Chapter 14 : Anonymous guest

Jiwon stopped in his tracks as a sudden commotion erupted from the entrance of the mansion. The muffled sound of voices—firm, hurried—echoed through the grand halls. The heavy thud of footsteps followed, growing louder with each passing second.

His breath hitched.

Jiwon : "Sergei."

Panic surged through him, tightening around his throat like an invisible noose. He couldn't face him—not now. His body moved before his mind could catch up, his fingers wrapping around the handle of the door in front of him. Without hesitation, he slipped inside.

It was a large room, dimly lit, the scent of aged wood and leather filling his senses. His eyes darted around in search of a hiding spot until they landed on a corridor within the room—tucked away, shadowed.

Without thinking, he rushed toward it, pressing his back against the cold wall, heart pounding against his ribs as he listened.

Jiwon held his breath, pressing himself deeper into the shadows of the corridor. His heart pounded in his ears as footsteps echoed outside the door.

The handle turned.

He shrank further, barely daring to blink as the door creaked open, spilling dim light into the spacious room. A tall figure stepped inside, casting a long shadow over the floor. Jiwon bit his lip, willing himself to disappear.

Then, a voice—smooth, casual, yet carrying an unmistakable amusement—filled the silence.

"Don't tell me I'll have to wait again. Ain't no way."

The figure sighed and walked further in, his steps measured and unhurried, as if he owned the space. Jiwon peeked through the small gap between the shelves, catching a glimpse of the boy's frame. He was tall, lean boy with jet-black hair that falls just above his eyes, slightly messy yet effortlessly stylish. His sharp gray-blue eyes hold a mix of amusement but strong, dressed in baggy clothes .His sharp features were partially obscured by the dim light, but his posture oozed confidence, almost like he was used to being the center of attention.

Jiwon clutched his trembling hands to his chest.

Jiwon mumbled :"Who's this man? Why is he here?"

The stranger pulled out his phone and flopped into a chair with an exaggerated sigh, his fingers lazily scrolling through the screen. For a moment, Jiwon thought he was safe—if he stayed quiet, maybe the man would leave. But then, the stranger spoke again.

"So boring," he muttered.

"Maybe I should find something fun to do while I wait?"

Jiwon stiffened as the boy suddenly put his phone away and stood. His footsteps were slow, deliberate, and they were getting closer.

Jiwon's breath hitched.

The moment the boy reached the corridor entrance, he stopped. A sharp chuckle cut through the air.

"Well, well, well..." The boy leaned against the doorway, eyes gleaming in the dim light.

"What do we have here?"

Jiwon's body tensed.

"Are you lost, uncle?" The words dripped with mockery, yet there was something unsettling beneath them.

Jiwon's mind raced. He could lie, say he was just exploring, but something told him this man wouldn't buy it. His silence seemed to amuse the stranger further.

"Why are you here?"

Jiwon swallowed, his mouth dry. His body refused to move, trapped under the weight of the man's piercing gaze.

Then, something changed. The boy tilted his head slightly, his expression shifting from curiosity to something deeper—recognition.

"Huh. Now, this is interesting."

Jiwon's blood ran cold.

"You're not just some random guest, are you?"

The boy took a slow step closer. Jiwon pressed himself against the wall, his breath shallow.

"I've heard about you." The boy smirked.

"Sergei doesn't bring people here. Not unless they're important."

At the mention of Sergei's name, Jiwon's entire body flinched.

The boy caught it instantly. His smirk widened.

"Oh, so you do know him. That's adorable."

Jiwon clenched his jaw, forcing himself to stay composed.

The boy sighed, feigning disappointment.

"And here I thought I'd be waiting alone, but look at this—Sergei actually brought home a guest. You must be someone special, huh?"

Jiwon glared at him but still said nothing.

"No? You're just going to stare at me like a scared little rabbit?" The boy chuckled.

"Tch. Fine. Be boring."

For a moment, silence stretched between them. Jiwon didn't dare move, but the stranger simply leaned against the doorframe, watching him with a casual amusement that felt far more dangerous than outright hostility.

Then, he hummed. "You know... I wonder what Sergei would say if he found you sneaking around like this?"

Jiwon stiffened again.

"Would he be mad? Or..." The boy grinned, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"Would he be amused?"

Jiwon's breath hitched.

The stranger took another step closer, forcing Jiwon further into the corridor.

"What's your relationship with him, anyway?" His eyes gleamed with interest.

"You don't look like one of his men. And you sure as hell don't look like a guest."

Jiwon stayed silent.

The boy scoffed. "Fine, keep your little secrets. It's not like I won't figure it out eventually."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette, placing it between his lips. He lit it with a flick of his lighter, inhaling deeply before exhaling a slow, curling stream of smoke.

"But let's get one thing straight, uncle," he said, his tone shifting to something darker.

"This place isn't meant for people like you."

Jiwon's heart pounded.

"So tell me..." The boy exhaled another cloud of smoke, his eyes locking onto Jiwon's with sharp amusement.

"How long do you think you'll last?"

Jiwon exhaled slowly.

And then, finally, he spoke.

"You know," Jiwon murmured, voice cold and steady.

The boy perked up slightly.

"You've got a fool mouth for talking to me like that."

The boy blinked.

Then, for the first time, the smirk faltered. Just a little.

A second of silence. Then—

"Pffft—"

The boy threw his head back and laughed, a sharp, amused sound echoing in the dimly lit space. He wiped the corner of his eye like Jiwon had just cracked the funniest joke of the night.

"Damn," the boy grinned, shaking his head. "So you do talk."

Jiwon's expression didn't change.

The boy sighed, still smiling.

"Man, that was good. Almost had me thinking you were a statue or something."

He studied Jiwon for a second, then stepped back slightly, giving him space—but not much.

"Alright, uncle" he said, crossing his arms lazily.

"Since you finally decided to open your mouth, I guess it's only fair I introduce myself."

He flashed a grin, tilting his head.

"My name's Alexei." His voice was smooth, casual, but there was something sharp underneath it.

"And you?"

Jiwon didn't answer.

Alexei snorted.

"Yeah, figured." He rocked back on his heels, hands slipping into his baggy pockets.

"But hey, that's alright. I like a little mystery."

His gaze flickered over Jiwon once more, calculating.

"You're not from around here, are you?"

Jiwon said nothing.

Alexei hummed.

"Nah… didn't think so. You look too stiff. Too serious." He grinned.

"You military or something?"

Jiwon's stare remained cold.

Alexei exhaled, then shrugged.

"Whatever. You don't gotta tell me. I'll just ask Sergei later."

Jiwon's fingers twitched.

Alexei caught it.

"Oho," he smirked, tilting his head.

"That name makes you react, huh?"

Jiwon clenched his jaw.

Alexei chuckled. "Interesting."

A brief pause.

Then—

"Guess I'll find out soon enough."