A janitor at the club

I called Lucas, and he promptly appeared at my apartment. We went together to the Promise Club.

Lucas always invites me to parties, but he disappears within ten minutes. He's been seeing Jaemin's twin brother, Jaeho, and they usually meet here. According to Jaemin, Jaeho chose a different path and left home at nineteen. They talk occasionally. Jaemin said Jaeho tends to hide his face so he doesn't cause any problems for him.

I start dancing with the others, feeling a slight discomfort of loneliness. Maybe today is the first time in my life that I feel like giving myself to the first person who comes along.

— Hey. — A guy who is far from my type said, leaning in while dancing close to me.

— I'm just in the mood to dance alone, I already have a boyfriend. — I replied.

He stepped away a little and was almost run over by a guy who rushed past us. He looked desperate, and then another person, very well-dressed and wearing an exceptional fragrance, followed him. I stopped for a moment to appreciate that. I looked again, but he had disappeared into the crowd. Maybe it was a chase. I kept dancing until I got tired and then went to the bathroom. There was someone who wouldn't stop staring at me—if he was really interested, he would follow me. He was well-dressed.

(...)

(A few hours earlier)

I needed to receive a client today, but there was a bastard in my club. I had to chase him personally, and like a rat, he tried to hide by slipping into the corridors. I found him.

Normally, I don't execute opponents, but I can't let him walk around here freely, especially when I'm present. That would look bad.

I ran the necessary distance to catch him. I simply kicked him, making him fall, but he quickly got up. No one here is allowed to carry weapons. Not even me or the security guards. He wasn't armed and tried to fight me hand-to-hand. But if he had anger toward me, I had twice as much toward him. I was the first to punch him repeatedly, knocking him to the ground, but he crawled toward the wall.

— I need you to serve as an example. — I said through clenched teeth.

All this loud music and these people… it was a good cover. These civilians seem to live in a completely different world. I could prevent ordinary people from coming here, but it's better for business if poor and regular folks come frequently.

— You incompetent bastard… You'll never be accepted, no matter what you do. You'll always fail. — He said, but I wasn't the one trying to merge into the wall in a pathetic attempt to survive.

I injected him with something and ordered him to be taken to the white room.

— Who is this, Jun-Ho?

— I don't know. I was hoping you'd tell me…

— And why should I know, dear?

— Your brother. I think he's having trouble accepting our offer. Settle this between yourselves first. Don't drag me into your mess.

— That won't be a problem.

— It already is. He injured some of my men. Either he or you will pay for it.

It was exhausting. I was supposed to have perfect leadership, with no flaws or gaps. But forming alliances was extremely difficult.

She left the room, and the guy woke up one last time.

After finishing my work, I cleaned myself up—thankfully. As soon as I opened the door, I found myself face-to-face with Park Salin.

But his expression was different. He looked distressed. I noticed him slapping away the hand of a man who tried to grab him.

— Park Salin. — I said as I removed the mask from my face.

— Darling. — He said, approaching, holding my arm, and moving away from the man who was troubling him.

I felt suffocated.

— Darling? — That was all I could say, trying to keep my composure. I tried to pull my arm away, but he held on tighter. I knew what his desperation was about and could step in. But he could at least let go of me.

— Let's go home. — Salin said to me, hoping the man would leave. But the guy just smirked and leaned against the wall.

— Dark-haired boy, I think you're mistaking the person standing next to you.

While I struggled to keep my breathing under control, Salin's dark, suggestive eyes turned to me. I sighed, subtly pulling away from him, but keeping my stance firm, and placed my hand on his waist.

— He's not mistaken. I'll take you home when I'm done, alright? — I said to Salin. — And you, stay away from him. — I warned. This guy had a habit of hitting people for no reason. Unfortunately, he was the son of a councilman. A total piece of shit.

— Seriously? You're still getting married, and you already have a lover? And a guy, no less?

— Stay out of this.

— You're the one who always interferes.

I let go of Salin and stepped closer to face him.

— This isn't your house, Tobias. I imagine you wouldn't want to cause problems for your father.

He looked irritated but finally left.

— Whoa. — Salin exclaimed, and I turned to him. — This is the first time I've seen a rich brat afraid of a janitor. How many dirty secrets do you know about him? — He grinned, relieved.

— What?

— Thanks. Sorry, I know you don't like being touched, but I didn't know what else to do. As soon as I saw that guy's watch, I knew I'd be dead if I punched him.

— I don't think you could have beaten him.

— Huh? Have you ever seen me fight?

— No. — I said, walking away. I would have someone keep an eye on him through the cameras.

— Hey, I'm still talking to you! Show some respect for your elders! — He shouted, but I ignored him.

Something doesn't make sense… Marriage? What marriage? I never agreed to any of my mother's plans.