SW | Chapter 13

After calming down his frustration, fragments of information about the man filled Guk Jiho’s mind. It felt like when he had witnessed the fog emanating from a shattered fire extinguisher. Everything turned white, and yet it felt dark.

So, a nationwide gangster organization was emerging, and, but they still didn’t know who the mastermind was. His two brothers were former executives of Hwando, and Baek Haegyeon himself was now the CEO of Hwando.

Baek Haegyeon smiled casually at Guk Jiho’s dazed expression.

“Do you smoke?”

Guk Jiho answered briefly.

“Occasionally.”

“Want to try this?”

Baek Haegyeon handed him the stick he had been smoking.

“Is this an e-cigarette?”

Without thinking, Guk Jiho took it and examined it before putting the tip to his lips. He had been craving a cigarette anyway.

Guk Jiho was used to sharing things with others. Eating from the same bucket as rice and side dishes was normal when he was training for the special forces. Despite this, Guk Jiho was still surprised by Baek Haegyeon’s gesture. He had assumed that Baek Haegyeon was the type to be obsessively neat given the way he was dressed.

Guk Jiho took a deep drag, his cheeks hollowing. It wasn’t until the smoke passed his throat and the white clouds rose before his eyes that he realized.

“…Strawberry flavor.”

This wasn’t a cigarette. It was just a regular liquid mixed with vitamins or flavoring. It wasn’t even an e-cigarette.

“Are you trying to quit smoking?”

Guk Jiho asked, feeling a bit ridiculous.

“I don’t smoke to begin with.”

“Then what is this…?”

“For fun.”

To an adult, this kind of toy wouldn’t even count as fun. Even though it didn’t make sense, Guk Jiho responded awkwardly.

“I see… hmm?”

A polite knock came from behind the terrace. Before Guk Jiho could react, Baek Haegyeon turned his body first.

“Hyungnim, I brought first aid supplies since you seemed hurt.”

The guy who appeared at the door was the one who had earlier expressed concern about Baek Haegyeon’s injury. He looked to be in his late 20s or early 30s, with a snake-shaped tattoo faintly visible on his scalp.

“Oh, it’s Sangcheol.”

“Yes.”

“There’s no one but you, Sangcheol.”

Baek Haegyeon’s tone was surprisingly affectionate, not what you’d expect from a gangster. The thug smiled shyly as he seemed to have received some kind of praise or acknowledgment.

“Not at all.”

Sangcheol stepped into the room while holding the first aid kit.

Baek Haegyeon sat by the window and began unbuttoning his shirt one by one.

After unbuttoning the last one and taking off his shirt, the tattoo that had been faintly visible beneath the shirt was now fully exposed. It covered his shoulder and back. It was hard to tell what it was. If it was a dog, its eyes were too fierce. Or some other animal… maybe a tiger? It also resembled the Haetae statue Guk Jiho had once seen in front of the police station. Was this a tattoo Baek Haegyeon got while infiltrating the organization? The sheer size of it was surprising.

Even when Baek Haegyeon was dressed, it was clear he had a well-trained body. It wasn’t the kind of bulky, fashionable muscle built through excessive training. You could tell just by the density. Muscles like his trapezius and pubic muscles weren’t something you could achieve with just any workout. Without realizing it, Guk Jiho found himself studying Baek Haegyeon’s body.

Baek Haegyeon’s shoulders and back were highly developed, and overall, his physique was well-balanced… Having seen many men’s bodies and being into fitness himself, Guk Jiho couldn’t help but be drawn to a good physique.

Fortunately, the bullet had only grazed Baek Haegyeon. It left a red, burn-like wound. Sangcheol opened the first aid kit without a word.

Lost in thought, Guk Jiho suddenly stepped forward. His eyebrows knitted together in that naturally sharp expression that often made people say he looked “arrogant”.

“Sangcheol, I’ll handle it myself, so you can go.”

Guk Jiho casually used the name he had just heard.

“Huh…”

The guy’s face twisted momentarily, as if he was about to curse, but he glanced at Baek Haegyeon.

“Hyungnim.”

“Since Executive Guk is here, you can go.”

“…Understood.”

The guy’s face crumpled. It seemed to be because of the title “Executive” that had just come out of Baek Haegyeon’s mouth. He twitched his lips a few times but eventually bowed deeply and left the room.

Guk Jiho took out the disinfectant from the first aid kit and poured it onto a cotton pad. As he roughly dabbed at the wounded shoulder, he asked.

“Is he older than me?”

“Mm, about five years.”

“Shouldn’t he speak formally to me? I’m a chief, his right-hand man.”

“…Do as you please. Ugh…”

“Yes. Does it hurt?”

“Yeah.”

“Getting treated always hurts.”

Guk Jiho continued to press the cotton pad firmly, then tightly wrapped a bandage around it.

The sun had completely set. The moonlight-like auxiliary light softly illuminated the dim room.

“You seem to like the title of executive.”

“Yes.”

His prompt response made Baek Haegyeon’s eyes curve slightly in amusement. It was a subtle change in expression that you wouldn’t notice unless you were observing closely.

“So, are you staying?”

“Not just because of that. If I go back, there’s nothing but shitty work waiting for me. But since you say you’re the boss here, I’m convinced.”

“That’s a dangerous thing to believe.”

“Of course. Just looking at today alone. Did your men know about your solo schedule today?”

“Only some.”

“Shouldn’t we weed them out and deal with them?”

“After we go back to Korea.”

Baek Haegyeon spoke persuasively. It was as if he was trying to calm Guk Jiho down, who seemed ready to charge out immediately. His voice was calm and steady.

***

It seemed like the hotel pool had been reserved since one person was splashing around wildly in the water.

Guk Jiho swam through the pool, splashing water with various strokes and occasionally diving. The sunlight pouring through the glass dome reflected off the splashing water, creating a dazzling scene. It would have been a beautiful sight if it weren’t for the line of gangsters standing outside the pool.

“He’s having fun.”

Baek Haegyeon was lying on a sunbed by the pool, muttering.

Jiho wiped the water off his face and hair with his hands before diving back in. He looked almost like a seal.

Is there thought behind it, or not?

Guk Jiho was enthusiastically enjoying the water alone for someone who had infiltrated a gang as an undercover cop. It was as if there were no worries in his head.

When he spoke, he seemed rational. But when it comes to making decisions, he’s extremely simple and quick. It feels like he just charges forward like a tank. The military or police would suit him well. It’s a shame he ended up here.

Baek Haegyeon did say he wasn’t chosen for his looks, but Guk Jiho was undeniably good-looking.

His eyes, with faint double eyelids, looked sharp. His eyebrows were fiercely spread. Even his slightly raised expression and the whites of his eyes added to his fierce appearance. His lips were clearly meant for smiling, but they seemed twisted somehow. The only well-proportioned parts of his face were probably his forehead and nose.

His lean body, finely tuned with well-defined muscles, was equally attractive.

How long would he last? How much could he endure?

“Boss! Aren’t you getting in?”

Guk Jiho asked warmly as he emerged from the water. Dripping water from his entire body, his face was slightly flushed. Instead of answering, Baek Haegyeon handed him a fruit juice from the bedside table. Guk Jiho gulped it down as if he hadn’t really been curious about the answer. His Adam’s apple bobbed noticeably. It was as if one could see the fruit juice flowing down his throat, through his esophagus, and into his stomach.

“I’m injured, remember.”

“Right. I’ll swim a bit more, then.”

After recharging, the young guy turned and dove back into the water, creating a splash. The youth that was in his early 20s exuded an almost childish energy. His back muscles relaxed momentarily before contracting sharply, cutting through the water. Soon, his firm glutes and thighs tensed as he splashed around.

He’s healthy.

Baek Haegyeon watched Guk Jiho for a while, then suddenly turned his gaze to the subordinates standing with their hands behind their backs. Fourteen of them stood motionless. Most didn’t even mind the water droplets splashing on their shoes, staring straight ahead, but some were keenly watching Guk Jiho’s movements.

Of course, Ji Sangcheol was one of them.

It seemed like something would happen soon. Guk Jiho had a good body and enough intelligence to be useful, but what worried Baek Haegyeon was that he still seemed too young.

In the future, would Guk Jiho consider meeting him the worst thing that ever happened? Of course, that’s assuming he survives.