Not even on the day Eun-woo enlisted in the army, a year after he started university, was his parents there to see him off. The only one there to see him off was his bother and Hyun, but that was mostly for Hakyun that had decided to enlist at the same time and somehow was lucky enough to end up in the same department as him. After hugging them goodbye both boys walked in to camp and they only came out as free men a year and a half later. Only being out for a weekend here or there during the time, Eun-woo was hoping someone was waiting for him. Sadly no one was there, or well, Hakyun´s family welcomed him home just as much as they did their own son, even so it felt empty without Hyun there. He had decided six months after that he also would enlist to be done with, and also so he didn´t have to be without his brother for to long. Once he said goodbye he left for home, stepping in to the apartment that his parents had gotten for him, closer to his school. It was empty but cleaned, a flower bouquet sat on the dinner table together with a note.
" Hey Bro!
Welcome home, sorry i could not be there when you came out.
I had cleaners come and clean the apartment before you came so you can just relax.
I also filled the fridge and freezer with food so eat well.
Good luck with the rest of your studies, can´t wait for you to come work at the company.
Big bro"
He sighed and but down the backpack on the floor and sat down on the couch. Sitting in his apartment he started to think, he had planed to take a week of before starting class again but finally decided on against that, not knowing what to do alone for a week. For the first time in a long time he had that empty feeling again, the same feeling he had the days before christmas that year. He took out his phone and sent a text in the university group chat hopping for some response, from anyone.
Eun-woo : Hey, soooo I´m back.
Jaehyun: Welcome home dude!
Jangmi: Oh, finally! Welcome home!
Jia: Yeah! We need to celebrate!
Minho: Yes dude! Drinks tomorrow?!
Sena: I´m in! Welcome man!
Eun-woo: I´m in!
Jangmi: If Eun-woo´s coming then I´m in!
Jia: YES!
Jaehyun: Might come late but I´ll come as soon as I´m done with work!
Minho: Sounds good! Same place as always? Echo?
Sena: I´ll be there at six!
Eun-woo: I´ll meet you there then!
Jangmi: Same!
Jia: Don´t you have work till 6:30 PM Jangmi?
Jangmi: I´ll just start work a bit earlier so i can leave earlier.
Sena: Is your boss okay with that?
Minho: She works for her mom right?
Sena: Oh, yeah right.
Eun-Woo: Well, anyways we say 6PM and everyone can come when they can.
Everyone gave either thumbs up or a " sounds good"
He put the phone down on the couch beside him and leaned his back against the couch. He stood up after a moment and walked in to the bathroom, opening up the toilet and doing his business. After washing his hands he stepped out of the room in to the living room again, laying down on the couch and taking a nap, hoping for tomorrow to come quicker than anything else.
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On the other side of town, the boy who had become a young adult walked out of the warehouse. Blood stains on his white shirt, around his wrists and up on his chest, his back was soaked of sweat making it transparent. Using a towel Ji-ho threw at him to wipe of the blood splatter on his face and hands. Inside the warehouse, people running around as several dead bodies lays on the ground, and some of his men are injured but nothing fatal. He stood beside a boy, just a few years younger then him, that was sitting on the ground, wiping blood with his bloody hands, smearing it even more. He placed the towel in the boys lap before lighting a cigaret and taking a drag.
- Are you sure you are up for this Seok? Yong asked not looking down at the young boy.
- Yes sir. The boy stood up on his shaky legs.
- Min! Drive Seok home. Yong called out for a man standing a bit away.
The man nodded before walking up to the boy standing there, his complexion was still pale and he looked like he would throw up.
- Seok, think about if you really can handle this. Yong said looking at the boy
- I need to pay of my debt to you after you helped me. Seok looked down.
- I can put you somewhere else. Yong looked at the boy as he nodded and they walked away
- Don´t be to kind, sir. Kwang said as he walked up behind Yong, standing next to him
- I can´t have people passing out here anyways. Besides he´s only 18.
- Where will you put him, sir? Kwang looked up at the sky
- I´ll figure something out. And stop calling me sir old man. Yong glared at the man beside him
- Never, SIR. Kwang mocked and walked away.
After getting the cleanup crew on their path he sat down in his car, driving all the way home. It was late at night and the only thing he wanted was a shower and a drink, and that was just his plan. He stepped straight in to the bathroom, removing his bloody clothes and placing them in the laundry basket. He turned on the water, letting it run all over his body, washing away all the blood. Making sure to wash it all off before stepping out and drying himself. He put on a pair of sweat pants and socks, and poured himself a glass of wine, sitting down on his couch as he looked at his phone. Replying to the texts that had arrived during the day and catching up on social media. Once the glass was finished he stood up and walked straight to bed, falling down after removing his pants. Laying on his back, the covers only covering the bottom half of his body, his right arm over his eyes and the other one laid sprawled out on the empty bed. It was night like this, when no one was there to welcome him home, and the bed was cold that he felt lonely. Those nights he wished someone would crawl down next to him and hold him until the adrenaline stopped making his body shake.
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By early morning his body had finally stopped shaking and he could finally fall asleep, the next time he looked at the clock it was 3:18PM. He rubbed his eyes sitting up, looking down on his feet and stretching his neck. After getting back to reality, he stood up, grabbing the pants and socks he wore last night. Putting them on and walking out to the kitchen, a note was placed on the fridge.
" Good day young master.
You were asleep when i arrived so i didn´t vacuum, but will do that tomorrow.
There is lunch prepared in the fridge, ready to eat. Eat it cold or warm, you pick.
Also took with me the laundry.
Jinko"
He opened the fridge, taking out the plate with food and a bottle of water. He grabbed some chopsticks and walked over to the living room, he sat down on the couch and ate the food, watching the news. He rubbed his temples in hope of getting the headache to go away. The vibrations on his phone pulled him out of his thoughts, looking at the phone he could see who it was.
- Seok, why are you calling? Yong asked as soon as he picked up.
- Good after noon sir. I was wondering, what you were talking about yesterday? The boy on the other side asked carefully
- What? Yong was still a bit confused.
- About putting me somewhere else? Seok´s voice was almost a whisper, Yong could feel that he was nervous
- Ah. Yeah. You can be my runner boy. Yong said blatantly
- What do i have to do then? He asked carefully
- All you have to do is to pick up and drop of. It can be anything from food or drinks or important papers. Bringing them from the office home to me, or from me to some place else. Somedays you might run around all day and some days it might be nothing or just one thing. You will be on the call 24/7, you up for that? Yong explained
- Ah yes, sir. That should be no problem. Sir. His voice sounded happier now, more relaxed.
- Up for your first job then? Yong asked as he rubbed his nose bridge in pain
- Absolutely sir. What do you need?
- Go to the pharmacy and bring me pain killers. My headache is killing me. You know my address right?
- Yes sir. Will be right there.
They hung up the phone and Yong laid down on the couch waiting for him to arrive.
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- Eun-woo over here! Sena shouted as she saw the man walking thru the door.
- Hey. He said as he gave her a hug.
- You look weird in short hair. Sena laughed out
- Can´t wait for it to grow out. Eun-woo said, rubbing his head.
- When did you came out? She asked taking a sip out of her drink that she had ordered while she waited.
- Yesterday. He shrugged
- Oh, wow. You were quick. She put down her glass to look at him
- Yeah, you know me. He looked at the drink menu, trying to ignore her stare.
- Hey guys! Jangmi, Jia and Minho shouted as the walked thru the door and towards them.
- Hi. Sena said
- Hey. Eun-woo said standing up and hugging them.
Just a half hour later Jaehyun stepped in thru the doors, complaining about costumers not leaving the store before closing. They ordered food, and drinks and sat for hours just talking about nothing and everything.
- So, when are you going back to school? Jaehyun asked, placing his arm on Eun-woo´s shoulder as he was lucky enough to sit next to him
- I´m going to sign back up on monday so as soon as the papers are processed. Eun-woo looked at him with a small smile on his lips
- Nice, no waisting time. Jia said holding out her glass
- Do you know what classes you are going to take? Jangmi asked after cheering with the rest
- Yeah, i need to take economics 2, algebra 3, marketing, business and english 1 this year so i can take the next one next year. But then I´m also taking computer science, Korean history and Mr Kim said he thinks i should take leadership and management and consumer behavior and since they don´t crash with any of my other classes I´m taking them as well. He said it so casually that when he looked up at them he was confused when every one was starring at him.
- Well, good thing you don´t have to work, i guess. Jaehyun stated after a minute of silence.
- Oh, i´ll be working on weekends and three nights a week. Eun-woo shrugged.
- What? How many hours do you have in 24hours? Sena asked looking at him
- Well, I´m working at a convenience store and the boss told me that i can do school work when there aren´t any costumers. So it will be fine. He took a sip of his drink and ate a piece of meat.
- What about meeting us? Jangmi asked her eyes glued to him, sounding sad
- What about sleep? Minho placed his hand on Jangmi´s shoulder as he leant forward.
- We´ll meet at school and i´ll sleep when I´m dead. Eun-woo shrugged
- Why do you need to work so much? And study so fucking much? Jaehyun asked
- Yeah, i thought your parents payed for everything? Jia said looking at him after calling for more drinks
- Yeah, except living expenses, like subway, food and outings . They come out of my own pocket. And i have to study so much is because my dad said he is planning for me to work 70% next year and study the rest. So if i wanna graduate when I´m supposed to i have to do as much as i can now.
- He want you to work 70% while you´re still at school? Sena looked shocked, just as everyone else.
- They expect me to pay back everything in three years time. Eun-woo looked down at his glass, not wanting to make eye contact.
- What?! They want you to pay for them back for your studies? Jaehyun almost shouted out.
- And the apartment, and for the necessities the first year, and all the materials, books and that. He shrugged.
- They are fucking insane. They are your parents not a fucking bank. Minho stated as everyone became quiet.
- Yeah.. I´m gonna go to the bathroom. Eun-woo said standing up, wanting to end the conversation.
- Yeah. Do you remember where they are? Jaehyun asked
- Yeah, out and around back. He nodded walking off as he could hear them whispering.
He sighed for himself as he walked thru the door, he walked to the side of the house and in to the alleyway. He stopped in his step as he rounded the corner. Three large men in black suits were standing with their back against him, and in front of them sat a older man in his 40s on his knees. A split lip and a bruise was starting to show on his eye as the man looked up and pleaded. One of the men looked back as the heard Eun-woo coming.
- Dear boy, please help me. The man on his knees begged.
Eun-woo´s eyes went between him and the man standing looking at him. Something about the man in front of him was recognizable, Eun-woo could not figure out were he met this man, but he knew that he had seen him before.
- Walk along. The man finally said, looking him over as if he recognized him as well.
- I need to use the bathroom. Eun-woo stated, now starting to feel the drinks he had. The drinks hit him fast like a slap in the face once he finally stood up after sitting for hours.
The man next to the man he recognized moved to the side, not much but enough so Eun-woo could sneak past and in to the bathroom. He heard the commotion outside as he did his business. But he kept thinking about the man outside, the man with a large scar on his cheek, with the ruffled hair. Once he was finished and stepped outside of the bathroom again they were gone. He walked back inside to the rest of the group who was busy in some conversation that he easily got thrown in to before he even had time to sit down. As the hours went by they all kept drinking and eating, going from one place to the next. And by the end of the night Jaehyun and Eun-woo were leaning against each other as they walked to Eun-woo´s apartment after sending everyone else home. As they stepped inside the door they removed their shoes, Eun-woo walked in to the kitchen grabbing a bottle of water and drinking for a bit before holding it out to Jaehyun for him to drink. After placing the empty bottle on the counter both of the boys walked over to the bed and laid down, or more like fell down.
- We should get changed. Eun-woo said grabbing Jaehyun´s shirt.
- Fuck, i don´t want to stand up. Jaehyun answered while scrunching his nose.
- Then just remove your clothes, it´s not like it´s the first time we sleep naked in the same bed. Eun-woo said as he sat up removing his shirt.
- You make it sound like we had sex. Jaehyun laughed out opening up his pants.
- Fuck no. Eun-woo shook his head as he removed his pants as well.
- I know someone who would have been jealous if they heard that. Jaehyun placed himself under the bed sheet once he was undressed
- Who? Eun-woo looked at him, laying down as well.
- Jangmi. Jaehyun wiggled his eyebrows.
- What? No. Eun-woo shook his head
- Oh, she is so in to you. You are just blind or something. Jaehyun laughed
- She´s like a sister to me. Eun-woo looked up at the roof
- Not to her. Maybe you should try to see her different? At least sleep with her. Jaehyun placed himself on his elbow looking down at the guy next to him
- No.
- Why not? When was the last time you had a girlfriend anyways?
- Because i can´t do that to Minho, specially when I´m not interested in her.
- What has this to do with Minho? You like him or what? It didn´t sound like he was against the thought of two of his closest man friends liking each other, more like he was confused.
- What are you talking about? He´s in to Jangmi.
- What? No? Seriously?
- Ehm, yeah. He´s been in to her since before we even got to know them.
- How do you know that? Did he tell you? When?
- Yeah, first year.
- Oh my good. I didn´t know. Well that´s a hell of a love triangle.
- How can it be a triangle when one of the sides are pointing another way?
- AH! That´s true. But shit, i feel sorry for Minho then.
- Yeah...
- Oh right, why did it take you so long to go to the bathroom earlier? Jaehyun changed the topic
- When?
- At Echo?
- Oh, some dudes were blocking the way, beating some guy up.
- Oh shit, for real? And they just let you pass?
- Yeah. Let´s sleep, my head is spinning.
- Yeah, mine to. Jaehyun fell back
It didn´t take long for both of the boys to fall asleep, neither of them waking up until the middle of saturday day.
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Yong stepped in to the clubs VP room, and sat down on the couch opposite of the other man. The man clothed in a leopard printed dress shirt and black jeans, a golden watch was present on his wrist together with his gold chain around his neck. His arm was around the shoulder of a younger girl with a short gray dress, and in his other hand was a glass of whiskey. Three other girls was in the room, and as soon as the man snapped his fingers, two of the girls sat down on either side of Yong. The one on the right side had a low cut white dress on and black high heels and a very fake looking blond shoulder long wig, and the girl on the left had dark long hair, a black corset top and a gray skirt that ended right under her butt, together with knee high shoes. Yong sighed for himself before looking at the man in front of him
- They look good, right? The man said holding out the glass
- I´m not here for them. I´m here for business, Beom.
- Aw come on. Have some fun while you are here. Beom leaned his head against the girl by his side and kissed her on the neck.
- We found the guy you were looking for. Yong said, grabbing the glass in front of him as the blond girl poured some bourbon in it.
- You really just gonna talk about work? Beom put down his glass and looked at the man in front of him
- I got other business to take care of if you don´t want to talk work. Yong said standing up
- No no! Kid, sit down. Beom pointed at the seat again almost sounding panicked.
- Yong sat down again and both of the girls leaned against him even if he tried to shake them of, at the end he just gave up.
- So you found him? Where was he hiding? Beom asked taking a sip again
- At a gambling den. Not to far from here. Yong took a sip and his eyes was drawn to the girl with dark hair at his side.
- Which one? Beom asked a little more serious now.
- Kingla, the one behind the bbq place.
- Oh really, you where there?
- No, but i had my best mans at the scene.
- Oh i see, i guess Mr Kwang was there?
- Yes he was.
- And where is he now?
- Kwang or the guy you are looking for?
- The guy offcourse. I know i can´t buy Kwang from your after losing my pinkie for trying. Beom held out his right hand where his pinkie was left only to the first joint.
- I warned you. Yong shrugged before he continued
- Mr park is being delivered at your warehouse as we speak.
- Good, good. Now work is done so can we toast and have fun now?
Yong stood up and toasted with the man in front of him before gulping down the entire glass, he placed the glass on the table and walked out. Leaving Beom sitting there with all four girls, all of them very confused.
He stepped out of the club, lighting a cigaret as he leaned against the car. People were walking around, some not seeing him and some starring.
- Why not bring a girl home? Kwang asked as Yong walked up to the him standing by the car.
- Why should i? Yong asked as he looked over at the man next to him
- Blow of some steam, maybe you wont be in such pissy mood all the time. Kwang shrugged as he walked over to the driver side and opening the door.
- We got work to do. Yong answered as he shook his head and opened the door
- I can do that with Ji-ho you know. Kwang said as he sat down in the car.
- I´m not taking a girl home. Yong sat down in the passenger seat next to him and closed the door.
- Fine. A guy then? Kwang started the car, he could feel the boys eyes on him but he just ignored him
Yong was quiet for some time, just thinking as they drove to the next meeting. And several hours later all their meetings were done and they could finally go home. When Kwang stopped the car in front of Yong´s building, he noticed that the boy next to him was in his own thoughts and not stepping out of the car. Kwang turned off the car and turn towards him, not saying a word just waiting for him to speak.
- How long have you known? Yong asked after a few minutes of silence.
- I´ve known you since you were 5years old kid. You think you could hide something like that for me? Kwang´s right eyebrow raised up as he looked over at him
- Does dad know? Yong asked quietly, Kwang thought he almost looked like a deer in headlights. It was the first time he had seen him like this.
- Not that he have told me. Think he is to busy with other stuff to realise. Kwang shrugged trying to sound as calm as he could.
Yong was quiet for a while, Kwang could see how much he was thinking. Yong was old enough to take over the business, he was strong and fearless enough to take care of groups of enemies on his own. No one dares to say against him, but here he is, sitting in the car, fingers trembling because he´s scared that his father is going to find out that he likes men.
- But your mom knew. Kwang said finally.
- What?! Yong´s eyes flew up at the man next to him.
- Yeah, she and i figured it out at the same time. When you were like seven or so. I just remember the exact moment not the day. Kwang said looking out of the window, shaking his head a little
- How did she react? Yong almost whispered out.
- Want the hole story?
- Yeah. His voice sounded weak
- So you were about seven or so, i think i had worked for your dad for about 2 years at the time. He put me and Jackie on watching you and your mom. Do you remember Jackie?
- Yeah, he had that long scar on his chest? Yong squinted his eyes trying to remember
- Yeah, he was a good guy. Well anyways. Your dad was arguing with some dudes about the business, it was before he got as big as he are now. When he was more of a gangster boss than a business man. But yeah, your mom wanted to take you to the park so your dad had the two of us join you incase something would happen. You were running around the playground, and after playing alone for a while a boy about the same age walked up to you and asked if you wanted to play. You said yes right away, even if you had ignored all the girls that were trying to play with you. You played for hours, ignoring everyone else. Until his nanny had to take him home and you got so upset that we had to promise that you would get to eat ice cream before dinner for you to come with us home. Jackie was driving and i was sitting in the passenger seat with you and your mom in the backseat. When your mom asked if you had fun with the boy today, do you know what you answered? Kwang asked looking over at him, as he had leaned back in the seat.
- No. Yong shook his head
- Yes. He was really pretty. Thats when we knew. Your mom and i met each others eyes and we just knew. And that was that. When i looked back at her in the mirror, all i could see was her smiling.
- You never treated me different.. Yong said looking out of the window, turning away from him.
- Why would we? We love you as you are. Kwang placed his hand on Yong´s shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
- You should head up now. Get some sleep, don´t think to much now. Kwang said after a moments of silence and all he got was o nod from the man in the seat next to him.
Yong walked out of the car, only bending down when both feet where on the ground.
- Thanks. Stay safe. Yong said before closing the door, only receiving a nod from the man in the driver seat.
Yong walked in to his apartment, removing his shoes and jacket. He purred a glass of whiskey, drinking it as he removed his clothes one buy one until he stood naked in front of his bed. Phone in hand, thumb over the call button, just as he was about to press to call a text came in.
"Sorry for texting so early in the morning! Next month on the 10th we´ll have a high school reunion for anyone that wants to come. We will meet at the restaurant Hana at 6 PM. Both class 1 and 2 are invited
Class president class 1 Ae-cha"
"How the fuck did she get my number?" Was the only thing Yong could think about, forgetting about what he was about to do.
On the other side of the town, the boy that were sleeping next to his friend got the same text a few minutes ago but was to tired to look.