Gun could feel the nervous energy that Goo was trying not to radiate but with his constant fidgeting and glances back and forth from Uncle to nephew it was too obvious not to ignore. The group were still waiting for all the fans and watchers to tune in and settle into their seats, the CC wouldn't begin until another couple of minutes and Gun didn't know if he could stand Goo's anxiousness any longer so to reassure his friend he reaches out and clamps a hand down on his bouncing knee.
Goo squawks, unsubtle but not overly loud enough to attract people's attention. He eventually turns to his fellow Founder, who merely gives him a meaningful glare.
'Stop it'
Goo smiles sheepishly before nodding and looking down at his hands in defeat. Gun sighs before feeling a hand nudge him.
"You know he's only like that because he's worried about you, right?" It's James who hisses the whisper. "The two of us along with the Chairman are the only ones who know about your situation with your…family…so of course we're worried for you" He admits and Gun rolls his eyes, crossing his arms as he replies.
"There's nothing to worry about; I'm not leaving." He huffs, and James nods, but his expression doesn't falter.
"That might be your stance on things but does he know about it?" James gestures to Shintaro who spoke in hushed tones to Neko and Nomen who stood beside her, offhandedly mentioning things about the CC as the two Japanese-born individuals reply.
Neko looked sincerely surprised that Shintaro Yamazaki was present at the CC of all places but it didn't prevent her from speaking proudly or remaining outwardly unphased. Her business manners came through as she squared her shoulders and replied in Japanese. Nomen on the other hand was watching Shintaro and the Kojima brothers with wide eyes, his masks not present on his face to obscure his slight awe. The blonde attempts to say a few words to the brothers and at their reluctant responses it has the Kagiroi almost combusting in awe. If Gun were to stare close enough he'd probably see steam of embarrassment coming out of the younger man's ears.
Sometimes Gun forgets that although his uncle was the second in command of the Yamazaki clan and a Yakuza at heart he also fosters and knows some of the most powerful and famous fighters in Japan. The Kojima brothers are well known for their own strength and dexterity as a pair of fighters.
"I've told him, it's not my fault the old man is as stubborn as a mule. He can stay for as long as he likes but I'm not changing my answer" Gun yet again shrugs.
"I don't know if that's a good idea" Goo pipes up, hissing the words close to Gun's ears which causes him to twitch in annoyance. "Also, I understand why they might be here but why the hell is the chairman and his posse here?" He nods off to the other side of the room.
Their three heads turn to where Charles sat with Tom and Jinyoung who were sitting rather close to each other and whispering hushed things to one another. Charles looked like he was trying to keep the peace as Jinyoung was heatedly discussing something, waving his arms around as he spoke. Tom on the other hand seemed to be looking back and forth between the men, an amused smile on his face as he shakes his head. The large man must have felt several pairs of eyes on him as he immediately looked up and smirked in their direction.
James, Goo and Gun snap their heads away.
"Oh God, he saw us looking" Goo hisses.
"Let's hope he doesn't try to drag us away later on tonight for some late-night training" James sighs, massaging the bridge of his nose. "Where's Miss Kim when you need her" He mumbles under his breath.
Although all three Founders have trained in separate fighting styles and have had different people as mentors, they did share a common instance when they had to undergo Tom Lee's training as per Charles Choi's order. To say the least, it was horrifically memorable but not fun in the slightest.
All three men shiver as the memories of being stripped naked and 'abused' flash through their minds.
"Why is he even here?" Gun huffs before shaking his head. "Actually screw that, I kinda knew that Doctor Jinyoung and Charles were close associates but I didn't realise they were close enough to be gossip buddies" He huffs as they turn back to try and discreetly peek at the three older men. He knew that the two were friends simply because Charles had gone to Jinyoung in the first place about their problem of hiring medical help. The only person who was crazy enough to lend people to them would be familiar with Charles. Although, Gun is still slightly lost as to how the two technically became friends…was it because they were both rich and ran in the same circles? Maybe.
Tom Lee had stopped staring at them, going back to chuckling and clapping the backs of both Charles and Jinyoung in not-so-soft manners. Neither man seemed bothered by the aggressive taps, sort of like they were used to it.
"Oh my God, this is a mean girl's reference" Goo squeals in a hushed tone only to be sent disappointed and annoyed looks from both his fellow Founders. "What?! It's true! Charles is giving Regina George because bitchy main leader vibes, Tom is definitely Karen Smith since he's lowkey dumb sometimes and has big boobs which makes Jinyoung…Gretchen Wieners because he's smart and that's probably why his hair is so big…because it's full of secrets" Goo points out.
With each passing word, Gun could feel his brain cells dying.
"Look, I'm just saying that every trio can be classified and stereotyped into the mean girls categories" Goo states with a shrug, knowing that his logic and connections were being lost on his two friends.
"Let's start with the CC," Gun sighs, urging Goo to start speaking with a kick to his ankle.
The blonde squawks at the treatment but does as he's told, flicking his mic on and standing to greet the people who had been waiting patiently.
"He's got a point you know, it can be applied to us too" James snickers behind his hand, whispering the words over to Gun who snorts.
"Who do you reckon is Regina between us then?" Gun retorts before turning on his mic to join Goo in the introductions for the night. He ignores the eyes of the VIPs and focuses on his job, the job that he's being paid excessive amounts of money to do.
.
.
.
The rest of the night is about as eventful as it usually is on a CC night. People fight, some win, others lose, others walk away without so much as a scratch whereas others aren't so lucky. For Daniel, the worst that tonight had to offer was another broken nose and a dislocated bone, both of which he was able to tend to without so much as a fuss at this point.
What worried Daniel the most wasn't the fights or the fighters but rather the whispers. The Founders didn't divulge the fact that there seemed to be double the amount of people in the VIP booth and that itself caused a slight stir. Whilst some were familiar faces, others were harder to identify and that was just the kick people needed to start whispers and rumours about the whole ordeal.
Within the medical set-up alone there was wide speculation amongst the other employees that the three men who were conversing with Neko pleasantly were new investors. Potential business partners from another country, looking to benefit from the purposes of the Crew Corporation and wanting to ride on the coattails of what the Founders started.
Others said they were new shareholders who had brought out a large sum of shares from the business. New competition which was why Charles Choi made a personal appearance, to get a hold and look at his new business partners who might potentially be overthrowing him.
A couple spoke about the three being special guests from Japan, probably clan elders or leaders that only Neko or Nomen and their group seemed to be aware of judging by their other crew members' surprised reactions to the sight of the three.
The few who were more aware of their surroundings and didn't give a shit merely shrug and move on. VIPs were VIPs and they were not concerned for mundane people such as themselves.
Daniel knew better.
"So, why's your uncle up there?" Mira questions, and finally someone seems to question the fact that Doctor Jinyoung Park seemed to also be among the VIPs. Sure he's famous and has made an appearance at the CC before but that was to help with a patient, tonight he was here as a guest which should have raised more than a few eyebrows. "And why is he cosying up close to Chairman Choi?" She adds after another moment.
"I'm not quite sure honestly, he's friends with the Chairman" Daniel shrugs, his eyes flickering up to try and meet his uncle's gaze but the elder Park seemed to be invested in his chat with Charles, more so than with watching the ongoing fights. Charles didn't seem to mind the chatter, occasionally indulging in a polite response.
"Is he friends with Tom Lee as well?" Mira questioned, pointing to the larger man who sat with them and was currently saying something to Crystal who was nodding along.
"I'm not quite sure who that is" Daniel hums back, curious as to who the man was.
"Really? You haven't heard of Tom Lee? CEO of the 'White Tiger' agency, a group that specialises in training and lending out bodyguards. There are even whispers that some of his men are mercenaries" Mira whispers and Daniel snaps his head in her direction.
Daniel was expecting her to start giggling after catching him off guard before telling him that she was only saying nonsense. Instead, she raises a brow and provides him with nothing more than an amused glance, keeping her mouth firmly sealed as she waits for a response.
"Mira, sometimes I question how you know all this" Daniel sighs before nodding. "So he's a serious figure and he's somehow friends with Charles and my Uncle…great. You know, I always knew that my uncle was kind of weird and kept some deep dark secrets but I'm starting to think that maybe there's more to it all" He pinches the bridge of his nose in annoyance before shaking his head.
"I mean, there's gotta be more to your uncle than just his golden boy image as Korea's greatest Doctor" Mira shrugs.
"I think there is and I'm pretty sure it's related to Charles and I guess now Tom Lee. Well, whatever it is, I don't know if I want to know the complete truth or push him into spilling everything" Daniel responds before noticing that the fight had ended and Jay was helping a fighter walk towards the area.
Daniel acted quickly to help, assessing the person's injuries and noting down the sprained ankle and a few bruises and cuts that needed to be cleaned.
Nurse Hong seems to notice the curious air between Mira and Daniel, quickly addressing and asking what they had been talking about to which the two simply answered 'VIPs' before receiving an understanding nod from the silent man. He then Gestures to Shintaro and his guards before Mira nods profusely.
"Same, I also have questions for the three new faces. I wanted to assume they were Korean but I've never seen them in the media before furthermore they seem quite comfortable chatting to Neko and Nomen who are notorious for not associating themselves with people who are either beneath them or from another country so I think they might be from Japan" Mira deduces and it takes everything in Daniel to shut his mouth and not pipe up about the fact that he knew who they were.
"Do you think Gun might know them? I mean, he's half Japanese isn't he?" Mira questions, directing it at Daniel who is configuring a sentence together.
Jay points something out, the body language of Gun being slightly more strung up and serious this time around before turning to Daniel for answers.
"Um…nope, I have no clue whether Gun knows them or not…nope" Daniel shakes his head and his two friends simply frown at his terrible lying skills.
"You know, you could just say that you don't want to tell us rather than lie to our faces" Mira was unimpressed and this was showcased through her unamused face and posture. "Zack lies better than you and I can tell his lies from a mile away" She adds and Daniel sinks.
He sends his patient away before turning back to the two.
"It's not that I don't want to say but I don't think I can say anything, at least not right now…" The Doctor attempts to explain and both facial expressions from his friends seem to soften.
"Is everything safe?" Mira questions, concerned but also going about it gently.
"Yeah, yeah, nothing's wrong per se…just that some things might get…turned upside down if things go in a specific direction. Hopefully, everything stays the same though and nothing changes but…It's going to take a while before most people are made aware. For now, Gun and the other Founders as well as Charles want to keep everything under wraps so please try not to start any rumours" Daniel briefly explains and the duo stare back at the Doctor with confused yet concerned looks before nodding.
"Well whatever is going on, hopefully it'll pass" Mira sighs before the last fight of the night wraps up.
With the CC coming to an end and the last of the patients being treated and sent off on their merry ways, Daniel decides to head to the cafeteria for one last late-night meal before heading home. Jay, Mira and a couple of others decide to join him after helping him pack the last of the stuff and as they walk over Daniel messages his uncle.
'Since you were here tonight will you be giving me a lift home?'
It doesn't take long before his uncle is replying.
'Sure brat, where are you right now?'
Daniel could only sigh at the term he knows is meant for endearment.
'The cafeteria, come down and grab something to eat before leaving'
The message was left on read, but no other response came through which told Daniel enough. His uncle would meet up with him eventually before they head home which probably meant that he would have to message Gun later about not having to drop him off at home.
Familiar faces were seen throughout the cafeteria and although the place had been open for quite a while now the popularity of it hadn't died down just yet. It did help that it was a large open communal area, similar to the Gym, yet instead of training and working out, people were here to eat and share time with one another. There was an unwritten agreement of peace when it came to using the benefits of the CC, this extended to the gym and now the cafeteria.
Any violence, disagreements or unwarranted behaviour meant an immediate ban. Luckily the fighters and other employees of the CC respected the shared space enough, of course, that didn't mean it was always quiet and easygoing.
"Hey Doc!" A hand shoots out to wave at Daniel as he passes by and the Doctor in return waves back. It was Jake and he was currently seated with several other crew heads as surprising as that was.
Sure most of the crews were either on friendly or tolerable terms but rarely do the leaders and their vices congregate together at a table. At least that's what Daniel had learnt.
"What's going on here?" Daniel chuckles, walking over and taking a seat by Johan who scoots over, the brunette looks much better these days. He was calmer, happier even, and it was all mainly because his mother was finally getting the surgery she deserved. Johan smiles coyly in Daniel's direction, nudging him with his knees in acknowledgment which allows the Doctor to shoot his smile in the brunette's direction.
"We were just talking to these Worker's members here since they said they recognised the new VIPs" Eli explains, catching the looks that had been exchanged between Daniel and Johan but not mentioning anything about it. The others seem to catch on too but also hold their tongues.
"Oh," Daniel turns to the two other men who were sitting with the group before pausing.
Their Hyottoko and Daruma masks lay side by side on the table as the two men were taking the time to eat. The two didn't look like they had allowed the crew leaders to sit with them but they weren't telling the others to piss off either, if anything they just looked silently annoyed.
"If we answer your questions will you leave us alone?" Hyottoko, otherwise known as Sato Kazuma reluctantly asks. It was clear that Korean wasn't his first language nor was it one that he wanted to actively speak but if it would get the people around him to leave him alone then he would.
"Yep" Olly grins, giving a thumbs up and a cheeky smile which probably meant the opposite of his answer.
Kazuma and Magami Kenta, aka Daruma, seem to deflate in acceptance.
"Go on" Magami waves and the group look excited to ask their questions.
"Who were those three men? Neko and Nomen seemed familiar enough with the trio and were talking the entire time. Is it her dad?" Samuel questions and both Japanese men snort.
"The man that was sitting down and talking to Neko was Shintaro Yamazaki, second in command of the Yamazaki clan and one of the most prevalent and famous Yakuza figures in all of Japan. His power and control over the country are unmatched only by his brother. Most other subsidiary gangster or yakuza groups are run or owned by a figure in the Yamazaki clan or at the very least maintain a partnership with them and other larger individual clans can only hope to make either peaceful business with Shintaro Yamazaki or beg for mercy if he chooses to deal with them. The men standing behind him are known as the Kojima brothers, two of the more prominent figures in the Yamazaki clan, they are Shingen and Shintaro's personal bodyguards and lieutenants" Magami explains, deep respect coming through in the tone of his voice.
"You seem to be close to the Yamazaki clan with the way you talk about them" Vasco remarks, sending a look to Jace who looked like he was keeping note of everything that was being said, the big-eared vice already looked like he was trying to make some connections between the groups and people.
"The Magami clan has worked very close with the Yamazaki clan in the past if anything our brotherhood and camaraderie are well known in Japan, especially since Shingen Yamazaki and my own father maintain a great friendship with one another" Magami shrugs but there was a spark of pride within his eyes as he speaks.
"Wait…the term Yamazaki clan…I feel like I've heard that name before but way back before these three men came to the CC tonight" Jake pipes up, brows scrunching as he attempts to remember when he had heard the name before.
"You might have heard of the term concerning Gun" Sato's voice drones out. "He is a part of the Yamazaki clan" he adds and the group gapes.
"The bastards a part of the Yakuza? I'd say I'm shocked but honestly, it's kind of typical" Samuel snorts only to be shot with a glare from Magami.
"He's not a bastard, the young master is a prodigal fighter who strikes fear into any of his opponents. I aspire to be just like him" Magami huffs and it was surprising how one sentence could make him sound so young. Sato nudges his crew member, raising a brow at the tone and the slight pout that Magami had on display only to sigh and roll his eyes.
"I wouldn't insult Gun in the vicinity of Shintaro Yamazaki or the Kojima brothers, they won't take lightly to insults against their clan, especially against their heir" Sato states and this time several pairs of eyes seem to bulge and multiple mouths hang open.
"Wait, wait, wait! Young Master…Heir…are you saying that Shingen Yamazaki is Jong Gun Park's father?! And what, this Shintaro guy is his uncle?" Olly gasps.
"Yes, I am" Comes a short yet amused voice.
Heads turn to see the man and his bodyguards standing right behind the group. The group froze, unknowing how to react or what to say as Shintaro smiled pleasantly. Daniel on the other hand could only feel the same rising heat of anger bubble up again when he meets Shintaro's deceptive gaze. The man seems to take eye contact as an invitation to speak.
"Dr Park, how have you been? The last time I saw you we left on not-so-well terms and I realise that I may have been quite pushy with my words" He chuckles to himself as if their so-called discussion had been about something insignificant and not about using Daniel to pressure Gun to go to a different country so that he could marry and take over an empire he potentially didn't even want. "I do apologise for the image I may have given off but I do hope that you took into consideration what I asked of you" Shintaro finishes.
Confused looks were sent his way and Daniel couldn't help but feel the pressure. He couldn't exactly come out and state what their conversation had been about, not without giving away why Shintaro had come to him specifically, which was his relationship with Gun.
"I have, I still want no part in it" Daniel responds, providing his smile at the blunt answer.
"Hey, what's he talking about? Take what into consideration?" Johan hisses in his direction as the others attempt to decipher what is going on.
Shintaro's overly charming smile dims ever so slightly.
"I see, I understand we may be in disagreement with some of the things we discussed but I do come to you not as the vice of a Yakuza but as an uncle. I am asking for your help in this" Shintaro states, his tone was far from pleading and although he was asking Daniel for his help it seemed more like an order.
"And I'll give you the answer I gave you previously, in the end, it's not up to me to make any decisions. The only person who has that choice is him" Daniel replies, his tone set in stone and his gaze unamused.
How many more times did this guy want to keep asking him the same thing over and over again? Wasn't he getting tired of this?
"Hey, watch your tone" One of the Kojima brothers calls, glaring in Daniel's direction as he steps forward.
"He doesn't have to watch anything, why don't you guys leave and stop bothering us" Vasco responds, crossing his arms and glaring in the direction of the trio of men.
The other leaders and vices looked like they were in similar states of irritation over the entire encounter. Talk about shitty first impressions. Shintaro looked like he wanted to say more before someone else was cutting in.
" Oi, shitty old man, what the hell are you doing? Are you harassing my employees? " It's Gun, marching his way through the thinning crowd of people. He had spoken in Japanese so the only ones who seemed to understand were the three older men and a gaping Sato and Magami.
"Can't I come and meet your incredible fighters? You seem to love and enjoy this job so much that it must be because of all the wonderful employees, I'm just wondering which ones are the interesting ones that are keeping you here in Korea" Shintaro calls back in Japanese, voice booming in authority as he passes his nephew a glare.
" Well you've met them now and you've seen some of them fight, why don't you piss off back to Japan and stop pestering me so much. Do you know how much of a nuisance it is to have you in the VIP booth with me? " Gun clicks his tongue in disdain.
" Now, is that any way for you to treat your uncle? I came to support you " Shintaro lies through his teeth but even Gun could tell how blatant it was.
"Go home uncle, and when I mean home I mean Japan" Gun switches back to Korean, crossing his arms and letting out a tired sigh. "Nothing you say will make me change my mind" he finalises, giving Daniel hope that whatever aggressive conversation they just had would finally sort out the problem but Shintaro shakes his head.
"Perhaps, but maybe he could " Shintaro nods in Daniel's direction, causing stares to turn back to the Doctor, Gun also seems to freeze momentarily before continuing to scowl angrily at his uncle. "I won't be leaving any time soon, not unless you'll be coming with me" he finishes in Korean.
Shintaro steps forward in Gun's direction, closing the gap between them as he reaches up to lay both his hands on either side of Gun's shoulders. The man was broad-shouldered and tall and his aura was like a thick smog that shrouded and suffocated those around him. It was crazy to think that this guy, Gun's uncle, could get away with speaking and touching the Founder so disrespectfully.
"After all this freedom we have given you, you have forgotten your place, Yuzuru" Shintaro sighs, almost in a depressed way. "You have also forgotten who I am. I am your uncle and I am your elder but most importantly of all, you have forgotten that the family owns you. One way or another, you will return, that I am sure of" He states sweetly before patting Gun's jaw in a passive-aggressive manner.
Gun could only clench his jaw and his fists at his side as he glared heatedly at his uncle for the public display of mistreatment. Gun who was the type to never receive any disrespect or back talk was publicly humiliated in a way by his uncle.
Shintaro provides one last smile before sidestepping his nephew and walking away, he waves at the group who are still gawking silently from the table but eventually, the three men leave.
The cafeteria was silent. All those who had witnessed the interaction had nothing to say and they were far too scared to start whispering rumours to one another. At least not with Gun still in the room with them.
"Y-Yuzuru sama, are you alright?" It's surprisingly Magami who speaks first, tentatively addressing the Founder.
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!" Gun was quick to lash out and snap, rounding back on the table after that brief moment of shock and silence from him. "None of you are to call me by that name, is that understood?!" He sneers, there were a few nods of agreement despite the attitude they were being given.
"Gun…" Daniel begins to speak but Gun merely shakes his head.
"Not a word about this talk to anyone, if I find that there's gossip by tomorrow morning I'll make sure your life here at the CC is worse than what it was before, keep your mouths shut" He announces to the whole room, others frantically nod and mutter their agreements.
The only one who seemed brave enough to make any sort of remark seemed to be Samuel Seo of all people.
"Huh, I guess you are human after all. Having such a shitty and controlling family member explains a lot about your character." Samuel snorts insensitively and it was definitely not the right thing to say at that moment.
Gun's jaw twitches, the muscles spasming with how hard he was clenching down on his jaw. His frame had grown rigid and he turned back towards the Big Deal vice in a slow motion, as if readying to pounce on his prey.
"The hell did you just say?"
The air in the room had grown cold, cold enough to make it seem like hell had frozen over with how icy Gun's glare was. No one talks back to Gun, whether he was just humiliated or not by his uncle, no one should ever dare to make such a remark about him and think they could get away with it.
Most people were inching out of the room, others were watching in anticipation of what was to come and others were frozen in fear.
"Oh come on man, I'm just saying that you and a lot of the other members of the CC have something in common. We're all more alike than you think" Samuel smirks, degrading and meant to be mean.
Gun starts approaching Samuel, some scramble out of the way whereas others like Jake step forward to stand by his vices. Some of the other Big Deal members that were still around also stepped forward, readying themselves for confrontation.
"Oh? What are you going to do big guy? Hit me? Shall we take it to the arena?" Samuel snorts as Jake hits him and tells him to shut up.
Jake may not like Gun just like Samuel, but he sure wasn't about to die right in this instant just because he pissed him off with a few choice words.
By the time Gun was standing in front of Samuel, barely a few inches away, Gun could only scoff at the other man's words.
"Get your ass off this property" Gun states, surprisingly more contained than anyone thought he would be capable of it currently. "You're banned. If I see you anywhere near the CC I will have you detained and sent off to prison for trespassing so get your dumb fucking ass out of here before I call security" He explains and Samuel's cocky expression drops into confusion and then anger.
"Huh? What the hell? You're banning me just because I said what? A few words you didn't like?' Samuel scoffs and Gun merely grins sharply in return.
"Yes, now get going before I ban the rest of your crew and have security escort you all out. God knows that the funding for your crew comes from here and not that poor excuse of a shopping strip that you all seem so intent on protecting" Gun sneers and Samuel's expression turns into one of outrage.
"OH FUCK YOU! As if we need this pathetic excuse of a business front!" Samuel shouts back, losing his cool and shrugging off every hand that was attempting to hold him back or tell him to cool down.
Gun snorts, cocking a brow and staring back with the pettiest and most demeaning expression that Daniel had ever witnessed him make.
"Are you sure about that?" He fires back and this time Samuel does seem to shut his mouth and think about his answer. It takes a moment but eventually, the vice seems to concede on Gun's point and remains quiet. "Yeah, that's what I thought. Now get your ass out of here" With that the Founder turns on the heel of his feet and walks out the room.
People were dumbfounded by everything that had just occurred, Samuel was still silently fuming but he looked slightly lost by the fact that he had just lost his job. The other Big Deal members, including Jake, didn't know what to say or do either.
Daniel sighs, grabbing his half-finished tray of food and going to dump it in the correct place.
"I'll go and talk to Gun and try and cool things over with him. I do apologise for his behaviour. The situation with his family has been getting to him lately" Daniel tells the two Big Deal members who nod.
"Thanks, Daniel, and his behaviour isn't your fault so don't apologise for him" Jake states meaningfully and Daniel could only offer a small smile before turning around and rushing out to catch up with the Founder.
Gun hadn't gotten far but he was marching away with a purpose, reluctant to slow down to stop and talk to anyone else who was either going in or out of the cafeteria.
"Gun! Wait up!" Daniel calls but the elder doesn't. "Gun!" Quickly reaching out, the Doctor manages to yank the end of the man's blazer.
The Founder let out a deep sigh before turning back to his boyfriend, at this point the anger had slightly faded from his expression and all that was left was plain exhaustion.
"What do you want, Daniel? I'm exhausted right now so If you need a ride home I can take you quickly but otherwise I'd like to get the hell out of here" Gun admits and Daniel could feel his own words and expressions soften.
Looking from side to side, Daniel was quick to grasp Gun by the wrist and drag him down to a much more secluded and quieter hallway where people were bustling around. Gun doesn't deny the younger, simply following a long before he's pressed gently into the wall.
"How are you feeling?" Daniel asks simply and the elder just shrugs, choosing to run his hands down his face before placing all of his weight on the wall behind him.
"I'm just tired, Daniel. Exhausted physically and emotionally from the CC, from Charles and from my own family who can't keep out of my business" Gun explains and Daniel could sympathise with the older man.
Gun has always been strong and nonchalant in Daniel's eyes and he was sure that it was the same for a lot of other people. For him to allow his emotions to make his decisions, to outwardly show his anger and pettiness in such a public display was only telling of how the man truly felt on the inside. He was breaking at the seams and no one was noticing or truly cared.
"I'm sorry that you feel this way, I can't imagine the emotions that you're going through right now because of your family" Daniel nods, reaching out to grasp the man's face.
Gun stares for a moment before closing his eyes, allowing the weight of his head to rest in Daniel's palm. He takes in a deep breath through his nose before releasing everything, his shoulders and chest seemingly sinking.
"It's not your fault, nothing could ever be your fault" Gun murmured softly and Daniel could only feel his brows pinch together even further.
"Gun, I know that you're tired and that you're angry but I don't think the way you treated Samuel was very fair" He hums and Gun's eyes snap open at this. He stirs from his position, going to pull his face away only for Daniel to continue holding on. "Just listen to me for a second here, don't get angry…just listen" He pleads and Gun's eyes focus on him for a moment longer before he grunts out an agreement.
With the man's silent permission, he explains his stance.
"Samuel is a dick, don't get me wrong on that. What he said and did was uncalled for but it's typical Samuel fashion to want to get his two cents in. He only said those things to get a rise out of you but at the end of the day he didn't expect such a response from you" Daniel starts and Gun scoffs.
"I put up with and deal with a lot of people who have shitty attitudes towards me, he's not the first and he won't be the last. Nor do I blame him or anyone else for acting like that towards me, especially after everything I've done" Gun grumbles and it was said with an almost sort of defeated tone. If Daniel could take away Gun's pain and exhaustion he would do it in a heartbeat. "But I do admit that this is the first time I've snapped and reacted so badly"
"And it's okay to snap sometimes or to feel these big emotions and react in a not-so-positive way. Samuel pushed you too far and you reacted because of him, although that doesn't mean you can take out all of your anger and frustrations on him because we both know that at the end of the day, it's not him you're really mad at" Daniel hums and Gun sighs again.
"I know" before reaching out and pulling Daniel into a hug, resting his head and chin on Daniel's head. "But I'm not apologising to that asshole if that's what you're trying to get at" He retorts and Daniel snorts.
"I'm not expecting you to apologise, don't worry. But perhaps you can lift the ban, I don't think what Samuel did warranted him being banned from the CC" Daniel tries to reason.
"Tch, I should just leave it as it is to set an example" Gun snarks back but Daniel raises a brow, knowing that the attitude that was coming from the elder was coming from a place of current anger. The sneer that was placed tightly on Gun's face falls, turning into a softened frown instead. "Alright, he'll be suspended instead. 2 weeks. How's that sound?" He questions and Daniel smiles in return.
"Much more reasonable" Daniel hums before leaning forward on his toes to press a quick peck to Gun's lips.
"You're a manipulative little shit, you know that?" Gun huffs, tapping at Daniel's hands that were still around his face so that the younger could let go. "I mean, you've always been a little shit but I didn't realise you are also manipulative, cornering me and using my feelings for you as leverage to calm me down and talk me into this so-called negotiation. You think I don't realise that your little kisses and touches are so well placed and timed?" Gun raises a brow and Daniel shrugs.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm just being a considerate and loving boyfriend" Daniel responds coyly, not rising to the bait that the other man was offering him.
"It's fine, I'm not angry about this side of you If anything it makes you even hotter" Suddenly Gun was twisting both their bodies around so that Daniel's back was now against the wall and the elder was looming close and over him, smirking at the sight of surprise that was located below him.
Gun chuckles at the view, raising his hands from Daniel's waist to rub down the Doctors side instead, allowing his fingers to drag seductively against the thin fabric that was preventing the skin-to-skin contact. Daniel shudders, flickering his gaze down to the hand and then back to Gun's face, holding it steady between the man's eyes and lips.
"Maybe I should be a manipulative shit more often" He breathes out.
"Maybe you should" Gun grins in return, leaning down so that their lips could interlock. Making out with Gun is just as sensual and enticing as it was the first time around, Daniel couldn't get enough of the older man. The heat, the arousal and the happy endorphins that ran rampant throughout his head every time the Founder licked the inside of his mouth a certain way or how his hands would trail lightly over his body as if he was delicate or even the way he dragged his hips against the younger.
It was chaotic as much as it was lovely.
"AHEM"
Gun pulled away and Daniel couldn't help but let out a soft whine at the loss of heat. He wanted nothing more than to wave the person who saw them away and continue with his endeavour of exploring Gun but any attempts to try and kiss the elder again were stopped.
Gun had turned his head to the side, his eyes growing a fraction wider before he coughed to clear his throat and physically stepped away.
"Sir, Doctor" He greets and Daniel turns to see what his boyfriend is so fixated on.
Daniel freezes at the sight of Charles Choi and Uncle Jinyoung standing a couple of metres away. Charles looked like he was amused by the sight, staring back and forth between his employee and Daniel. Jinyoung on the other hand looked just about ready to implode from anger.
"You've got to be shitting with me" Jinyoung hisses, eyes flitting between Gun and his nephew, a growing glint of insanity rising in his eyes. Feeling the rising tension, Charles was quick to jump in.
"Jong Gun, with me please. I have some things to discuss with you before you head home for the night" He calls and Gun is quick to nod, not so much rushing but not moving slowly either, Gun bypasses the Doctor providing a wide berth before standing next to Charles.
The chairman reaches over, patting his friend on the shoulder before turning to leave with the Founder in tow. Jinyoung was seething, fists and jaws clenched and it took a moment of twitching and fidgeting before Daniel realised that the man wasn't saying anything purely because anything he did say would probably be insulting.
"U-Uncle, I can explain" Daniel attempts but Jinyoung shakes his head.
"Car. Now." Jinyoung turns around and marches away. Daniel couldn't help but deflate but follow along anyway.
.
.
.
The car ride was just as tense as it was freezing cold. The air con wasn't on, the windows were up and Daniel was wearing several layers but it didn't stop him from shivering every time he turned to look at his Uncle whose hands were holding onto the steering wheel so tightly the younger was scared the man was going to break it.
"This isn't the direction towards the house" Daniel whispers, noticing that his uncle wasn't taking him home.
Jinyoung grunts.
Daniel couldn't help but pale.
His uncle was finally going to either dump him in the middle of nowhere and tell him he was on his own or he was going to dump him in the middle of nowhere and murder him. Abandonment or death. Those were his only two options and it was all because he was caught in a compromising situation with his older employer…Oh God, after Jinyoung was done with Daniel he'd go after Gun next.
"Out" Jinyoung orders suddenly.
"EEP, Yes Sir!" Daniel was quick to jump out of the car, taking a moment to struggle with the seat belt and door before he was finally out.
Finally, Daniel looked around to see where he was only to frown at the sight of a small tteokbokki stand, there was no one else around except for an older woman who was making fresh tteokbokki. It was a weird time of night to still be doing this but Daniel was far too afraid of his uncle to ask for details.
Her face seems to lighten at the sight of Jinyoung who walks over to her casually.
"Ah! Jinyoung! Welcome, welcome! Take a seat" She calls and Jinyoung greets her with his smile, the word smile being used lightly as it was just the slight upturn of the edge of his lips.
"Brat, hurry up" Jinyoung calls and Daniel is quick to scramble after his uncle. Taking a seat the man starts ordering.
"Um Uncle, I just ate so I'm not very hungry," He tells the elder.
"Just eat, whatever you don't finish we'll take home" Jinyoung huffs and Daniel nods, mindful of the flat tone the elder was exhibiting.
"Oh Jinyoung, is this the nephew you've talked so much about?" Coos the lady and Jinyoung nods.
"My one and only," Jinyoung sighs.
"You talk about me?" Daniel asks, surprise evident on his face and tone as he turns to the man.
"Oh sweetheart, your uncle absolutely gushes about you to anyone who will listen. He's always going on and on about how well you've done for yourself, about your improvements and achievements and how hardworking you are. Half the time it feels as if you're his son rather than his nephew" The lady remarks as she passes the food to Jinyoung who accepts.
Daniel could only gape.
All of this was news to him. Jinyoung had always been a professional whether it was at home or work. The term gushing or boasting about his nephew was something that had never come up. Sure he spoke professionally of Daniel, even to Seonhui, but NEVER gushed.
"This is a place I come to when I need a break" Jinyoung suddenly speaks and Daniel looks on, listening politely. "I used to come here more often when I was younger. After school or after work, it was a place I came to relax and calm down when I needed to get away from everything…my parents, your grandparents, they had always been overbearing and after your mother left they became insufferable" The Director hums out rather thoughtfully as if lost in his memories of the past rather than feeling untoward feelings about his not so great parents.
"Oh," Daniel says, blinking blankly as he continues to listen.
"You know, as much as I hated how my parents treated me, I never really hated them personally. I always understood that everything that they were pushing onto me was because they wanted the best for me and the family, even if they went about it wrong. Moreover, if it hadn't been for their constant psychological torture that drove me to sneak out of the house I would have never met some of my closest friends" Suddenly, Jinyoungs stoic face turns soft as he remembers something.
With a hand, he gestured to a table that was close by.
"By accident, I bumped into Gapryong Kim here and along with him were Charles, Tom and a couple of others. They were frequent customers here and through peculiar circumstances, I became associated with their group" Jinyoung couldn't help but huff out a laugh, shaking his head in amusement as he turned back to gaze at Daniel. "They saw that I was more than just some studious nerd who was born into a lucky family, without Gapryong, Charles and the others I wouldn't have known what life could truly be about. They changed my worldview and I guess you could even say that they are the reasons why I didn't turn out into a bitter old man…or well, more bitter than I already am" Suddenly the smile turns forlorn, the edges falling and his eyes losing their shine.
"Every time I think about the good old days I can't help but also think about all the regrets. The what-ifs and how things could be different if I had done something else. The wishes about me being braver, being able to ask and say things more to Gapryong before he passed on but alas that isn't something I can change anymore" He sighs and Daniel frowns.
The name Gapryong was one that he knew particularly well not because of his uncle but rather from all of Gun's history lessons about the zero-generation members. Gapryong Kim was THE leader, the man who single-handedly started the change and revolution in the world of gangsters and criminals in Korea. Furthermore, he was also Jake Kim's late father.
This man who had such a long and extensive past and reputation had been close friends with Daniel's uncle. Although it shouldn't have been a surprise since Daniel knew about his uncle's friendship with Charles, it was still baffling to hear all these connections.
"Even though none of the others come here anymore, Charles wouldn't be caught dead in a place like this ever since he started his company and got big, I still do" Jinyoung passes a kind smile to the old store owner who was attempting to give their conversation privacy but also couldn't exactly ditch her place close to them either.
She smiles sincerely in return.
"Every time work gets too much for me, or after I've spent days on end in my office or performing miracle surgeries or closing funding deals or even attending ruthless meetings with different sharks, I come here. To clear my mind and perhaps I admit, reminisce in my past and long for the days when all my friends were still alive and close to one another" His words were spoken with such sincerity that Daniel couldn't help but empathise with his uncle.
It is always hard when friends or people you know grow apart without any explanation other than the fact that their lives are heading in different directions. It was even more heartbreaking to know that even if all these people Jinyoung was talking about were gone and leading diverse lives, he was still stuck here, remembering them and hoping to be remembered in return.
"Jinyoung…why are you telling me all of this?" Daniel asks carefully. Everything that his uncle was saying was done so with a layer of vulnerability that he hadn't been prepared for or had never had the chance to witness. It was new and almost terrifying for Daniel to see much less hear about these terribly regretful stories.
"It's a secret of mine, something that even your mother, my own sister doesn't know. I'd say you're the first to hear about all of this" Jinyoung admits, taking a slow bite of the food and swallowing thickly before addressing Daniel in a much more serious tone. "I thought that by sharing something close to my own heart perhaps you'd see that I'm not some scary or horrible man and that you'd open up to me in return" He responds and Daniel couldn't help but gape.
"W-What?" He couldn't help but mumble out, Daniel's mind attempting to connect everything.
"That's the reason why you didn't tell me about you and that Founder, right? You didn't think I could be someone you could talk to, someone who is reliable or comforting which is why you decided to hide something as big as this away from me" Jinyoung points out with such depressing acceptance that Daniel couldn't help but jump out of his chair.
"NO! That's not why I didn't tell you! Of course, I trust and find you reliable! And I was going to tell both you and Mum eventually but I…I admit that I was nervous about your reactions but I would have said something eventually when I was ready" Daniel stresses out, appalled and outraged to know that his uncle was doubting his relationship with his nephew.
"Can you explain why you were nervous?" Jinyoung asks, his voice smaller than it had ever been.
Daniel pauses, chewing on his bottom lip and scrambling to gather his words and sentences in order so that he wouldn't further unintentionally upset the elder.
"Well first and foremost, Jong Gun is my employer and I am his employee. The official status of our relationship and how outsiders would viewed it worried me. I thought you'd find it unprofessional, not to mention the history you have against the CC with my previous injury and all. I know you share no love for the place so I thought that you'd be purely against this relationship from the very start if I told you" Daniel rationalises. "Also, this whole relationship thing between Gun and I is new anyway, I wanted to wait a little longer to see how steady we were going before I announced anything…I wanted to make sure that everything was fine because I knew if things were going horribly or even just rocky both you and Mum would call us out on it and make sure we ended things and honestly, I don't want to end anything" Daniel points out and Jinyoung nods.
"Is that all?" He asks and Daniel tries to hold his tongue but at Jinyoung's pointed gaze he relents in his explanation.
"There's also the fact that we're both men…I wasn't sure how either one of you would take to that fact even though I've known for the majority of my life that this is how I am…It's not something I can change, Uncle. It's not something that either you or mum can just ask me to get rid of or hide…I'm gay. I've told and admitted it to several others with ease but when it comes to telling my own family I can't help but find that it's difficult, just saying those two words to you just now it's…I can't help this feeling of anxiety and nervousness from building up but even so…this is me" Daniel knows he's rambling.
He's stumbling over his words and sentences and his heart is beating erratically in his ribcage. His palms were sweaty and he was doing everything in his power to avoid his uncle's gaze. Being gay and admitting it was something he wasn't shy about, Daniel has told practically most of the people at the CC and if they weren't specifically told then they knew through just observing how he interacted with some of the men about the area. He was unafraid to be himself when he was at the CC, it was an empowering feeling that he hadn't even felt when he worked in the hospital with his uncle as the Director.
Confessing and telling his uncle was much harder.
If people he was friends with didn't accept this part of him it was fine. He could avoid them, stop associating with them or brush them off.
It wasn't the same when it came to family. He never thought about the idea of cutting them off but if it came down to the wire and he had to choose between family and his happiness and freedom then the decision would kill him.
A hand suddenly grasps his and Daniel snaps his eyes upwards to meet his uncles. Glassy, lined red and filled with an overbearing sadness, his uncle speaks.
"Daniel, I am so sorry if I ever made you feel like you couldn't talk to me, whether it's about anything in general or if it's about your personal life like your sexuality or who you are with. I want you to know and I hope that you know this but I love you, you are my nephew, you are my family and you are my blood. There is absolutely nothing about you or anything that you could do that could ever make me hate or find you disgusting. You are the son I never got to have and you…you are one of the reasons I continue to move forward in this life. I am so proud of you, of what you have achieved and done as well as how much you have grown. You are far kinder as a person than I ever taught you to be and that alone is the sentiment that you are your own person" Jinyoung squeezes Daniel's hand tightly, smiling brightly as he reiterates the most meaningful parts of his speech. "I love you and I am proud of you, no matter who you are"
Daniel couldn't help but feel a pool of relief spill throughout his own body and from that pool, several tears seemed to fall down his face without his permission. Sniffling softly, Daniel smiles in return, in both gratitude and warmth.
"I…I'm so grateful to hear that you have no idea…I knew that you love me but still…with how angry you were from before I thought that…" He trails off but the implications are there.
Jinyoung huffs, blinking several times to erase the tears that were building in his own eyes.
"I was pissed simply because I caught you making out with a man in the hallway and I was pissed because I had no idea about your relationship with him" Jinyoung makes a disturbed face. "Although I do question, why him? Why Gun of all the men you could have chosen from, why did you have to choose the guy I sucker punched in the face during my first official meeting with him?" He questions hopelessly and Daniel's face transforms into one of shock and alarm.
"You punched Gun in the face?! When?!"
"Doesn't matter" Jinyoung waves off before clasping his hands on Daniel's shoulder. "I want you to know that I wasn't mad at you, not entirely at least. I was more angry at the fact that you were doing something like that out in the open and that your relationship caught me off guard. It also hurt that I had no clue about it and from there I sort of spiralled. Although on the walk and car ride here I cleared my mind and settled slightly. So no, ultimately I'm not mad about you being gay, it would be slightly redundant if that were the case" Jinyoung snorts, letting go and turning back to the table to stuff his face.
Daniel was left to stare into space before he carelessly dragged his hands up and down his face to get rid of any traces of tears and sat back down.
"Redundant…uncle don't tell me you're…" Daniel hisses and Jinyoung snorts.
"So it's fine if you are but it's strange if I am?" Jinyoung replies and Daniel vigorously shakes his head.
"No! No! I'm just…stunned. I didn't expect this turn of events but I am thrilled that you're telling me this and that we're more alike than I thought we'd be" Daniel rattles on before furiously turning on the man. "Don't tell me you also currently have a secret male lover lurking somewhere!" He shouts and Jinyoung slaps the back of his head for his words.
"Don't be stupid, we may be similar but in no way, shape or form would I be so childish. I don't have a secret lover and at this stage in my life, I don't believe there ever will be. I'm old, Daniel. Old people like me who spend their entire days stuck to their desks and work don't have time to go out and find love, a quick fuck perhaps but never something serious" Jinyoung explains and that kills Daniel's excitement.
The thought of Jinyoung never finding someone to settle down with upsets Daniel more than he thought it would. Sure for all of Daniel's life, he had always known the man to be alone and never in the presence of anyone he would find interesting but that didn't lessen the blow of the image of Jinyoung alone for the rest of his life. His uncle deserved to love and to be loved.
"Have you ever been with anyone before?" Daniel inquires, feeling more and more curious about his uncle's secret lifestyle. With all this information coming forward, he couldn't help but feel greedy for more knowledge.
"Of course, I've been with people before, I'm not some disgustingly innocent virgin, Daniel. I'm in my late forties and I've been through all the experiences that young people have gone through and more. I've loved and lost but never been with someone who would potentially be enough to spend the rest of my life with, does that satisfy you? Or has my truthful session with you caused you to want more?" Jinyoung frowns but there was no real fury behind it all.
"So the reason you're not actively looking to be with anyone right now is simply because you lack the time and patience to build a connection with anyone? Is that really all?" Daniel questions, raising a brow and sensing there was more backstory to that answer than what he was capable of deciphering.
Jinyoung looks stuck, if only for a moment, he looks like he was caught between a rock and a hard place and he considers his answer. He could have easily agreed to the statement and be done with the conversation but it seems like his uncle really was trying to open up and be truthful. After a moment he finally speaks again.
"The reason I haven't been with anyone is simple, I know my heart is still fixated on someone from my past and I don't know if I can give that up" Jinyoung hums, taking a sip of his drink.
Daniel's heartstrings were straining at this point because in what world could he have predicted that the reason his uncle was single, and didn't have a partner or kids would be because he was still hung up on a past love?
"S-Surely there's a way to get past this, would you feel better if you finally confessed your feelings to him? I know it's been a long time and they might not feel the same in return but you might finally let go of this weight you've been carrying" Daniel reasons, trying to come up with possible solutions to this rather impromptu problem.
"There's no use, Daniel, he's a married man and he's got children, if there's one thing I know about him it's that he truly loved his family. There would be no point for me to say anything, it would have probably only caused more problems and a rift in our friendship" Jinyoung chuckles but there was no humour in his voice. "Besides, he's dead," He adds.
That small detail tosses everything that Daniel had come to conclude into the air and he could only gape at the sight of his sad uncle.
His uncle Jinyoung's love was dead.
His uncle Jinyoung was hurting inside and was stuck in this inner turmoil with no solutions.
His uncle Jinyoung was in love with a man who had a family, it was unrequited one-sided love.
His uncle Jinyoung spent all his downtime in a place like this, a place where he had fond memories of his found family, his friends and Gapryong Kim.
His uncle Jinyoung had been in love with Gapryong's mother fucking Kim.
Daniel had no words to respond to everything that was slowly connecting and making sense. Jinyoung seems to sense that Daniel has finally realised what was going on and what he had been trying to tell him.
"It's not that shocking. He was charismatic and oh so wonderful, he made it seem like all our dreams were so attainable and I stupidly fell for that" Jinyoung snorted before nudging his shoulder with his nephews. "Anyways, don't spread this around. I don't need Jake Kim sending me confused or freaked-out looks because of this and although the brat hardly remembers me being around him in his youth it would be a bit overwhelming to think that the only reason I was around his family was because I had the hots for his father" The director warns and Daniel nods vigorously.
"So…Jake knows who you are? But he didn't react like he knew that one time you came to the CC to help with Lineman" Daniel points out and Jinyoung waves him off.
"I knew him when he was very young, I stopped visiting him when his father passed and when he started looking like him…It hurt too much to see his face and to know that it isn't Gapryong," Jinyoung admits before adding softly that. "I know you're close with him so please don't tell him I said that"
Again Daniel nods before turning to take a bite out of his food.
.
.
.
"I couldn't overturn his decision much but he's changed it from an expulsion and ban to being suspended for a certain period" Daniel speaks, his voice clear and his body language firm as he sips the tea that one of the women had brought him.
"Being able to convince him to do that alone is a miracle in itself, the man's as stubborn as an ox and he always thinks he's right" Jake snorts, crossing his arms and shaking his head. "Then again, you are called the Miracle Doctor for a reason" He muses.
Daniel hasn't grown to LOVE the nickname but he's come to accept that he wasn't going to get rid of it. It was a lot to live up to, having to perform miracles without breaking a sweat and although it might perpetuate a certain image about him there wasn't much he could do to change it. Moreover, he was attempting not to lose his mind over the information that his uncle had unloaded onto him the previous night. That his uncle and Jake's father had been…well Daniel didn't know how to describe the whole situation but he did know that he would be giving funny looks to Jake for a little while.
"Honestly I don't even see why I need to go back" Samuel grumbles from his spot on the side. He was quite literally sulking about his situation but it's Sinu gently nudging the younger and giving him a meaningful look that pulls the mad dog back into his place.
"Being able to go back to the CC may not be a blessing but it is a good option to have. If you choose not to work there then you'll need to find another job, you can't laze around and do nothing forever" Sinu reminds and Samuel grumbles under his breath about the man being right.
"Speaking about being able to convince Gun, what was Gun's uncle talking to you about? It seemed like he was trying to get you on board with something and you were denying it" Jake questions, casting his mind back to the conversation from the other day.
Daniel freezes in his spot. That was a question that Daniel had been expecting from Gun, not Jake or the others.
"It's nothing" Daniel waves off. "His uncle just assumed some things and thought I would be able to help but…I can't" He answers as honestly as possible.
"Is this concerning Gun? How would you be able to help in any situation relating to Gun? Isn't he just your employer?" Sinu questions and it was remarkable how insightful the elder was despite not being actively involved in the CC anymore. That question seemed to spark more questions than answers for the leader and vice of Big Deal.
"Um…Honestly, I have no clue why he thought I would be able to convince Gun of anything" Daniel shrugs, smiling sheepishly.
"To be fair, you successfully convinced Gun to overturn his decision in regards to me so it's not far-fetched to think that you wouldn't be able to convince Gun to do something else" Samuel points out before snorting. "Maybe that's the Daniel Park effect, you've just got this aura around you that can just change people's minds and maybe that's working on Gun too. I wouldn't be surprised if you were able to convince him that the world was ending or something like that" The vice chuckles and Jake shakes his head, smiling fondly at his partner before turning back to Daniel.
"Well, whatever it is that Gun's uncle was talking to you about, I just hope that everything is okay. Whatever family problems they have ultimately shouldn't concern or be your problem to fix. Although you seem to work magic and your words hold a lot of weight, their business is their business" Jake's smile seems to dim a little and leans forward a little more, a serious glint appearing in his eyes. "You're fine, right? His uncle didn't threaten you or anything, right?" Jake questions.
Shintaro Yamazaki hadn't outwardly threatened him in any way but his words had still been confronting and hurtful to hear. Nonetheless, the man has done nothing more thus far to physically harm him.
"I'm fine, the elder Yamazaki is just angry that I didn't agree to help him which I guess makes sense since he seems like the type to never be given a no as an answer" Daniel shrugs.
"That doesn't excuse his attitude" Samuel snorts before also turning serious. "What is he trying to convince you to do? I know you look like you don't want to tell us but perhaps we can offer some help if you tell us" He urges and both Jake and Sinu look at him expectantly.
Jake looked a little more eager to hear about his problems and help whereas Sinu was slightly more passive, although the glint in his eyes told Daniel that he was just interested. Daniel debates on whether or not telling the trio would help resolve anything but maybe hearing a fresh set of opinions from people who weren't close to the problem would help the Doctor, after all, he felt like he was bottling everything up. His talk with Shintaro was something he hadn't even told Gun yet if only because the elder looked like he was exhausted from the topic of his father and because the Doctor had no idea how to approach the delicate situation.
"Well…Shintaro wants Gun to return to Japan permanently and take up his mantle as heir to the clan" Daniel spills and surprise falls onto all three of their faces.
"Oh," Jake breathes out, surprised but nodding along. "That's…that's not what I was expecting but it's not that much of a surprise either. Of course, his uncle is here to take him back home so that he can hand the titles over to the heir" The leader hums out, making sense of the sentence.
"I'm guessing Gun disagrees with his family on this, which is why Shintaro went to you for help?" Sinu pipes up and Daniel nods. "I still find that strange, shouldn't Shintaro go to James or Goo about this? Or even Charles? They would surely be able to convince Gun to a better extent than you could if it has to do with leaving the CC" He adds and the other two nod.
"Perhaps he wanted someone that wasn't close to the administrative side but still in the know about the CC and Founders to talk to Gun about this" Daniel shrugs, attempting to continue playing ignorant. The others seem to accept this but Samuel does pass him a curious look.
"So Gun doesn't want to leave but his family is putting pressure on him to make the decision…you know I'm half tempted to try and go and convince the man to leave me. The CC and Korea would be 10 times better if he were gone" Samuel snorts out and Daniel's breath hitches.
The Doctor turns to subtly gaze at the other two occupants in the room who although didn't look like they 100% agreed with the statement weren't denying it either.
"You really think so?" Daniel asks softly, meekly waiting to see and hear their responses.
"After everything that the Founders and more specifically Gun have done to Big Deal, there wouldn't be any feelings lost if he left" Sinu grumbles. "He's made enough of an impact here and I don't believe much will change if he does go, we'll still have Goo and James around to keep everything in order" He reasons and Daniel feels his stomach turn uncomfortably.
"I don't want him to go yet" Jake calls out suddenly, grinning as he speaks. "I still haven't gotten the opportunity to challenge him yet. I need to make sure to beat him before he goes" Jake crosses his arms and his two fellow Big Deal members snort and chuckle at the leader's antiques.
Daniel lets out his own fake laugh at this but it sounds flat even to his ears.
"You know what, if Shintaro wants him back in Japan to be heir do you think he wants Gun to marry and have kids? You know, to secure his spot in the clan?" Samuel reasons and Daniel feels his heart stutter at the mention of marriage and kids.
"The thought of Gun with mini clones of himself is a nightmare" Jake shudders. "I also can't imagine that brute in any kind of happy relationship whether it's arranged or not. You think he's the cold and unnerving type to ignore his spouse and only go to them for official matters such as producing an heir and making more babies?" Jake questions and Samuel nods, laughing loudly at the description.
"Gun as a lover sounds like such a shitty fate, I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy" Samuel sniggers under his breath and it makes Daniel's mouth taste sour, he quickly lifts his tea to take another sip to prevent himself from saying anything. "Like how would he even interact with women he was in a relationship with? One-night stands and sex are different but in a proper relationship, I reckon he'd ignore them. He might not be abusive physically but emotionally he might not engage with his partner. He doesn't seem like the type to be held down by concepts such as love" The vice assumes and Jake horrifyingly seems to nod along.
"Jong Gun Park and the concept of love don't belong together. That man seems completely incapable of loving anyone other than himself" Jake states.
Daniel slams his cup down, some of the tea spilling as he does so but it does work in silencing the two men.
"Daniel, are you alright?" Jake asks after a moment, noticing the stormy look that had appeared on Daniel's face.
"That's…the things you're saying about Gun…they're awfully mean" Daniel momentarily has to collect his thoughts and calm down his anger. As much as he wanted to shout at them that Gun was the complete opposite of what they were saying he couldn't. "I didn't think either of you would be so crass, how would you like it if someone else made these comments about you? This is all so…disrespectful especially when you have no idea about Gun's past or the struggles he's faced" He frowns at them, making sure to express his utter disappointment in their comments and gossiping.
"But it's Gun of all people, people like him don't really deserve respect" Samuel raises a brow, confused by how defensive Daniel had gotten.
"Still, as much as you guys believe that Gun is some horrible monster he isn't. He's as human as you guys are and he doesn't deserve to be talked about like this. When I told you guys the reason why Shintaro came to ask for my help it wasn't just to hear you guys degrade and insult Gun and besides, I dislike this sort of talk…it's disgusting to hear" He adds and luckily slight guilt does appear on both Jake and Samuel's face by the end of his short speech.
The two remain silent, turning to look at each other and have a silent conversation about what had just occurred when Sinu stepped forward.
"He's right, those comments were unnecessarily mean despite our opinions about Gun" Sinu agrees, nodding in Daniels direction who breathes a sigh of relief at the thought that he wasn't the only one who had those feelings. "Besides, love is a wonderful thing and just as the Doctor stated, Gun is human. Who knows what will happen if Gun is partnered or meets the right woman? I know that when I met Yeonhui she changed me for the better, she gave me purpose and I'll protect her and our family no matter what" He reasons before smiling dreamily.
"Love is powerful, it can both build someone or ruin them. Gun may entirely change his ways if he were to fall in love and have children of his own, if anything I could see him softening and spoiling his family. Getting married and having children may be the key to his life" He adds and it causes another emotion to bubble up in Daniel's own heart.
"You really think getting married and starting a family will change him for the better?" Daniel pipes up although his voice is quiet for all the wrong reasons.
"I'd hope so, I don't think Gun has met anyone thus far in his life that could control or change him for the better and if he thinks he has then clearly she's not the right one and she's not doing any good for him if he still continues to act like an ass. So if he meets the right woman and she changes him into some love-struck puppy then good, better for all of us and him" Jake shrugs and Daniel's heart falls.
Their perspective and answers although weren't what Daniel had been expecting or looking for were still insightful and had given him a lot to think about.
Perhaps Gun would be happier with someone else.
For the rest of his visit, Daniel gingerly sips his tea before eventually excusing himself from the Big Deal shopping strip. The walk home felt a little more than just empty.