❃.✮:▹ ◃:✮.❃
Morning in Bangkok was humid and buzzing. But the air around the charity event venue… … … a freshly built, white tower gates and polished marble—- felt too perfect.
Jean, Jake, Sam, Ray, Juli, Prez, Miana, seven of them have the same matching outfits – black suit. Today only these seven and Rai, Rowon are invited. There are a select few who are invited inside. Only the guest and those 9. It's a charity event where 'BETA' firm established an orphanage or should I say a school for kids.
Juli, adjusting his collar, " How is this hotter than hell?"
Ray, sweat already forming, " Hell at least has shade."
Miana fanned herself, " It's pretty though…"
Jean: You mean expensive.
Jean squinted at the golden sign hanging over the gates. BETA.
The entrance, where a red velvet ribbon stretched across the gates. Camera's clicked from outside, reporters gathered.
Then–
A black Mercedes rolled in. Smooth, silent and expensive. And someone stepped out—
Sage brown.
Perfect white suit. Jet black hair slicked back. Behind him, of course – FFelton, sharp-eyed and brooding.
Felton and some more guards started to part the ways to the entrance. A woman in heels passed Sage a giant golden scissors. Like Royalty, he stepped forward to the ribbon.
Snip.
Cheers erupted. Camera flashed. The announcer called out.
Host: And now, a fre words from BETA's executive, the visionary behind this project—- Mr. Sage Brown.
Sage took the mic like it belonged to him by birthright.
Sage in a regal tone, " Today, we don't open a building. We unveil hope. A sanctuary where forgotten children will grow, learn, and eventually rise. Because every great future… begins with one step."
Applause thundered.
Jean blinked.
Jake clapped slowly.
Rai and Rowon behind them. Rowon, " Is he giving a TED talk or declaring war?"
After the speech, the students filed in to help introduce kids to their new home. Classrooms were bright, dormitories clean, and facilities spotless.
Each child– uniformed, wide-eyed, and offly quiet—- was five years old. Every single one.
Jeans brows furrowed, " Is it just me or are they… all the same age?"
Juli: Maybe it's a five year old intake thing?
Jake: Weirdly specific though.
Miana: Don't orphanages take in all ages?
They all nodded slightly, suspicion nagging them. But before anyone could voice it, children who wanted to see the upstairs whined. And they just concentrated on the work.
______
In a quiet Hallway near the administration wing, Rai and Rowon leaned against the wall, clearly done with humanity for the day. There are too many kids. Just too many and guests are like.. 30-35 … . …
Row while sipping coffee, " I swear if I hear one more speech…"
Rai: Shoot me. Right here.
Then—
Footsteps.
Sage appeared. Regal as ever. That signature smirk firmly in place.
Sage: Gentlemen.
Rowon, Rai : Nope.
Sage ignored them, walking between them like a wind polished arrogance
Sage: I just wanted to say.. thank you for protecting the next generation. Daffodil must be proud of their watchdogs.
Rai: We're not your watchdogs.
Sage smirking, " No, of course not. You only bark when you're told."
Rowon's eyes twitched. Rai sighed through his nose like a divine patience was about to snap.
But before they could say anything Sage vanished in the crowd.
Rowon gritting, " Please, just one lighting bolt. That's all I ask."
Rai : Why did I leave my gun at home?
Rowon: You have it with you.
Rai: They are provided by BETA.
Rowon: Fuck.
The rest of the event went well. The kids enjoyed their meals. Unlimited Champagne and Wines, guests also interacted with kids, or more like kids are interacting with guests. Odd.
Everything was going peacefully.
_______
Darkness. Cold. The hum of machines. A drip. A soft beep.
Sam stirred.
His body was heavy, like someone poured concrete into his veins his head throbbed— sharp pulses behind his eyes, like warning sirens. Everything was blurry. White light's overhead. Something metal clicked nearby.
He couldn't move his arms— no, they wouldn't move. His finger twitched, barely. He was lying down.
A soft IV drip hissed beside him.
Then— footsteps. Calm.
He tried to speak, but only a dry gasp escaped. A shadow leaned closer. Tall, dressed in black, but his vision couldn't focus. All he saw was a blur of dark clothes.
The figure leaned in— closer— and something brushed Sam's ear. A whisper. Smooth. Mocking Velvet-wrapped venom.
"You guys should feel grateful towards me."
Sam's heart jolted, even drugged, something in his soul recognized that voice.
That voice.
He blinked hard… forcing his eyes to stay open… . … but the world was already slipping away.
Then—
Darkness. Silence.
_________
Sam jolted upright in bed, breath ragged sweat clung to his back. His heart pounded like a war drum inside his ribs
Beside him, Jake was passed out, half- buried under a blanket with one sock hanging off his foot. Sam looked around wildly. Hotel walls. Their shared room. Curtains drawn.
"A dream?"
He panted, trying to calm down. But then…
He looked at his arm. Right at the crook of his elbow .
Sam froze.
A needle mark.
Not a dream.
His breath caught. His pulse quickened.
He didn't imagine it.
That voice…
That damn voice.
" You guys should feel grateful…"
Sage.
Sam went to the restroom. And checked his body if there is anything wrong with it. He splashed water in his face. Biting his lips, tearing them. What the heck did he do to me? Is it me? No..No.. No.
Sam went to the room again. Checking Jake's arm… yeah he has needle mark too. He stared at the mark… . What the hell did he do to us??
Why the drip? Why us ?
And then, the deeper question… . " What did he put inside us?"
Outside, the city buzzed with life. Bangkok basked in morning sunlight but Sam felt like he was locked in a box filling water.
Sam went out. To check on his friends. To the Jeans room. He stole spare keys from VP sir who knew it would come handy at a time like this. He unlocked the room. He was shocked.
Why is Officer Rai in this room?! He let go of those questions for now. Rai and Jean were sharing a single bed… … . clothes were like last night. Mine too.
Sam went to Jean's side and he checked. Yeah he had the mark, Rai too. He went down to the lobby of every room except the girls' ones. But apart from… Jean, Sam, Juli, Ray, Jake, Rai and Rowon… nobody has those mark. Sam doesn't know if Prez and Miana have the mark or not but guessed it… . Yeah they could have it . Because they were at the event last night. All nine of us were there. Fuck.
Sam went to his room. And waited till their drug got off.
________
Jean's room was packed. Curtains drawn. Phones silenced. Nine of them sat and not a single smile among them.
Sam slammed a water bottle on the table, " Everyone. look"
He rolled up his sleeve, revealing the faint red mark on his arm.
Jean did the same, then Jake, Prez. One by one…...Ray, Juli, Miana, Rai, Rowon. All marked. All injected.
Jean: This isn't a coincidence.
Juli: What happened to us?
Sam stood, " It wasn't just some prank. I woke up during it. Barely. I saw someone. I couldn't move, but I heard him."
Jake: Who?
Sam: Sage.
Silence.
Rowon ran a hand through his hair. " You sure?"
Sam nodded, " He whispered, you guys should feel grateful toward me."
Rai clenched his fists, " Grateful for what? Being turned into lab rats?"
Prez: It's gotta be connected to the orphanage, right?
Jean: All the kids there were five. All of them. Knew it something was sus.
Ray: Something is definitely wrong with that place.
Miana : And only we were drugged? VP sir? Other students?
Sam: They don't have the mark. They are safe. Only us who attended the event have the mark.
Jean: Was it targeted?
Sam: To get the answer, I'm going to confront him.
Rai: You've lost your damn mind. Kid.
Rowon: He's dangerous.
If I go there's a chance I'll come back alive. But if it's any of you guys… it's not granted.
Miana: How are you so sure?
Sam: Trust me.
Jean: Sam, we trust you. But it's risking your life. I don't want that. None of us do.
Jake: If you go, I'll come with you.
Sam: Oh my… you're 100 times away from Sage's private lounge. If you go I don't think we'll be even allowed to roam outside of his lounge.
Ray: I'll go, then.
Juli: Me too.
Prez: Count me in.
Rai, Rowon: Shut up!
Rai, " You guys think he is going on a picnic, joining him?"
Rowon: You lot will leave for Phuket with the group.
Jean: I'm not leaving without Sam.
Rai now glaring down at Jean, " Do as I say. Jean."
Jean growled slowly , " Or what?"
Sam pulled them away, " Chill out."
Sam: I'll go there alone. And don't worry I'll head right to Phuket after dealing with him.
Rowon: You won't go there alone.
Rai: Yes, me and Rowon will go with you.
Sam: Then no one has any problem I guess?
Ray: If anything goes wrong you know what to do, Sam, right?
Sam winked at Ray, " I know."
Jean still looked worried about Sam. But Sam reassured him. Jake also hinted at some hidden code to use just in case. Prez said to hit his balls if he does anything. Maina just looked worried. Juli really wanted to come with Sam but got blocked by Ray. All of them went to Phuket except Rai , Rowon and Sam.
VP sir didn't wanted to leave without them but Rai somehow convinced them to leave. Sam gave an excuse saying one of his family deals needs to be finished so he has to stay till afternoon. Sam wore a white shirt with light navy blue joggers and brown boots. Rai with his usual black shirt and black pants. Rowon too.
They just stopped their car in front of the lounge Sage was staying in. Or more like his house in Bangkok. Sam got inside while saying volunteers paperworks needed some work to be done. While Sam was guided toward the office of registrar. He sneaked.
While everyone's drug was getting off, Sam did his work,he hacked the CCTV of Sage's house.
He knows where to find Sage.
______
The door slammed open.
Sage looked up from his half-buttoned shirt, perfectly unbothered.
Sage calmly: Looks like I'll have to teach you a thing or two about knocking.
His tone was casual— but his smile? Too calm. Like he knew Sam would come.
Sage : Why didn't you leave with the group? They left an hour ago.
Sam gritted his teeth, " Why?"
Sage blinked slowly, " What?"
Sam: Don't play dumb.
The growl in his voice made Sage's eyes flash with amusement. He turned back to buttoning his shirt… .. only to be yanked by the collar.
Sam: Why did you drug us?! What was that lab? And why the hell should we feel grateful to you?!!
Sage's only answer was a faint smile.
He lifted one hand… .. and gently patted Sam's head.
Sage softly, " You're being very direct, Sam."
Sam coldly, " What are those injection marks?!"
Sage: Simple. Protection.
Sam narrowed his eyes, " Protection… from what?"
Sage leaned in… his whisper brushing Sam's ear, " The children. They're infected."
Silence. Sam's mind reeled.
Sam: Infected? Why the hell would the kids be infected?!
Sage: You really think I'd let them freeload? What are they gonna learn in future? Freeload others? No way.
Sam: They're KIDS!!!
Sage shrugging, " And?"
Sam: You're insane.
Sage : Everyone who attended yesterday's event? They're dead by now. Probably.
Sam stumbled back, as if the floor beneath him cracked.
Sage continued, calmly, " No will trace it. The virus is ours— created by BETA. And only BETA has the cure.
Sam: Then why — why did you save us?
Sage stepped forward.
Sam backed up.
Sage: Because… It's no fun if you die.
Sam: You think we're your toys? We are humans… monsters like you don't understand these human emotions I guess.
Sage laughing loudly suddenly, "Why would I want to be a human? In a world full of monsters."
Sam stood frozen.
Sage approached again… . closer now. His voice turned razor sharp.
Sage: Do you really think the guest's from last night were innocent little lambs?
He grabbed Sam's shoulder tightly, "A life for a life!"
Sage: No one's innocent, Sam. Not even you guys.
He pointed to Sam's chest.
Sam snapped, " What does that even mean?!"
Sage : The one drive. Did you guys hand it to the officers?
Sam gulped. They hadn't. Because… nothing they saw in it was particularly evil… at the yoke. Just files. Old data. Victims. Still, they are crimes. But they still didn't hand it over to legal force. Why?
Sage: You guys didn't… Did you?
Sam stayed silent. Changed the subject.
Sam: Why us, then? Why save us?
Sage tilted his head, smiling slowly.
Sage: Changing the topic already?
But I answered it, didn't I?
Sam: I don't buy it. You wouldn't save anyone for free.
That's when Sage truly smiled.
Dangerous. Hungry.
In one sudden move, he pulled Sam close… so fast, Sam barely registered the air shift. Their lips crashed together. Fast. Wild. Like Sage had been starving and finally found a taste worth sinning for.
Sam pushed back… then melted forward.
The kiss deepened. Sage's hand tangled in Sam's hair. Sam's hand grabbed Sage's shirt. There was no oxygen. No logic. Just heat and lust. Exploring their mouths like it's their home.
When they finally parted, breathless, Sage's lips ghosted Sam's jaw.
Sage whispered, " I'll take it… as a payment."
Then he licked Sam's bottom lip… slow, taunting.
Sam's breath hitched.
Sage stepped back, adjusting his collar like nothing had happened.
Sage smirked while Sam already lost his balance and on the ground, sat like he was expecting more, which Sage will give more than Sam asked for. But not now, time was rushing them, next event. Rai and Rowon, Sam finally came back to reality.
And Sage called Felton, " Fox, come in."
As Felton stepped inside he was shocked to see, the heir to the "Wright" firm was on the ground, sitting as if his world was spinning.
Sage: Those two outside. Get them in. And call for maids.
While looking at Sam who is on the way to lose his consciousness. Cause kiss was not the only thing why Sam felt so out of the world. Sage fed him drugs. Again.
Sam: You son of a b*tch.
Sage laughed loudly again. As he instructed the maids while pointing at Sam, to dress him up.
And Sam finally lost his consciousness.
_________
The cabin of Sage's private jet was quiet. Velvet curtains filtered the golden sunlight. At the center, a king-sized bed, absurdly large for a short flight.
Sam stirred, blinking into consciousness.
He was dressed in a black suit. No undershirt. Hair slicked back. His skin had a faint touch of makeup, like someone had touched him up while he slept.
Sage sat on the same bed, with a laptop in his thighs… .. already watching him.
Sage smirked, " Sleeping beauty finally opens his eyes. I was starting to think you'd need a kiss to wake up."
Sam's eyes narrowed into daggers, " And who was the psychopath that drugged me again?"
Sage made an innocent face, " Oops."
Sam pushed himself up slowly, finally registering the soft mattress, the jet.
He glanced at Sage, expression unreadable.
Sage, casually flipping through tabs on his screen, said, " Your two little detectives insisted on tagging along. They're in the back with Fox, my bodyguard."
Then, he leaned in closer, his voice whispered against Sam's ear, " And don't worry," he said smoothly. "I didn't change your clothes. The maids did."
Sam stiffened, flushing, " There's nothing to worry about anyway!"
Sage grinned, wicked and amused, " Oh? Good to know, then."
Knock knock.
A sharp rap on the door interrupted their tension.
"Sir," came Felton's voice, " They're being difficult."
Sage didn't even look up. " Your friends are being difficult, Sam. I think you should check on them… . before they blastmy jet out of the sky."
Sam shit to his feet in panic, flinging it open… .. only to find Felton standing guard, unimpressed.
Behind him? Chaos.
Rai and Rowon were halfway through a full standoff… .. guns drawn, yelling at terrified crew members to open the damn cabin door.
Sam nearly choked, " What the hell are you guys doing?!"
Sage followed behind him, lazy as ever.
" You know," Sage said lightly, " you have very protective watchdogs."
Rai didn't even glance at him, " Are you okay?"
he asked Sam directly.
" Did he do anything to you—" Rowon still had his gun half drawn, glaring daggers.
Sam shot up, " I'm fine. I'm fine, okay?" He didn't do anything—..... I mean, nothing that matters."
Sage smirked from his seat, " So ungrateful. I fly you here in my jet, save you lives, and all I get is a gun in my face."
Rai stepped closer, " Did we ask to be drugged, bastard?"
Sage stood slowly, invading Ravi's space without hesitation. His voice dropped low, just for him, " Don't get too protective."
Rai blinked, caught off guard.
Sage's smile turned smug, " I don't like it."
They locked eyes. Rai said nothing, but his fingers twitched near the trigger. Message received. Warning understood.
Sage, satisfied, turned away and sat in one of the velvet seats...cool, untouchable, dangerous.
The jet flew on, cutting through the clouds, heading towards Phuket.