Yoojin woke up groggy, drooling onto a pillow, and in an unfamiliar place. He tried to sit up, but a whole-body ache and caused him to fall back down on the luxurious bed. Everything was sore. He couldn't even lift his arms! Sung Hyunjae, you monster! Were all S-Rankers crazy like him or was Yoojin just unlucky and got stuck with the most sex deprived, deranged, and perverted one in the world?
Yoojin remembered how horribly concentrated Sung Hyunjae's powers were during their first guiding session. He was probably pent up for both guiding and sex, and Yoojin just happened to be the poor guide to relieve both.
Yoojin didn't even remember them stopping last night. He must have passed out at some point.
The door opened and Yoojin strained to see Sung Hyunjae walk in. He had a new suit and a cheerful smile. "Yoojin-ssi, you're up early. Would you like to dress and have breakfast?"
Damn S-Ranks. Seeing Sung Hyunjae so chipper put Yoojin in a foul mood. At least he came with Yoojin's clothes in a dry cleaner's bag.
Yoojin struggled to sit up. "I can't even stand, let alone get dressed."
"Oh?" Sung Hyunjae set the bags down on the table and sat by Yoojin. "I will dress you, if you like."
"I refuse."
"You mustn't push yourself. Allow me to help you. I'll even let you order me around." Sung Hyunjae said with a wicked grin.
"No." Yoojin said. "I'll be fine. I need to leave anyway."
Sung Hyunjae looked at Yoojin and frowned. He pulled a small jar of oil from the nightstand. It had been the spot all the untouched sex items ended up. Sung Hyunjae eased Yoojin back on the bed and turning him onto his stomach.
"Hey, what are you doing?! I really can't go again! I think I'll die!"
Sung Hyunjae held him down and straddled his hips. "I've never heard of anyone dying in such a way. It would be an interesting way to go."
"Hyunjae!" Yoojin flinched when the cold oil from the jar touched his back.
"Shh, I'm just talking care of my guide. No bad intentions."
"All your intentions are bad."
"Don't say that. Yoojin-ssi means so much to me. Didn't I fulfil your wishes last night?"
Yoojin cursed but could barely move, much less stop an S-Rank. Sung Hyunjae spread the oil over Yoojin's sore back and began working his fingers over the tense muscles. Was this… a massage?
Yoojin waited for any ulterior motives or for a half ass massage but Sung Hyunjae's hands, fingers, and sometimes elbows expertly worked Yoojin's knots and sore muscles. It seemed like Sung Hyunjae could do nothing bad.
"Ahh." Yoojin quickly covered his mouth, but felt Sung Hyunjae chuckle.
"I love how vocal you are. Does this mean I'm doing a good job?"
"… A decent job." Yoojin buried his head into the pillow to stop from moaning again.
"Then I'll have to improve to be good enough for my guide."
"Yes… mmrph… an S-Rank s-should aha have at least one good skill."
Both of Sung Hyunjae's hands pressed into Yoojin's lower back and made him nearly groan. "I'll have to really work on my skills."
The attention and care Sung Hyunjae showed him didn't fit in Yoojin's mind. Yoojin owed Sung Hyunjae a debt. Shouldn't he be at least doing this for Sung Hyunjae?
It was strange to Yoojin. In fact, this was all bizarre. Everything from the earrings to the flowers to the massage. Why did Sung Hyunjae show so much effort to Yoojin?
Sung Hyunjae did Yoojin's legs and arms as well. By the time he was done, Yoojin was born anew and pancaked into the bed.
"Yoojin-ssi, drink some water before you go back to sleep. Can I get you something else? Would you like orange juice?"
Yoojin turned his head and looked at Sung Hyunjae. "Why are you going out of your way so much? Don't you have work or some buildings to destroy?"
"I have to take care of my guide. Your physical health is important for you to maintain your guiding abilities. I've already planned on keeping you. I have to make sure you're in good health."
"You're the one who's not heathy. You need to get your libido checked. There has to be something wrong with you."
"You're the first person to say that to me. No one before had ever thought I even had a libido."
Yoojin stared at Sung Hyunjae. Surely, that was a lie. Just the way he kissed... There was no way he wasn't well experienced with other guides. Or was this just another way he was lacking as a guide? Was Yoojin supposed to be more sex driven?
Sung Hyunjae kissed Yoojin's cheek. "I'm so grateful I was the one to take Yoojin-ssi's first time." His smile turned wicked. "I plan to take you like that every night."
Yoojin blushed. "Y-you're crazy! There's no way I could guide you that much."
Not just him, he reminded himself. Not only Yerim and Yoo Myeongwoo, but Choi Sukwon's low-ranking espers as well. The foul mood settled on Yoojin. He was now lower than a back-alley guide… At least they got paid for guiding… He was lucky nothing bad happened with Sung Hyunjae. He had been so distracted by Sung Hyunjae that his guiding had been on autopilot.
But he wasn't skilled enough to take on Choi Sukwon's espers. How long could he run like this before he messed up and hurt one of them? Or the men got sick of his low-quality guiding and demanded more skin contact and sex.
"Yoojin?"
"Uh, it's nothing. I need to open the restaurant."
"It's rather late. I wouldn't even recommend opening it today."
How lucky gangsters must be to not worry about things like working or earning money? Yoojin needed to work. He had to pay 2 million won in monthly protection money to Choi Sukwon and the dept with Sung Hyunjae. Then there were other expenses like rent, utilities, food, and paying his employees.
Maybe Yoojin should sell the earrings… It wouldn't solve all his problems, but maybe they could help for a few months…
"What time is it?"
Sung Hyunjae pulled out a pocket watch to check. "It's near one, so there's no point opening the restaurant today."
"One? What time is checkout?"
"Checkout?"
"Huh? Don't tell me they're going to bill you for another day." This room was nice and looked expensive. Sleeping in wasn't worth being charged another day.
Sung Hyunjae looked confused. "I had hoped to celebrate our honeymoon for at least a couple of weeks before you left. I'm a little disappointed you want to go back to work after a single night."
"Wait! You booked this room for a couple of weeks!? Did they already charge you?"
Sung Hyunjae looked even more confused. "I didn't book it. I bought it. This room is now reserved for Jupiter only."
Yoojin's mouth hung open. He reached up to hit Sung Hyunjae but couldn't gather the strength to do it.
"Have I upset you?"
How much did the low-tier members of Jupiter make to afford a suite in the East Valley? "Just… drive me home."
Sung Hyunjae sighed deeply. "Of course, Yoojin-ssi."
"You don't have to walk me in. Please, just leave."
No matter what Yoojin said, he couldn't get Sung Hyunjae to go home. They stood next to Sung Hyunjae's fancy car in the worn down part of Downtown. Luckily, no one was around.
"Won't you let me wait in your place until you're done with your shift?"
"No, I would feel bad about making my pet have to put up with you." Sung Hyunjae already had so much dirt on Yoojin. Last thing he needed to learn was that Yoojin was harboring a monster. That, and Yoojin would also have to explain to Sung Hyunjae why he had to leave at night to go to the MLK syndicate.
"Then let me stay in the restaurant. You made us leave without eating."
"Go home and I'll have something delivered to you."
"Hire me as a driver and I'll take you to my place so you don't have to ride your bike. I'm sure your ass is still sore—"
Yoojin quickly reached up and covered Sung Hyunjae's mouth. No one heard that, right?
"Stop suggesting weird things. You think I have money to hire extra help?"
A strange looked crossed Sung Hyunjae's face, and he lowered Yoojin's hands. "Yoojin, you're not going to work because you think you have to pay off your debt still?"
What did he think? Guiding for free paid the bills?
"Hyung?"
Yoojin's breath caught in his throat at the sound of the soft voice. He turned and saw Han Yoohyun standing down the street. His concern expression confused Yoojin at first, but he was so shocked to see his little brother for the first time in three years.
Yoohyun glanced between Sung Hyunjae and Yoojin, and his expression twisted. "Hyung, do you know him?"
Oh, no. Was Yoohyun angry that Yoojin was guiding again? Yoohyun was a mob boss now. He might have felt a responsibility to warn the low-tier gangster about Yoojin's guiding reputation.
"Yoojin-ssi, do you know him?" Sung Hyunjae asked in a cold voice.
Yoojin held out his hands. "Yoohyun, wait. I can explain."
He had spent three years practicing his guiding and never accidentally hurt anyone. He was much more careful now. But if Yoohyun blabbed about how Yoojin almost killed him with bad guiding…
Sung Hyunjae might have been in a low position at Jupiter, but he was still S-Rank. They were prideful. Surely Sung Hyunjae would throw Yoojin away once he found out who he was. Not even Choi Sukwon had wanted Yoojin to guide him.
Sung Hyunjae wrapped an arm around Yoojin and pulled him close.
"What are you doing?" Yoojin asked in a panic.
"Staying close to my guide."
"Your guide?" Yoohyun's voice dropped.
"Yoojin-ssi, your choker is messed up." Sung Hyunjae tugged on the front of Yoojin's coat and exposed his neck. Yoojin had known he would face Yerim and Yoo Myeongwoo, so he had arranged his clothes to hide the bruises Choi Sukwon gave him and the kiss marks Sung Hyunjae had left.
Something loud crashed. Yoojin turned back to his brother and saw the asphalt under Yoohyun's feet had cracked. Yoohyun's eyes had turned faintly red, like those who were about to rampage, and flames danced around him.
"Yoohyun—!" Yoojin was cut off when Sung Hyunjae pulled him back and the car they stood beside went flying.
Yoojin grabbed Sung Hyunjae. "Please, just leave so I can talk to my brother."
Sung Hyunjae stared at him. "Brother?"
Yoohyun was suddenly in front of them with a dark sword raised. "Let go of my hyung."
Sung Hyunjae released Yoojin and dodged the blade. Sung Hyunjae's chains appeared and shot out toward Yoohyun. Yoojin's heart was in his thoart but Yoohyun turned his body in air to dodge the golden chains. They were fighting in the middle of the street in front of his restaurant and home!
Yoohyun and Sung Hyunjae moved far too fast for Yoojin to keep track of their moments. Swords clashed with chains and flames burst all around him. Yoojin stepped back, covering his face from the heat of one of Yoohyun's attacks.
The windows in the building at the end of the street exploded. The ground shock and Yoojin almost lost his balance.
Yoohyun landed on one foot after a jump and quickly had to move to his other to dodge the chain that aim for his leg. While off balance Sung Hyunjae appeared in front of him and kicked him in the chest, sending him flying.
Yoojin nearly screamed, seeing his brother hurt in such a way. Yoohyun dragged his feet into the asphalt and regained his footing to charge the other esper.
Yoohyun slashed his sword, but Sung Hyunjae moved away from every attack. Sung Hyunjae hadn't used his main skill yet but the chains flew around Yoohyun, making it hard for him to find good footing for his attacks.
Yoojin wasn't sure who was winning, but this couldn't go on for long. Yoohyun was about to rampage and if he continued to use his powers…
Yoojin had to do something. He couldn't let this go on. A large flame shot out and Sung Hyunjae barely moved away in time. Yoojin flinched away from the hot fire.
One of the chains cut through Yoohyun's arm and he fell back into the road hard enough to crack the cement.
Yoohyun cut the chain and ran back toward Sung Hyunjae. But that was all Yoojin could handle. He couldn't see his baby brother hurt anymore. He ran out into the middle of the street and blocked Yoohyun's path.
"Yoojin!"
"Hyung!"
Yoohyun pulled back his sword and barely missed Yoojin. Yoojin still flinched and closed his eyes against the heat of the blade. Yoohyun dropped the sword on the road and hugged Yoojin. Yoojin blinked. It was strange for his brother to be this close to him after the incident—
Yoojin gasped, and his feet nearly gave out.
What was Yoohyun thinking!?!
His massively condensed power was running wild! No wonder he was about to rampage. He was a mob boss now! He could afford a decent guide! Yoohyun's chaotic energy made it feel like Yoojin was holding a cold brick. His power was hard and with sharp edges, that felt like they would cut into him.
But Yoohyun was a powerful esper, so it was more like he stood in a poorly built room, with walls stacked high with these bricks that all threatened to plummet down on him.
Yoojin wrapped his arms around Yoohyun. Maybe just a little guiding wouldn't make his brother too mad…
Yoohyun lifted his head and met Yoojin's eyes. His eyes were wet. "Hyung! What trouble have you gotten into!?"
Yoojin froze. Almost caught trying to guide him. Then Yoohyun's words registered. Trouble? He glanced at Sung Hyunjae, who stood apart from them, watching. He didn't offer any help.
Yoohyun touched the bruises on Yoojin's neck. "How many people are you guiding right now? Did he do this to you? Are you in debt again?"
"What? Slow down. I don't understand."
Yoohyun threw Yoojin over his should and turned around.
"Hey! Where are you going? Put me down!"
Thunder exploded in the clear sky, and Yoohyun shot Sung Hyunjae a cold look over his shoulder. "As much as I don't want to separate brothers, you're walking away with my guide."
Yoohyun's face darkened.
"Stop instigating this!" Yoojin shouted. Someone was likely going to get hurt. Probably the only non-S-Ranker person here!
"Never touch my brother again."
"I don't think you can stop me." Yoojin gasped at Sung Hyunjae's bold words. "But I'm not the one who gave him those bruises. If it wasn't you either, then I'm just as in the dark as you are."
"If it's not you, then I know who did."
"Oh?" Sung Hyunjae looked surprised. "Is it someone you can handle on your own?"
"I can protect my brother. I don't need any favors from Jupiter."
"No, no, this wouldn't be a favor. Like I said, he's my guide. I would consider it my pleasure."
Yoohyun hesitated. Yoojin hit his back. "Hey, don't listen to him. Stop looking for people to fight!" Yoojin shot Sung Hyunjae a look and the handsome man only smiled.
That bastard.
Why was he trying to get his baby brother involved in his business? Yoohyun was still a small organization. There was no way he could face the whole MLK group. And if Sung Hyunjae insisted on getting involved, that would only draw attention from Jupiter's boss.
Yoojin wanted to cry at the thought of another boss finding out about him. There was only so much he could deal with.
"Yoohyun, don't listen to him and put me down."
"Yoojin, I'm taking you with me." Yoohyun answered.
"Huh? Where?"
"My place. I'm not letting you out of my sight again."
Huh!?
No, he had to guide at MLK tonight. And why was he like this suddenly? He had told Yoojin he never wanted him to guide him again, so why was he taking him to his place?
"Might I suggest my place?" Flames shot out of Yoohyun's fist at Sung Hyunjae's suggestion.
Sung Hyunjae held his hands up. "You can relax. There's no ill intention. But if you know the person who did that to him, then they know about you as well. What will they do if you play into their hands and react the way they want? Give Yoojin-ssi to me for a few months or years and I will help you handle everything."
"Did you say years?" Yoojin shouted, but no one answered him.
"… and you can guarantee you can handle them… even without me saying who it is."
Sung Hyunjae smiled, and that was all the answer Yoohyun needed.
"Just for a month, and no guiding."
"YOOHYUN!!! Don't make these decisions for me."
Sung Hyunjae frowned when he heard 'no guiding'. "I will not ask for guiding nor would I force him," Sung Hyunjae finally said.
"HEY! Don't involve yourself in other people's business!"
Yoohyun sat Yoojin down, but grabbed his shoulder before he could run away. Even with the wound in his arm from the chain he was able to immobilize him. Blood stained his clothes but Yoohyun didn't even bat an eye at the gruesome injurie.
"Yoojin…"
"No, no, you can't just come back and demand I pack up and move."
"Yoojin… you're in trouble."
"I…" Yoojin couldn't deny it. "…You're the one bleeding…"
Yoohyun knew? But how much? It sounded like it was only the MLK business. If he knew more, he wouldn't be letting him stay with Sung Hyunjae.
"I'm sorry I couldn't protect you and I let it get this bad, Hyung…"
"Yoohyun… it's not your problems. I might have let something get out of control, but I promise I can handle it. There's no need to be disappointed."
"It's not disappointment. I feel guilt."
Then why did you leave for three years? But Yoojin couldn't handle the painful look of Yoohyun while he had red eyes on the verge of rampaging.
Yoojin reached for his brother, like he had always done, but his hands shook.
"Oh… I know you don't like when I touch you… and I was a really bad guide… but I've been practicing and I know I'm not high ranking enough…"
"Hyung," Yoohyun took Yoojin's hand in his and smile.
Yoojin smile too and fought not to shed tears that build up in his eyes. He was very, very, very carefully guiding his brother. His mind separated pure power from concentrated buildup and absorb it into his own body where it would disappear.
The power was thick and dark. Yoojin couldn't believe this guy. How long since he had been guided? Why did he let it get this bad? He should be able to afford a decent guide.
"You crazy kid. How could you let it get this bad? Do you not have money even for inhibitors? How can you go around like this?"
Yoojin actually felt a little nauseous. It was expected. Completely draining an S-Rank who was close to a rampage was difficult. It normally took two high-quality guides. Yoojin just wanted to remove the immediate dangers of rampaging.
Yoohyun was the first to pull away. The redness was gone from his eyes and not only had he stopped bleeding but the wound was healed. He had been stabilized and his body healed, but his power was still chaotic. He still needed more guiding.
"Be careful not to overdo yourself, Hyung. You already look pale."
He felt a little shaky. Was it because he wasn't used to the focused ability of the earrings? Or from the subconscious guiding him and Sung Hyunjae had done all night? He wished he could prove to Yoohyun that he was a better guide now, but he was tired.
"Take him and don't let him out of your sight." It took Yoojin a moment to realize Yoohyun wasn't talking to him.
"Of course," Sung Hyunjae said. "Though it's a little insulting to make me watch my guide bring someone back from the edge of rampaging, when I'm not allowed to ask for guiding anymore."
"He's not your guide. Once this mess is taken care of, you will go away."
Sung Hyunjae nearly laughed. "We will see, Young Master."
"Hey, I can—" Yoojin was trying to escape Yoohyun's hold when Sung Hyunjae grabbed his other shoulder. "Ugh! Why are you two doing this?"
Sung Hyunjae smiled at Yoojin. "Didn't I tell you it's my responsibility to look after my guide? This just makes it easier."
"I'll see you soon, Hyung."
"Wait, you just got here! Are you really leaving?"
"I promise I'll handle this and…. and… I'll make it up to you. I'm so sorry, Hyung. When this is over we can go back to how it was before."
"Make up what? Before what? Hey! Get back here!"
"Ahjussi!" Yerim's voice rang out. "Where have you been??? I've been looking everywhere for you! Did you hear an explosion a little ago?"
Yerim ran down the street and Yoohyun passed by them before disappearing down the road.
"Yoojin!" Yoo Myeongwoo called.
"Why are you two runny toward the sound of explosions?" Yoojin yelled at them. Why was all this happening at once?
Sung Hyunjae looked at his destroyed car and sighed. He changed his grip to around Yoojin's waist so he couldn't get away and pulled out his phone. "Why don't you say goodbye to the little girl and chef while I call for a car?"
Yoojin looked at the car and wondered if he was going to make Yoojin pay for the damages…
"Ahjussi! Who's that man? Why is he holding you like that?"
Yoo Myeongwoo looked shocked to see someone holding Yoojin so closely. But also concerned how much damage was done to the street.
"He-he… he's, umm, well…"
"Is that blood, Yoojin? Are you hurt?" Yoo Myeongwoo looked at Sung Hyunjae.
Yerim looked closely at Sung Hyunjae. "Is he a gangster?"
"W-well…he's… um…"
Yerim's eyes narrowed. "Why weren't you home last night. I had to take care of Peace."
"Umm…" Yoojin didn't have clue what to say. In a last stich effort, he looked up at Sung Hyunjae for help. If he refused to let Yoojin go, he could at least step up and help.
Sung Hyunjae smiled at Yoojin, phone still to his ear. "Yoojin-ssi was with me all night."
"Yoojin is that true?" Yoo Myeongwoo asked, aghast.
Both Yoojin and Yerim gasped.
"Don't tell me," Yerim covered her mouth. "Are you dating?"
Yoojin froze with his mouth hanging open. What a horrible misunderstanding. He had to correct it right away.
"That's right," Sung Hyunjae answered before he could.
Yerim glared at the unfamiliar older man.
Precious Moments and a Fondness That Feels like Betrayal
Yoojin quickly cleared up the misunderstanding with Yerim and Yoo Myeongwoo, and told them he had to go away for some personal reasons. They both looked at Sung Hyunjae suspiciously. Sung Hyunjae smiled happily while he called for a car.
The whole time, Yoojin explained the situation he held either Yerim's or Yoo Myeongwoo's hand to get one last guiding in before he was forced away. He hoped they didn't awaken while he was gone.
Yoojin said he was giving them paid time off. Since it was his fault the shop would be closed. His bank account would suffer, his customers would be upset, and he wouldn't be able to make any money for his debts.
… It looked like the earring were going to be sold after all. They were nice while he had them…
The car arrived, and Yoojin had to say goodbye. A cheerful blonde greeted them at the car.
"Hello, Sir~" She was covered in scratches, and her clothes were torn. She looked tired, but never stopped smiling. "And you must be Mr. Yoojin-nim. I'm Kang Soyoung. We got him all packed up like you said and will bring over the rest later."
She opened the door, and they all heard ripping fabric and destruction sounds. Yoojin stepped back but glanced into the car.
"PEACE!"
The little red monster stopped shredding up the expensive sports car and looked toward Yoojin. "MEORW!"
Peace released the fabric it was tearing off the seats and lunged into Yoojin's arms. Peace pawed at Yoojin and rubbed its face over him, mewing sadly.
"Oh, Peace, I'm so sorry. I've been gone so long."
Sung Hyunjae leaned close to Yoojin's ear. "It is still illegal to house monsters. The fewer people who see you holding one, the better." Sung Hyunjae gestured for him to enter the vehicle.
"Ah… I'm sorry about the car… both of them. I can… pay… for the damages." Saying that hurt his soul. Today had become more expensive than he ever could have imagined.
Sung Hyunjae wrapped his arm around Yoojin and lead him to the car. Peace snarled at the unfamiliar person.
"As my guide, you should practice being more selfish. Or at least aware of your value. This car and the pet are trivial things compared to you."
Yoojin sat in the sports car and had trouble believing Sung Hyunjae's words. Peace was so happy to sit on Yoojin's lap again that it didn't even care Sung Hyunjae was right next to them.
Sung Hyunjae drove them to Jupiter. Yoojin pleaded to go through the back, but Sung Hyunjae walked through the front entrance with his arm around him.
Yoojin hoped no one recognized him, but everyone was staring.
"Meowr." Peace yowled from Yoojin's distressed energy. He was grateful Sung Hyunjae had retrieved the small monster, so Yoojin had something soft to hold and pet.
"You shouldn't let people know you brought a guide here. Are you even allowed to bring outside guides in here?" Yoojin asked when he noticed Sung Hyunjae didn't go through security.
"Hmm, I'm not sure. I've never asked."
Everyone was staring. It was going to get back to the Jupiter boss for sure. "Hey, you're going to get me in trouble. If the boss finds out about me—"
Sung Hyunjae pulled Yoojin into an elevator. "No one will interfere with you while you're here. There's nothing to worry about. So, breathe."
Yoojin was taking quick breaths and tried to slow down. "How can I not worry? I'm in the Jupiter building! Everyone just saw me."
It didn't look like Sung Hyunjae listened to a single complaint or worry Yoojin had and took him through the penthouse entrance. They entered a large room that could be considered a mansion on its own. Both Peace and Yoojin stared at the tropical fish in the large aquarium in fascination.
Sung Hyunjae wrapped his arms around Yoojin and ignored Peace's growls. "Someone will deliver your things. In the meantime, I'll buy you anything you need. There's a guest room on the main floor, but I would prefer if you shared the master suite."
Yoojin stared at him. His racing heart was the only thing he could hear. "Sung Hyunjae, are you selling me out to Jupiter's boss…?"
This wasn't the room of a normal low-tier man. It was the penthouse. Only one person stayed here. The boss of Jupiter. Sung Hyunjae just smiled.
"Wait! Sung Hyunjae, I thought we had a deal? Y-you promised not to tell the Jupiter leader about me!"
Sung Hyunjae touched Yoojin's arms until he released Peace. The monster mewed, rubbed its face against Yoojin's legs, and growled at Sung Hyunjae, but it was hesitant to attack the S-Rank.
Sung Hyunjae picked Yoojin up in his arms and carried him over to one of the two couches that faced each other. "Hey! Just talk to me, damnit! I can make a better deal! Just don't tell your boss—!"
Sung Hyunjae laid Yoojin on the couch. He leaned over him like he had on their first night together. "A better deal? Would you sign the dedicating guiding contact with me?"
"Not on your life!"
His brother just come back, and he got to guide him again. He used to think he if he had to be a dedicated guide, he would do it for Yoohyun. But he wasn't strong enough to take care of an S-Rank, and now he had other to take care of too.
And how was he going to sneak to MLK now?!?
"Hmm, then there's nothing else you can offer me." He held Yoojin's arms down. "I'm glad the earrings are such high quality. I couldn't feel a thing while you guided those two right in front of me."
"Are you jealous?" Yoojin asked in shock. "Are you mad?"
"Why would I be mad, seeing my guide take such good care of others? You still have energy to guide an S-Rank near rampage and two unawaken after you spent the night with me. My guide is more impressive than I could have imagined."
Yoojin frowned. He had never thought about his capacity for guiding. All he had thought was it might be the last time to guide Han Yoohyun, Yerim, and Yoo Myeongwoo, so he had to.
But that was a lot of espers…
Sung Hyunjae kissed Yoojin. Peace growled from the floor.
"If I've impressed you so much, please don't let the Jupiter boss find out about me."
"Isn't someone with your amount of power more suited for a mob boss? He might find you so astonishing, he would give you anything you wanted on the spot."
Yoojin pulled his arms out of his grip and shoved him. "That's not funny! And why are you kissing me? We did it all night."
"Not all night. You passed out and nothing I did could wake you."
A blush flared over Yoojin's face. "Is-is… d-do you want to do that again? Is that what you want?"
"I will never tire of how cute you are. Since I haven't prepared a welcome gift, I won't press the dedicated guide contract today."
How was that supposed to be a gift?
"Tell me about the relationship with your brother. Any esper would be a fool to give you up."
Like he would tell anyone about his past, especially a gangster who could use all that information against him. He meant to push Sung Hyunjae off him, but his fingers dug into the expensive shirt he wore and he couldn't let go. Why were his eyes fogging up?
"It's okay," Sung Hyunjae gently urged him on. "I'm not going anywhere."
Yoojin was shocked at how quick his emotions turned and lifted his head to bury his face in the fabric of Sung Hyunjae's shirt. Seeing his brother had unleased all kinds of feelings he had bottled up over the years and he didn't want Sung Hyunjae to see him like this.
Sung Hyunjae turned on his side and pulled Yoojin into his arms, where he could hold him.
Escape
Yoojin was drained after giving into Sung Hyunjae's demands. First, he told him about his past with his brother, and how Yoohyun said he almost killed him while guiding. He had been so bad at guiding he didn't even realize he was doing it. Then how Yoohyun had called him out in front of the whole syndicate and destroyed Yoojin's reputation as a guide so badly he wasn't able to guide again. He had spent three years not knowing if his brother was okay or not.
Yoojin believed that any esper who heard his story would be outraged that he had been guiding them. But for some reason, once he started telling Sung Hyunjae, he wasn't worried about him getting upset.
Sure, Sung Hyunjae would leave him once he found a better guide, but not because of his past.
Sung Hyunjae brushed the hair out of Yoojin's face and kiss his forehead.
"My guide has suffered a lot."
Sung Hyunjae held Yoojin until he was nearly asleep again, letting him use his arm as a pillow. When Sung Hyunjae's phone rang, he answered it without talking, gave Yoojin another kiss, and apologizing for having to leave.
He placed Peace in Yoojin's arms before he left. The small monster quickly cuddled against him.
Yoojin bet they kept the low-tier mobster like Sung Hyunjae busy.
He was so emotionally drained he didn't even care if the Jupiter Boss walked in and found him.
Yoojin sat up.
He actually really did care if the Jupiter Boss found him and headed to the front door. He had biked to the Jupiter building many times, walking wouldn't be that hard.
He took Peace and opened the door, but Kang Soyoung stood in the hallway.
"Oh! Yoojin-nim~! Is there something I can help you with?"
"Huh? Oh… I was just leaving."
"Leaving? Do you need to pick something up?"
She blocked his escape to the elevator. Even if he could get around her, she was an A-Rank esper.
"I just want to go home."
"Your things will arrive soon. If you need something, we can order it. They gave me a company card to get anything you needed~. Do you want to spurge on something?"
"No, that's fine. I can just leave."
"Where do you want to go? We can take my bike, but if you bring the monster, we will need a car. Would you like to go shopping or somewhere to eat?"
They stared at each other. Where all gangsters secretly crazy and Yoojin hadn't noticed? And why was she watching him? "I would like to go by myself. I just need some fresh air. I've… I've been around powerful espers all day and I'm not even an awakened."
Her eyes widened. "Oh! I know the perfect place~!"
Yoojin looked at the marvelous garden. It had been closed off, so Yoojin could enjoy it all to himself. Peace went crazy, breaking branches and destroying sections of flowers. Yoojin had been so scared of an esper finding Peace and killing the small monster that Yoojin kept him inside. Peace must have missed the outside.
Kang Soyoung showed him around and enjoyed seeing Peace tear a rose bush out of the ground. "It's alright, just last month we had to redo the garden because of an esper's rampage. The boss had to step in and stop her before our guides could even get close to her."
"Huh," Yoojin nodded. "It seems even big organizations have trouble keeping all their espers from rampaging."
"We try to keep it out of the public's eye, otherwise the Association will come and do an inspection. But even with all our guides, some espers will use their powers until they rampage and those are the hardest to keep stabilized."
Yoojin sighed. It sounded like nothing but work for guides, constantly stabilizing espers who couldn't stop using their powers.
Kang Soyoung touched Yoojin's forehead. "Does Yoojin-nim need a guide? You don't look so good. Even if you're not awakened, you may need guiding if you are close to awakening."
Yoojin smiled at her offer. "I'm fine. But I haven't eaten all day, so maybe it's just hunger."
"Oh! I hadn't thought about that! Stay right here. I will call someone to have something brought up."
She disappeared fast. Espers really were careless with their powers.
Yoojin sighed again and turned around to look for Peace when he heard coughing.
"Hello?"
"…uh…"
Yoojin followed the sounds and pushed past some bushes. "AH!" A young man had fallen and was covered in blood. His powers washed over Yoojin. He desperately needed to be stabilized. Yoojin ran over to him and helped him get up. "Hey are you—"
The young blond man turned red eyes to Yoojin. He grabbed Yoojin's shirt and slammed him to the ground. Yoojin's vision faded in and out, and he tasted blood.
Golden sparks flicked around the esper and a thick, black fog drifted above them. Everything it touched quickly wilted and then melted. Yoojin tried to pry the hand off his chest. The man never let go and continued to stare down at him with his red eyes.
Rampage.
The esper was rampaging and didn't see Yoojin as a person or an object. He was just in his way.
"Noah!" Kang Soyoung came sprinting back and yelled. "What are you doing?!"
"Soyoung, stop!"
She stopped at Yoojin's command, but didn't like it. Yoojin could see how flustered and scared she was, but too much commotion would just send Noah into a panic, and he would destroy everything around him. Including Yoojin.
"Yoojin, I'm sorry, please stay still! I can kill him before he hurts you, so I need you to—"
"What? No! Just… just…" Ah, what to say? What to do? Yoojin looked up into the young, tormented esper's face and felt the same thing he felt when he saw his younger brother in a similar situation. "Soyoung, just stay back!"
"Yoojin!"
Peace had run back to him and growled at Noah, but didn't know what to do either. The little monster was very sensify to the swirly powers coming off Noah and arched its back and bared its fangs.
"It's all right," Yoojin called. Slowly, he reached up and touched Noah's face. He snarled and bite Yoojin's fingers. Yoojin held back a scream. He was close enough to guide.
"It's all right," Yoojin said again to Noah in a calm voice. Blood dripped down from his hand. "It's all right. You're going to be okay."
His hand hurt and something broke. Yoojin flinched, a pained sound came out of his throat, and he really hoped he wouldn't lose his fingers.
Noah was an S-Rank and even if Soyoung tried to, she would never get to him in time. So, he focused everything into his power. Yoojin had felt a lot of espers recently and learned they all held power differently.
Noah was like a dark forest. A fog had blocked out the sun and made it hard to see the way out. Being blinded and alone, while trees and wives grew and tried to wrap around him and suffocate him. Yoojin struggled to move through the encircling forest before it blocked him in.
Lifting the fog wasn't the hard part, and Yoojin's body easily excepted the excess power to dispose of it. But the pressure on his chest was crushing and Noah's teeth dug into his hand.
"Mr. Noah, please look at me." Yoojin's voice was faint.
Noah did, and this time his eyes were gray, not red. He spit out Yoojin's hand and coughed out a mouth full of blood. He started to shiver and tremble before he fell on Yoojin and curled against him.
"Yoojin!"
Breathing deep. "It's okay, Soyoung, I'm fine."
Noah was still shaking but Yoojin could make out a faint, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
Yoojin rested his good hand on his head and focused on guiding. He was sweating. He felt sick and might throw up. Was it because of the smell of blood?
Yoojin opened his eyes. Whoa, when did Kang Soyoung kneel next to him? He squinted at her. She was blurry and speaking, but he couldn't hear a word.
He closed his eyes, or they closed on him because he couldn't keep them open any longer. Oh… maybe he was at his limit… guiding two S-Ranks near/at rampage, not to mention two unawakened, and Sung Hyunjae all in one day…
It would be… easier… if he was a better guide… then he could protect… everyone.
Yoojin's head spun. The only thing he could feel was a sense of sun coming through a once dark forest…
Yerim hated school and hated her home even more. When she got home, she could already hear her uncle yelling from across the house. When he got like this, she packed up her schoolbag and either headed to her friend's house or Yoojin's place. Yoojin had given her a spare key to lock up or to come over when she needed.
Yoojin was a heavy sleeper, and half the time didn't even wake up when she came over anymore.
She wiped the sweat off her forehead, took a deep breath to hold down the nausea, and almost passed out. Walking to her room was hard, the room felt too hot. She'd been getting sick a lot lately, and it had been effecting her school and home life… but not her work life. The thought of going back to the restaurant was tempting, but she knew Yoojin wouldn't be there. He was off with his boyfriend.
Yerim didn't want to interfere with the first person Yoojin had shown interest in since she had known him. But she wished she could go to his place and hang out with him and play with Peace. The little monster was so cute.
Yerim took fever medicine and lied down. Her uncle was yelling, accusing her of skipping work. He only let her stay here if she was able to pay for her own things and work. She didn't have the energy to explain what had really happened. Her uncle didn't treat his son like this. Only her.
The fever was only getting worse, and she couldn't get out of bed. Even with her uncle yelling, she could barely move. It was hard to move her hand to grab the phone.
Yoojin didn't answer, no matter how many times she tried calling him. She didn't know why she was so determined to reach Yoojin when she had a fever, but she just felt like she needed to call him.
When he didn't answer for the fifteenth time, she called Yoo Myeongwoo. It was a relief to hear his voice.
"Oppa…"