As Minho went deeper into Seo-Jun's information, the scene unfolded like a high, overrated drama.
While Minho was reading, Seo-Jun was buried under a mountain of work as well, his desk cluttered with documents, contracts, and promotional materials. The air buzzed with urgency, punctuated by the constant ringing of phones and the low hum of conversations happening around him. Despite the chaos, Seo-Jun exuded a calm intensity, his sharp focus evident as he navigated through the demands of his gang, Bloodline.
Bloodline was a big gang to be reckoned with, far surpassing Phoenix in both size and notoriety. The gang had cultivated a reputation that resonated throughout the city. They owned a couple of bars, each one a hotspot for nightlife, blending vibrant atmospheres with expertly crafted cocktails. In addition to the bars, Bloodline had established a motorcycle delivery service that was known for its speed and reliability.
Their own brand of alcohol had also quickly gained popularity, with unique flavours and eye-catching packaging that appealed to a wide audience.
The motorcycle racing track was another jewel in Bloodline's crown, a place where thrill-seekers gathered to test their limits. The roar of engines and the smell of burning rubber created an electrifying atmosphere, drawing in competitors and spectators alike. Bloodline's international partnerships further expanded their influence, allowing them to collaborate with foreign brands and tap into new markets. Seo-Jun was not merely managing a gang; he was orchestrating a dynamic empire.
But one thing did bother Seo-Jun throughout his years of work—the noisy atmosphere. Even though he worked with a lot of people and usually presented a calm and relaxed face in the midst of complete chaos, he often felt the need to pull himself out of those scenes. The constant chatter, ringing phones, and the buzz of activity could become overwhelming, leading him to seek refuge in his office to finish the remaining work.
In his office, the noise faded into a distant hum, allowing him to concentrate fully on the tasks at hand. Here, he could sift through the intricate details of contracts, devise strategies for upcoming events, and plan the next moves for Bloodline without distraction.
This need for quiet didn't imply that he couldn't work in a bustling environment; rather, it was a matter of preference. The chaos of the outside world was invigorating at times, but when it came to the finer points of his responsibilities, he valued the clarity and focus that solitude provided. It was in these moments of peace that Seo-Jun could harness his thoughts, ensuring that every decision he made was deliberate and well-considered.
And here he was now, in his office, checking files on his computer in a quiet atmosphere that felt like a sanctuary from the chaos outside. The soft hum of the computer and the faint rustle of papers were the only sounds filling the room. Everything was peaceful until the door swung open with a loud creak. In strode the same guy from the racing track a few days ago, his presence almost too loud for the serene setting.
"Hey, boss! Since there were a lot of busy days, I didn't have the chance to ask you about that guy you brought to your house a few days ago. Who was he? And are you sure he is to be trusted?" He said, stepping closer to Seo-Jun's desk, his voice brimming with a mix of urgency and curiosity.
Seo-Jun, however, was unfazed. He continued to focus on his work, his fingers dancing over the keyboard as he pulled up various files. Without looking up, he replied in a calm, measured tone, "To be trusted? No, he is a member of Phoenix's gang." His expression remained stoic, betraying no emotion as he tapped away on his computer.
The other guy's jaw dropped, his disbelief evident as he exclaimed, "WHAT?!" The shock in his voice echoed in the now tense atmosphere. Then he shouted again, "AND YOU JUST LET HIM INTO YOUR HOUSE?! Those guys have been trying to get to us from the get-go, and you just let them in?!" His voice was filled with disbelief, and it was clear he was in complete shock. It was already strange that Seo-Jun had allowed someone else to enter his house; he typically opted for hotel rooms or the bar's rooms for such intimate activities. But this time with Minho was different. They had been in a hurry—Seo-Jun was in a hurry—and with all the rooms in the bar booked, he seemed to have had no other choice. Or did he?
The guy knew it was a rare occurrence for a stranger to be allowed inside Seo-Jun's house, making his shocked expression completely understandable. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and Seo-Jun finally looked up from his computer, irritation etched across his face. "Be quiet, will you? I am working." he snapped, trying to regain control of the situation.
But that only fuelled the other guy's disbelief. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "ARE YOU NUTS?! Have you completely lost your mind?!" he shouted again, his voice rising in pitch. The tension in the room escalated, as the weight of Seo-Jun's actions hung heavily in the air. The stakes were higher than ever, and Seo-Jun's choice to let Minho in now felt like a dangerous gamble that could have dire consequences.
Seo-Jun let out a long, exasperated sigh, as if trying to shake off the other guy's concerns. "Don't you worry." he said, his voice calm and steady. "Based on my observations, he is a novice on their team and poses no threat to us. I read his personal records myself as well. I know what I am getting involved with." His smirk widened, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "And I am simply toying with him."
He leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying the moment.
Seo-Jun liked his prey to be easy to fool… it gave him a sense of control and power.
To him, Minho was nothing more than a useful tool for Seo-Jun's own satisfaction—an object to manipulate and use his body for pleasure.
The thrill of having the upper hand in this dangerous game was exhilarating, and he relished every second of it.
The other guy seemed more relaxed from Seo-Jun's words, convinced that he had everything under control. But then his curiosity kicked in, and he murmured, "A newbie?"
Seo-Jun completely ignored him, a smirk playing on his lips as he stood up from his chair, the fabric of his suit rustling softly. He buttoned his jacket with deliberate care, his movements smooth and confident. "You believe that I would persist in hooking up with him if he were to partake in any suspicious activities?" he said, his tone laced with a mix of amusement and challenge. As he walked closer to Sam, the atmosphere shifted; the air felt thick with unspoken tension. He patted Sam on the shoulder a bit harder than necessary, a gesture that felt like a warning. "Sam, don't make me laugh, will you? I can predict every single step he is going to make." His smirk morphed into something evil, as if he was revelling in the power he wielded over the situation.
With that, he turned around and walked out of the office, his body calm and collected, as if nothing of the conversation had ever happened. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Sam in a haze of uncertainty, the weight of Seo-Jun's words hanging in the air like a storm cloud ready to burst.
It took Sam a few seconds to regain himself and rushed after Seo-Jun, shouting, "BUT BOSS?!" He finally reached him, breathless and desperate for answers. "At least tell me who he is." Seo-Jun looked slightly to the side, his usual confidence faltering for just a moment. The silence stretched between them, an unusual pause that made Sam's heart race with confusion and anxiety.
Finally, Seo-Jun broke the silence, his voice low but steady. "The son of Park Hyeon Soo." The words hung in the air, and Sam felt his world tilt. He stopped dead in his tracks, eyes wide, disbelief washing over him. "THE SON OF PHOENIX'S LEADER?! YOU ARE SLEEPING WITH THE SON OF THE ENEMY?!" he shouted, his voice echoing off the walls. The realisation hit him like a punch to the gut, and he struggled to process the implications. With a slight shake of his head, Seo-Jun continued walking ahead, leaving Sam standing there, rooted in shock.
The working day had come once again to its end, and Seo-Jun was back at the racing track, the vibrant atmosphere buzzing with excitement. The earlier conversation with Sam lingered in his mind, intertwining with thoughts of Minho. He couldn't shake off the memory of Minho's voice, a sound that sent pleasurable sensations coursing through him, prompting a smirk as he stepped inside the racing track. Was this the day he would call Minho?
In front of the track, a few buses stood waiting, their engines softly humming. As Seo-Jun approached, the staff noticed him and immediately bowed, welcoming him with respect. One of the guys stepped forward, holding out a folder. "Sir, the new commodity is here. Please sign here." Seo-Jun took the folder and signed the document, the pen gliding smoothly across the paper. The staff member bowed again, gratitude evident in his voice as he said, "Thank you, sir!" With that, the team began unloading the motorcycles from the buses, revealing a stunning array of brand new models, including the Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa, the BMW M1000RR, and the MV Agusta Rush.
Just then, Sam walked in, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the new arrivals. "The new models are already here. That was fast!" he exclaimed, moving closer to admire the bikes, his fingers tracing the contours of the handles. Seo-Jun turned to Sam with a determined expression. "Ensure the timetable for the upcoming two weeks is prepared. We aim for a bustling crowd every single night from now on. We are dealing with a whole new set of motorcycles. We better push them to their limits." His smirk returned, filled with anticipation for the excitement ahead. Sam nodded sharply, replying, "Copy that, sir!" before diving back into his inspection of the motorcycles, eager to make the most of the thrilling new additions. Seo-Jun turned around, a confident smirk forming on his lips as he slid his gloves on.
It was time for some racing, and he could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He walked towards the track, where his motorcycle gleamed under the bright lights, polished and ready for action. With a swift motion, he hopped onto the bike, the roar of the engine welcoming him as he secured his helmet, tightening the straps.
Across the track, his rival was preparing to face him—Lee Ji-Ho, a well-known member of Seo-Jun's racing team. Ji-Ho had been waiting for this moment, fuelled by months of determination to finally beat the champion and claim the title for himself. As he mounted his bike, the focus in his eyes was evident, and he too fastened his helmet, the weight of the moment settling around them.
In the centre of the track, the referee stood poised to announce the race. He raised his arms, calling for attention as the crowd began to hush. "NOW… the moment you have been waiting for... the race between our undefeated champion, who is the host of the whole track, SIR KIM SEO-JUN!" The crowd erupted into applause, cheers echoing off the walls, a wave of excitement washing over the scene.
The audience bet heavily on this race.
The referee continued, his voice booming, "AND… his rival who has been trying to claim the title 'champion', LEE JI-HO!" The cheers intensified, the audience rallying behind both racers.
Seo-Jun rolled his eyes, a hint of annoyance creeping in at the overly dramatic introduction. "Such a lame introduction." he muttered under his breath, his focus shifting back to the race ahead. Meanwhile, Ji-Ho's expression was one of sheer determination, the fire in his heart igniting as he prepared to give it his all.
Both racers were poised and ready, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. The referee's voice cut through the tension, "NOW, RACERS IN PLACE, GET READY..." As they sat on their bikes, Ji-Ho shot a confident smirk at Seo-Jun, a challenge lingering in the air. Seo-Jun, however, remained unbothered; he simply turned his face forward, focusing on the road ahead, a slight grin creeping onto his lips.
With a powerful shout, the referee declared, "GO!" The moment the word left his lips, both riders launched forward, engines roaring to life. Seo-Jun immediately took the lead, his bike responding effortlessly to his commands. He navigated the first turn with precision, leaning into the curve while Ji-Ho struggled to keep pace. The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable as Seo-Jun pulled ahead, showcasing his skills on the track.
As the race progressed, Seo-Jun maintained his lead, expertly manoeuvring through each bend and straightaway. Ji-Ho pushed himself, determined to close the gap, but Seo-Jun's experience and skills proved to be too good. The finish line loomed closer, and with one final burst of speed, Seo-Jun crossed it first, claiming victory once again. The crowd erupted in applause, celebrating his triumph as Ji-Ho slowed down, frustration evident on his face, knowing he had given it his all but fell short against the champion.
After he crossed the finish line, Seo-Jun came to a halt, pulling off his helmet and letting the cheers of the massive crowd wash over him. Fans, excited, filled the area around the track. Sam, pushing through the throng of people, made his way over to Seo-Jun, a grin on his face as he said, "You defended your title once again. Good job!"
But Seo-Jun didn't respond. It was clear he expected to win, and the praise seemed to roll off him. Instead, he bent down to check his bike, his focus shifting as he declared, "I am done here. Clear my schedule for the rest of the night, I have to go."
Sam, surprised and a bit frustrated, exclaimed, "WHAT?! You have two more races left! And you just came here. You can't just go now!"
Seo-Jun, clearly annoyed, pulled himself away from the bike and said, "I can and I will." He gripped his helmet tightly, his expression hardening, and added, "You…" In one swift motion, he tossed the helmet at Sam, saying, "can replace me." Fed up with the argument, Sam shook his head in disbelief and replied, "Fine, just go already." A smirk crossed Seo-Jun's face as he turned and strode away from the track, leaving Sam and the cheering crowd behind.
Seo-Jun made his way to his car, fully aware of his plans for the night. As he slid into the driver's seat, the familiar scent of leather filled the car, grounding him in the present moment. With a quick turn of the key, the engine roared back to life, and he went straight out of the track area.
In contrast, Minho was still at the office, his mind buried deep in Seo-Jun's records. Hours slipped by unnoticed, and the weight of the paperwork finally took its toll. His head resting heavily on his arms as he drifted into a light sleep, surrounded by a chaotic ocean of documents.
The piercing ring of his phone shattered the silence, jolting him awake. Disoriented, he blinked rapidly, struggling to shake off the remnants of sleep. He fumbled for the phone, answering without a second thought. "Hello?" He croaked, his voice thick and muffled.
On the other end, a man's voice cut through the haze, tinged with impatience. "Took you long enough to answer, ha. Be ready at 00:30, come to the same address as the last time." The abruptness of the call made Minho's heart race, but before he could respond, the line went dead.
Wide-eyed, Minho stared at his phone, the realisation hitting him like a freight train.
The person who was calling him was Seo-Jun…
"What?! He really called me!" The shock sent him tumbling off his chair, papers flying into the air like startled birds. As he hit the ground, the scattered documents swirled around him, creating a whirlwind of chaos that mirrored the storm of thoughts racing through his mind.
Minho pulled himself together, shaking off the remnants of sleep and confusion as he stood up. "He wants me to go to his house again?! That's strange…" He said aloud, his voice tinged with disbelief. His mind began to race, conjuring up various scenarios and possibilities. Was this a call for sex, or did it hint that he might've caught Minho and now he wanted to get revenge?
The uncertainty gnawed at him, making it hard to focus.
Then, just as quickly as the doubt crept in, he snapped out of it. "No. It's a good thing. That means he doesn't have any suspicion of me." he reassured himself, a smile breaking through his earlier apprehension. The thought that Seo-Jun was starting to trust him filled him with a sense of relief. Maybe this was an opportunity to strengthen their bond, and Minho could finally find something useful for the mission.
"Now, the hard part must be done," he declared with newfound resolve. He reached for his phone on the table, feeling the weight of the moment. With a quick glance around the office, he took in the scattered papers and the dim light of the overhead lamp, a reminder of how long he had been working. Then, with a deep breath, he stepped out of the office, ready to embrace "the hard part" of the deal with Seo-Jun.