was laughing, holding the other’s waist. The hand not on the waist was caressing the other’s buttocks, thighs, and genitals. The shocking sight left Eunho breathless.

“Ha, ha.”

“Ha…”

The messy sounds of breathing filled the air. Eunho, still wide-eyed, continued to watch them.

Unaware, his fiancé kept making lewd remarks while exploring the other. His moonlit face was something Eunho had never seen before. It was rough and obscene, like a wild beast.

.☘︎ ݁˖ .☘︎ ݁˖ .☘︎ ݁˖

“Hahaha!”

The bar patrons burst into laughter. The noisy atmosphere finally brought Eunho back to his senses. He frowned as he looked around.

“Ha.”

The scene he had witnessed earlier kept replaying in his mind. Dohoon had stood up and even unbuckled his pants. Shockingly, he had asked the other person for oral sex. Stroking the back of the person who knelt without hesitation, Dohoon had said:

‘I thought I was going to die from being so turned on. Eunho would never do something like this.’

The kneeling person chuckled mockingly.

‘Hahaha.’

‘Ah, it’s so boring. Really not great.’

Dohoon sighed.

‘Having to stick with someone like that. Don’t you feel sorry for me?’

Before he knew it, Eunho had turned and fled. He ran and ran. Someone called his name from behind, but he couldn’t stop. Eunho kept running, his thighs burning like fire, his heart about to burst.

How long had he run like that? Eunho stumbled into this place, ordering any drink to gulp down. But no matter how much he drank, the scene wouldn’t leave his mind. Instead, it replayed more vividly, as if mocking him.

His body trembled. Dohoon, who had laughed and said he fell for him at first sight. The Dohoon who always showed a kind and proper side. That Dohoon was doing that when Eunho wasn’t around.

‘Having to stick with someone like that. Don’t you feel sorry for me?’

“Ugh!”

He felt like he couldn’t breathe. Eunho put down his glass and clutched his chest. He needed more alcohol. He couldn’t bear to be sober.

Thud.

Just as he parted his lips, he heard something being placed down. Eunho opened his eyes in confusion, and tears that had welled up fell down his cheeks. As he hastily wiped them with the back of his hand, he heard:

“I’m buying.”

A pleasant baritone voice caressed his ears. Only then did Eunho realize someone was sitting next to him. And that the man had handed him a glass.

Eunho looked at the glass with a blank expression. The wrist holding the glass of whiskey sparkled. The watch, reflecting the light, was from a high-end brand. As he stared at the watch wrapped elegantly around the wrist, he slowly lifted his gaze.

Even in his daze, he could tell the man was incredibly handsome. His sleek black hair was neatly swept to the side, revealing a smooth forehead. His eyes, long and without double eyelids, gave off a cool vibe.

The man was leaning slightly, looking at Eunho. There was an air of ease about him, even though it was their first meeting. His bold and relaxed gaze made Eunho’s face grow warmer.

Why is he staring so intently? Already embarrassed from crying, Eunho felt even more self-conscious. Unable to say anything, the man gestured with his chin.

“Drink.”

His voice was soft yet commanding. Facing such an enchanting person, Eunho felt like he was in a dream, a surreal feeling.

“Why?”

Eunho’s voice was choked.

“We’re strangers.”

“That’s why I’m buying.”

The man smiled lazily. His eyes crinkled pleasantly as he did.

“That’s the fun of a bar. Strangers buying each other drinks, having conversations. Sometimes strangers are more comfortable than people you’ve known for a long time.”

“Comfortable enough to buy such expensive drinks?”

“Of course.”

“…”

“You seem to need a lot of drinks. Let me help.”

“You must be rich.”

“Hmm.”

The man seemed to ponder for a moment, then rested his chin on one hand.

“More than you, maybe?”

Hearing that, Eunho burst into laughter. Yeah, judging by the expensive watch and classy attire, he seemed quite wealthy. Eunho found himself liking the man in front of him. Talking to him lightened the heavy sadness that had weighed him down.

“Thank you, I’ll enjoy it.”

“Sure.”

After saying that briefly, the man also tilted his glass. Before drinking, Eunho observed the man’s profile. Even on a second look, he was an exceptional beauty. Not just his face, but he was tall and slender.

Unconsciously, Eunho’s gaze dropped to the man’s lower body. The slightly fitted suit pants highlighted his thick thighs and long calves.