Snatch Up

“How bad must your life be to like someone like me?”

“I’ll admit, you’ve got a point.”

“Man, you really know how to mess with someone, huh?”

Ji Youngwon, who runs an illegal errand service, encounters a peculiar client, Yoo Han.

“Uh, would it be okay if I pay… after the job is done?”

Yoo Han, a strange client claiming to have been swindled of all his money by an ex-lover, has no funds to offer upfront. Youngwon, though annoyed and amused by Yoo Han’s antics, decides to accept his proposal for the sake of a larger plan.

“If you’re eating and sleeping in my office, you’d better at least earn your keep.”

Youngwon uses Yoo Han’s unassuming and innocent appearance as bait to tackle troublesome jobs one by one.

Meanwhile, Yoo Han, who has never known the protection of an older man, finds himself hopelessly drawn to Youngwon. This love, though painful and seemingly out of reach, begins to bloom despite the odds. Just as always, Yoo Han has no choice but to love as though he’s never been hurt before.

“You came here with no money, wasting my time and coffee. So stop making that pathetic, wounded face and fix your expression.”

While Yoo Han had no retort, calling his hurt expression pathetic was harsh. He lowered his head, biting his lip. The job was already out of reach, and there was no reason to stay and endure more insults.

As Yoo Han reached for the door, Youngwon’s voice stopped him again.

“And do you think the guy who stole your money would’ve kept it intact? Saved it in a bank or something? Is that what you’re thinking?”

Caught off guard, Yoo Han slowly raised his head.

“The 5 million won you lost to Kim Minjae, or whatever his name is, is probably gone. Thinking of paying upfront with stolen money? That’s the kind of stupidity only fools dream of.”

Even though Youngwon was stating facts, it felt like his dignity was being crushed entirely. Yoo Han’s wavering eyes met Youngwon’s piercing gaze. He could only take so much before snapping.

“If you’re not going to take the job, then stop lecturing me! I’ve heard enough already!” Youngwon smirked as if he’d heard an amusing joke.

“Who said I wouldn’t take the job?”

This guy had a talent for toying with people. Yoo Han, now fuming, turned completely toward Youngwon, their chests nearly touching.

“You did! You told me to leave earlier, didn’t you?!”

“I did. But I changed my mind.”

“And! Wait, what?” Yoo Han’s anger dissolved into confusion, his eyes widening.

“I don’t need a fee for this job. Just take this.”

One of Youngwon’s subordinates handed Yoo Han a pen and a piece of paper. Holding the contract in disbelief, Yoo Han looked back at Youngwon.

“You’re not taking a fee? Why would you take my case, boss?”

“Because I’ll collect something else.”

Yoo Han tilted his head, puzzled. “What is it?”

“Bell runner.”

“Bell runner? Seriously? Uh… how long do I have to keep doing this ‘bell runner’ thing?”

Youngwon flicked Yoo Han’s forehead lightly with his finger, as if the question was absurd.

“Until your job is done.”

Chapter 1 & 2 TL : Fiddlesticks edited by RAE