"Set me down right now!" Yoojin shouted as he struggled in the esper's hold. He didn't expect Riette to listen, but she suddenly tossed him through the air. He grunted as his back hit a sofa.
He looked around. She had moved so fast that he didn't even recognize this part of Jupiter. The well decorated, empty lounge looked unfamiliar. Several places to sit and relax filled the room, and sunlight streamed in through the wall-to-ceiling windows. The view of the city was spectacular.
Riette knelt on the sofa, and Yoojin's head shot up. "What are you doing?" He hurried as far back as the sofa allowed, but Riette crawled forward. Her hand next to Yoojin's hip supported her weight, and the other braced the back of the couch. The sofa sank under her. His eyes shot to the thick muscles in her arms and shoulders.
"No need to be scared. I just want a sample." Long, pointed nails roughly pressed into his chest. "I'll settle with guiding, but I'm willing to try the other delicacies you have to offer."
He gasped at the ridiculous nonsense, but his eyes lowered as she touched his chest again. Her nails scraped down his torso, dragging the fabric of his shirt and exposing his collarbone.
"I'm a high-ranking esper," she said casually, but the prestige of her rank seeped through her words. "S-rank with a wonderful skill. Guides have begged to work with me."
"The guides in the department seemed scared of you."
She shrugged. "Weak guides. But you didn't back down when I tested you with my power. You must be something special. No wonder you could seduce Boss Hyunjae."
"I didn't seduce anyone!" He shouted to defend himself.
"Oh?" She raised a brow and lowered her mouth to his stomach to lick the fabric. Her tongue was so stiff he felt it carved into his skin. She lifted her dark eyes to meet his. "Then shall I seduce you?"
His blush worsened. "No."
She pouted, resting her cheek on his stomach. "Boo. Guides are no fun anymore."
Yoojin slowly sat up. It seemed like she could be reasoned with. "It's against Jupiter's esper and guide employee standards to guide outside the designated areas."
"But if you're Boss Hyunjae's lover, you can be mine just as easily."
Yoojin didn't think she had any real interest in him. It was more like she wanted to see what had attracted Boss Hyunjae. He shook his head. "I'm not a back-alley guide."
"Of course not, Darling. I can tell just looking at you that you're something special." Her hands came down to box Yoojin against the sofa. "How about I convince you I'm better than the boss?"
"Oh?" His voice shook. He had to lean his head back to avoid their faces touching.
"I have a second form that drives everyone crazy." She leaned down, and her breath brushed Yoojin's cheek. "I'm one of the Dio Twins. I can turn into a big, sexy dragon whenever I want. Have you ever seen a black dragon that wasn't a monster?"
Yoojin struggled to push her off. He didn't care about espers with second transformations. And he never—
He stiffened, and his eyes widened. "Did you say a black dragon?"
She grinned, thinking she impressed him.
Hell.
SHE WAS THE REASON HE MET SUNG HYUNJAE.
He wanted to curse. Yoojin had been making a night delivery when he saw a black dragon attack another syndicate. It wiped out everything and changed back into a human before darting away.
Yoojin had wanted to disappear before the dragon came back. But when he turned to flee, he ran into Sung Hyunjae. Alerting the mob member that Yoojin witnessed Jupiter's illegal activity.
But instead of killing him, Sung Hyunjae had offered him a deal. A strange deal. He wanted to consolidate Yoojin's debts.
No matter how Yoojin looked at that deal, Sung Hyunjae came out at a loss. It was too good to be true. The only reason a gangster would take such a deal was if they had bad intentions. However, Yoojin didn't care as long as it got him away from Diarma.
Yoojin felt torn. So many things had happened because of her, and not all were good. He wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her. But he also wouldn't be here, trapped under her on the sofa.
A lot of emotions—confusing emotions—flickered through him.
"Hmm? Darling? What's gotten you so fussy? You look like you want to hit me out of nowhere."
"Just let me up—"
She grabbed both his hands and pinned them above his head. Her face was too close. Her chest pushed against his. His blush worsened by a thousand times. The hard edges of her well-trained physique and the soft evidence of a female body pressed into him.
"Not until I get a taste."
He scoffed. "You're not getting anything from me."
"Oh? So confident." Her free hand lingered on his throat until he looked away. He sucked in a breath as her hand lowered. "I have ways to get what I want."
His eyes widened as her hand trailed down his stomach, searching for the indent in his ribs and the curve of his hips. The inspection was quick but felt like ages as her delicate fingers turned every spot they touched into jelly. Yoojin sucked in a breath. "Y-You-ah-stop it! Y-ah-You! HA HA HA HA! Ahhh—Stop that!"
Laughter burst from Yoojin. Her fingers tickled his ribs. Wiggling along the sensitive junction of his stretched arms and back to his waist to a spot that made him howl. He tried breaking her grip or turning away, but she pressed harder against him, holding him in place while she found every ticklish spot.
"Stop! S-stop!" He said between gasped giggles. A smile threatened to crack his lips, and tears blocked his vision. She let go of his hands and used all her fingers on him.
He almost jumped off the couch, twisting and kicking. He grabbed her hand, but his fingers lost their dexterity. He couldn't breathe! "C-Can't—HA HA HA!! I—Ah—CAN'T—!!!"
She snickered. "Guides certainly have gotten cuter. I can do this all day, Darling."
He shook his head. His hips wiggled to escape her hold, and more tears fell from his eyes. He could barely speak, let alone reason with this—this crazy woman! Was this how people treated guides now?
"Hahahaha!! St~stop! AHHhhh—EEH! STO—AHHHH!"
She laughed and tickled him harder. "I never had a thing for cute guides. I've always liked big, brawny guides. Seeing all that courage crumble before me was better than any guiding. But you are lovely the more I look at you."
He rocked back and forth, and more laughter crackled from his lips. His legs wildly kicked out. He felt so hot and couldn't draw in enough air to speak. "I'll do it! Haha! I'll—hahaha—do it! Please s-s-stop! Stop!"
She beamed, still tickling him. "Aww, my sweet darling, do you mean it?"
"YES!"
The hands lifted, and he nearly choked. His quick, gasping pants were desperate to fill his depleted lungs. An occasional chuckle parted his lips, tears still stained his cheeks.
She cupped his chin and arched his neck, their lips inching closer. "Thank you for this meal—"
Her eyes widened, and her weight lifted off him. For a moment, she hovered a few inches above him. He couldn't make out her form as she shot through the large, wall covering window and out of the building. The crash of the glass and impact shook the attached walls.
The gust of wind rushed over him, blowing his hair and cooling his warm skin.
Sung Hyunjae stood above him.
Yoojin tried to say his name but choked on his own breath. The dark look on Sung Hyunjae's face stayed glued to the broken window panels, but Riette never resurfaced. They had to be past the thirtieth floor. Was she all right?
No. She was an S-rank. If anything, the street below would take the worst damage.
But Sung Hyunjae moved toward the window as if to follow her.
Yoojin reached for him, snatching the sleeve of his suit. Sung Hyunjae turned to him.
He quickly wiped the tears from his eyes and cleared his throat. His heart hammered like he ran a marathon. "I—" He coughed a few times, trying to speak too quickly. Sung Hyunjae waited, not saying anything or changing his grim expression. "I was—" he coughed one last time, swallowed and began again. "I was in the guiding department today observing a guide while he worked. You might hear some strange stories about me guiding some espers."
By the look of it, that was not what Sung Hyunjae expected to hear. After a bit of silence, Sung Hyunjae sighed. "Are you all right, Yoojin-ssi?"
"Yes."
"Can you stand?"
"Of course." Yoojin rose to his feet, slightly unsteady and dizzy but able to stand on his own. He hadn't been hurt. There shouldn't have been a need for Sung Hyunjae's dark expression. However, Sung Hyunjae, who had come to his rescue like some modern-aged knight, didn't seem convinced. Yoojin clenched his hand. Unsure if the blossoming heat in his heart came from the appearance of his rescuer or the effects of the tickling starving him of oxygen.
Silently, Sung Hyunjae scanned him over, inspecting his wrinkled clothes and flushed skin.
Yoojin thought he saw a glimmer of darkness in Sung Hyunjae's eyes. The somber look of the esper was familiar, like seeing an unknown actor on TV. He recognized seeing them before, but no names came to mind. But the brief display disappeared too quickly for Yoojin to identify.
Sung Hyunjae's gaze flickered to the window, and Yoojin pulled him away.
Jupiter was just rebuilt. He didn't want to think of the damage two S-ranks could cause. Seeing the shattered window and cracked walls made him sigh. What would it be like to have that much power?
What was the point of espers protecting the city from monsters if they caused the most damage?
"Yoojin, be careful." Sung Hyunjae wrapped his arm around his back to support him.
He didn't protest. It felt nice, but he still glanced around to ensure no one else saw them. Since returning from their week-long date, he missed openly touching. He had to reel himself back now that they were in a work environment.
Yoojin licked his lips. He wanted to ask Sung Hyunjae on a second date, but they had just returned from the first one. He needed to wait at least a week, which was fine. He didn't have the courage to do it anyway.
His heart leaped at just imagining it. Sung Hyunjae looked at him as if he could pick up the subtle pulse increase. Yoojin smiled and stopped in front of the elevators.
Sung Hyunjae spoke. "I was advised today that it would benefit you to be seen guiding other espers."
Yoojin glanced at Sung Hyunjae, but the esper stared ahead. The intense warmth he had felt thinking about another date faded, and he suddenly felt lost. He turned back to the closed doors.
"Oh."
Sung Hyunjae didn't say whether he agreed with the advisory, but hearing him speak like that still felt strange. He had always enjoyed guiding, so it wouldn't be a big deal. Then why did it feel so unpleasant now?
The elevators were slow.
"Besides hiding the fact you're my only guide, it would also relieve some of the focus on you," Sung Hyunjae said. "Establishing a false persona would eliminate the Association's interest, providing an indirect shield for your abilities as well."
Nodding, Yoojin listened to Sung Hyunjae's almost robotic reasoning. There was no flaw that he could point out. Not that Yoojin had any counter objections while their relationship was being kept under wraps. And even the term 'relationship' stretched reality.
As the doors opened, Sung Hyunjae turned to Yoojin. "Do you agree?"
But what would that make them? Sung Hyunjae had once said he liked Yoojin, but did that change the fact that Yoojin was just a guide for the organization?
He pushed down the tight feeling in his chest. His greed tore at his insides, but he had to consider this a good thing. If it meant being able to stay near Sung Hyunjae, of course, he would. There wasn't much time left before they found Choi Sukwon, and Yoojin left to be with his brother.
Yoojin nodded and smiled. "If that will help the organization, there is nothing to object to. My Association schedule is temporary, so I can work around it. And I should receive my license soon."
Sung Hyunjae held the door for Yoojin, letting the shorter man walk under his arm. "Is that right?"
Keeping the smile in place was difficult. Yoojin thought of something else to keep his mind occupied. Should he report the damage? He wasn't even sure what floor they were on, but it seemed essential to keep busy.
The doors shut, and Sung Hyunjae turned to him, picking him up and pushing his back against the wall. The impact caused Yoojin to grunt, and the weight shift pressed uncomfortably on his sides.
Yoojin shifted his hips and wrapped his legs around Sung Hyunjae for better support. An automatic response he had learned after their date at the hot springs.
Sung Hyunjae took his lips, and Yoojin's eyes widened at the sudden invasion. Hands squeezed his back and gripped his thigh. He shivered.
Sung Hyunjae was under his shirt. His fingers worked delicately over each rib and inch of his stomach while his mouth was hot and eager. It was almost like he was torn between gently erasing every part Riette had touched and wanting to devour Yoojin in an instant.
This foolish esper was lucky he was the boss and had a private penthouse. One day, he would have to stop being so handsy in public.
Yoojin adjusted himself against the cramped space and winced. He pressed firmly against Sung Hyunjae. Undoubtedly, the esper would notice how excited Yoojin had grown in such a short time. Warmth still circulated through his body from the strange interaction with Riette, so it was easy for it to all head straight between his thighs.
Once they returned from the hot springs, his body had needed time to rest. But when he touched Sung Hyunjae, he realized he had rested too long, and now he was starving.
Sung Hyunjae's tongue drove inside Yoojin's mouth. Yoojin moaned, fingers curling into the lapel of his suit. Oh. It was the same suit from this morning. He loved Sung Hyunjae's suits. Their rich colors always looked great on him and the lavish fabric felt so good in Yoojin's hands.
What had the esper been doing all day? Had Sung Hyunjae not finished his work? Had he been busy? Had he eaten? Did he need guiding?
A hand slid up Yoojin's back. The large, firm grip made him melt. Yoojin tightened his hold around his waist and gently flicked his tongue against him.
The elevator doors opened to the penthouse, but someone gasped.
Yoojin stiffened and glanced at the opening. It wasn't the penthouse. He faced a lobby filled with stunned espers and guides.
"Oh," Sung Hyunjae's voice was featherlight, but his smile was delighted. "Did I hit the wrong floor?"
Sung Hyunjae made no move to rectify the situation or close the doors. His hands kneaded Yoojin's back, and he nuzzled his neck.
Yoojin writhed in his hold and kicked the elevator panel until a button clicked and the doors shut. "You ass!"
The doors closed slowly. Mortification quickly turned to a deep-seated vengeance. He would get Sung Hyunjae back for this. The cocky esper just thought he could get away with anything.
Yoojin turned his fury toward the esper, but that strange glimmer in his eyes was back. Now Yoojin understood. It was possessiveness. It beamed as if to say, now no one will question who you belong to.
It sent a chill through him. He didn't know Sung Hyunjae was capable of such a dark emotion. He had always been so accommodating and sweet. Was it possible Sung Hyunjae felt the same greed Yoojin experienced? More than a fleeting fling or just liking someone.
The doors opened to the wrong floor. Yoojin buried his head in Sung Hyunjae's shoulder, unable to take any more gawking eyes. The esper pressed the right floor this time but refused to let Yoojin down.
"Where are we going?"
"I need to check my guide's condition," Sung Hyunjae said with heavy concern. "A dragon just snatched him away. How do we know if you're hurt? Espers can be dangerous."
Yoojin sighed. "Why didn't you tell me the black dragon incident was one of your subordinates?"
Golden eyes flickered to meet his. "I didn't think I would need to say anything after you realized I was the boss of Jupiter. Shouldn't everyone within the organization work for me?"
That event felt like so long ago. Back when Sung Hyunjae used to pretend to be a low-ranking subordinate in Jupiter. All because Yoojin had too much traumatic history with mob bosses. It seemed like Yoojin was still sore about how Sung Hyunjae used to lie about his position.
He was not just mad at Sung Hyunjae but at himself for being easily fooled.
"What are you thinking about to look so disheartened?" Sung Hyunjae asked as he walked into the penthouse.
"Nothing. I—Oof!" Yoojin fell onto the bed with Sung Hyunjae over him. The esper's fingers hooked into his jeans, and he pressed down on Yoojin's chest.
The possessiveness in his eyes only grew to the point of worry. Considering how wild Sung Hyunjae could be even when holding back, what would he be like now? Yoojin held out his hand to keep him back, knowing the only thing that stopped the S-Rank was his willingness, not Yoojin's efforts. A nervous stutter slipped through his lips. "W-Wait, maybe we should talk?"
"Talk?" Sung Hyunjae echoed, but there was an iciness in his voice.
Yoojin flinched, the waist of his jeans constricting. Then they ripped. The leather belt snapped where Sung Hyunjae's hands held it, and the fabric of the jeans teared. "What would you like to talk about?"
Yoojin had no words as his heart fluttered in his throat. Sung Hyunjae was in front of him, but it felt like he was speaking to a wall. It was intimidating, but the blood filling the lower parts of his body didn't seem to get the message. That handsome face could be so deceiving.
Not too long ago, Sung Hyunjae had warned Yoojin that if an esper's emotions were thrown too far off, it was the same as exerting energy and they risked rampaging. Yoojin had been used as a sort of 'outlet' for the developing concentrated energy. It ended up being a very long night that Yoojin could never forget. He saw a more dominating side of Sung Hyunjae and was pushed out of his comfort zone. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy it, but he was still stunned at the things he had done.
Sung Hyunjae slipped the ruined material down his thighs and exposed his boxers. "Nothing to say?"
"Umm…I… you…"
"Yoojin-ssi?"
"…yes?"
Those gold eyes pierced through him. "Do you plan to attend your appointment tonight?"
His throat felt dry. He forgot about the therapist's appointment. Why did it feel like he was trapped between a rock and a hard place?
"…no."
Sung Hyunjae's smirk was devilish. "I'll reschedule it for you, but it seems I have you for the whole evening now."
That seemed unwise. Yoojin had to find some way to put space between them until Sung Hyunjae stopped acting strange. What had first triggered this behavior? Was it Riette or being in the guiding department? The last thing they had talked about was Yoojin guiding other espers. Maybe focusing on work would calm him down.
"About g-guiding other espers," Yoojin said, not understanding why Sung Hyunjae's eyes narrowed. The esper tossed the jeans away but kept the ruined pieces of the belt. "M-maybe we should go to the guiding department to work out a schedule for the future…?"
Sung Hyunjae sat back and twisted a piece of the leather belt in half. "Are you that willing to guide someone besides me but still refusing to attend your appointments?"
"I just thought…"
"Yoojin-ssi," Sung Hyunjae held up the segment of torn leather. "Bite down on this."
His eyes flickered to the belt, and his brain shut down. Bite down? Was Sung Hyunjae going to force a gag into his mouth? He wasn't sure how he felt about the idea. Even in the best of circumstances, Yoojin didn't like relinquishing control. He trusted Sung Hyunjae, but the way he teased Yoojin about still holding back worried him, especially when he was acting strangely.
But what did he plan to do that needed him to bite down on something?
Yoojin looked at Sung Hyunjae. He didn't seem mad, so there shouldn't be a risk of him hurting him. But that possessiveness was still just as intense. How far was he willing to take it?
However—and this might have something to do with his brain shutting down—Yoojin couldn't refuse him. Nor did he want to. A heat spread through him in earnest. Yoojin suddenly was impatient. He felt a new hunger grip him, making all other thoughts difficult.
Slowly, Yoojin opened his mouth. Just because he was willing didn't mean he wasn't nervous. This was a bad idea with no discussion beforehand. Shouldn't they establish rules or a plan before jumping in blind?
But Sung Hyunjae's patience reassured him. He didn't force Yoojin. He still had some self-control. Maybe deep down, Yoojin knew the esper wouldn't do something he didn't like, even if the idea of a gag pushed his limits.
It was a small piece of the broken belt. The larger section rested next to Sung Hyunjae's hand.
"Good boy," Sung Hyunjae praised. "If you want to stop at any point, drop it. Understand?"
Yoojin closed his eyes, amazed at how willing he was to listen to Sung Hyunjae. He bit down on the leather strap, and the sharp taste filled his mouth. He ran his tongue over the rough edge, and the shape fitted awkwardly between his teeth.
He breathed through his mouth and noticed the possessiveness gleaming in Sung Hyunjae's eyes, growing instead of subsiding.
Sung Hyunjae flipped him onto his stomach. The esper lifted Yoojin's waist and arranged pillows under his hips to hold the position.
Face warming as Sung Hyunjae dragged his underwear down and stared at his most intimate parts. Yoojin couldn't help but brace, his mind racing as he waited for the esper's next move.
"Yoojin-ssi," Sung Hyunjae said, the remaining leather belt squealing in his grip. "You're perfect. Your skin is stunning and pale. All the marks I have ever left on you stand out so magnificently. It's regretful that they vanish so quickly."
When the smooth, stiff length of the cold belt touched his backside and sank down his thigh, Yoojin jumped. His spine straightened. He sat up only for Sung Hyunjae to push him back down, forcing his head against the mattress. The new angle raised his ass higher.
"If you want me to stop, open your mouth." Sung Hyunjae kissed the spot behind his ear, the force of his hand still holding Yoojin down. "I've been holding back very well, haven't I? Have I ever done anything my little guide didn't like? Don't I deserve a reward?"
The belt lifted from his thigh and struck his ass. The soft whack caused Yoojin to grunt, and his eyes widened. Oh no. He bit down harder on the belt, but his breath still hissed through the leather folds, and he couldn't stifle his voice by sealing his lips.
Another smack and Yoojin made a shamefully loud sound. The belt didn't even hurt that badly. The echo of it hitting bare flesh startled him, making it sound worse than it felt. When he was slapped again, he jerked, and his dick twitched.
"Don't you like the marks I leave on you?" Sung Hyunjae asked.
Yoojin lowered his head onto the pillow. Sung Hyunjae's dirty talk made him shamefully erect. However, Yoojin drew a hard line at spanking.
Spanking was embarrassing. It only happened when disciplining children or in cheesy pornos. Yoojin knew he wouldn't like it before trying it. He wouldn't agree to anything that involved pain, not even for Sung Hyunjae.
The belt came down, and the leather snapped. Yoojin moaned. His hips jutted forward, and he rubbed himself over the pillows. The line between discomfort and pleasure became hazy.
"Nuh-uh." Sung Hyunjae chastised. He kissed Yoojin's back while his hand reached under him to stroke his cock. Yoojin's thighs pressed forward onto him, and he fought back another sound. "This is mine, and you may not play with what's mine. Don't do it again."
Sung Hyunjae adjusted him to hang in front of the pillows instead of wedged between them. Yoojin whined when Sung Hyunjae released him. The noise was much louder because of the leather between his teeth. Yoojin didn't want to be noisy. He wanted to bite his lips and shut his mouth. Weren't gags supposed to make him quieter, not amplify?
The belt came down on his ass again, and Yoojin panted. He didn't like it, he told himself. It stung this time. He closed his legs so Sung Hyunjae would get the message that he wasn't a fan, but the esper stopped him. He extended his knees, forcing Yoojin to lean on nothing but the pillows and his face. His cheeks spread, and his lower half was completely exposed.
Pre cum swelled on his tip.
"Yoojin, this will hurt," Sung Hyunjae warned, kissing him on the neck. "But I promise you'll enjoy it."
He was sure he wouldn't, but he couldn't release the gag.
The harsh snap of the belt on his ass stung. It hurt. Enough to make his back arch and his eyes moisten. Sung Hyunjae held him down and whipped him again.
Yoojin gripped the bedsheets, gasping into his gag.
Sung Hyunjae kissed him. Like some spell, Yoojin's heart rate slowed, his breathing calmed, and his arms no longer tensed.
Sung Hyunjae lifted his hand off his back and groped the abused flesh. He squeezed Yoojin's ass abruptly but not painfully. It spread the burning, easing and soothing the concentrated heat while still stinging.
His cock swelled, begging just to be touched. It drove Yoojin crazy. His head felt so good but so fuzzy. He wanted to reach down and give himself just one tug. That was all he needed to get off.
"Do you want to see yourself? You have beautiful red marks. Would you like to know how many I plan to give you so you can count? Or would you like to be left at my mercy?"
God, please just fuck me.
Sung Hyunjae's hand continued to soothe the heat, and it shot straight to his groin. His exposed parts twitched, and his untouched cock leaked onto the bed.
"Do you like it?"
Yes, Yoojin wanted to shout. Anything to get him to stop talking and hurry up. He was going mad with this anticipation.
"Are you ready to continue?"
Yoojin nodded and squirmed his hips. Please fuck me.
He couldn't think of anything else, not even when Sung Hyunjae whipped him again and again. Both cheeks. Different spots. The heat spread through him like wildfire. He felt tears on his lashes, and he moaned into the leather gag.
His voice and the cracks of the belt filled the room. None of the spanks broke the skin or left welts. But they shot straight through him, numbing his backside and causing him to lose his mind. He thought he was about to come. He was so confused. He didn't understand why he liked this so much. What would it feel like if Sung Hyunjae took his cock in his rough hold for one second? Just one brush of his hand would be all he needed. Hell, Yoojin wasn't above humping the pillow at this point.
Sung Hyunjae stopped, and Yoojin whimpered into the bed. He tried to beg him not to stop but couldn't get a coherent word out. He needed more, or he would go crazy.
Sung Hyunjae set the belt down and gripped Yoojin's hips in a way that caused his eyes to cross. He was so close. Sung Hyunjae knitted the sore flesh, and Yoojin nearly choked. Saliva dripped down his chin.
"Pretty." Sung Hyunjae said. He blew this frigid breath over the heated skin, and Yoojin shouted. His fingers tore at the sheets. He tried to shove his hips forward to come, but Sung Hyunjae held him in place.
He whimpered into the gag.
Sung Hyunjae spread Yoojin's cheeks apart. Yoojin didn't think it was possible to be more humiliated, but Sung Hyunjae completely exposed his hole.
"You've been so good, Yoojin. I feel like you're the one who deserves a reward."
Fuck me.
"But judging by how much you're leaking, it seems you're having more fun than I am."
Please!
"I hope you don't expect me to stop soon." Yoojin could hear the smirk in that jerk's voice. How did he not know how desperately Yoojin needed him inside him?
He tried to talk through the gag but couldn't think clearly. He wasn't sure what he would say even if he didn't have a gag.
"I wonder…" A tongue slid down his center. Yoojin tried sitting up too fast and almost snapped his back. The hands on his ass pressed him back down.
The tongue entered him, and he swore he saw stars. He cried as the warm, wet thing writhed inside him and drove forward.
His hips quivered, and his knees gave out. The tongue stiffened inside him and shoved against his sensitive walls. Hands kneaded his abused ass, and the sharp sting dissolved with the warmth that flooded his insides. A storm of sensations he had never imagined ripped through him. His cock wept in need, but pressure coiled inside him, swelling until he trembled.
Unrelentingly, Sung Hyunjae sought deeper inside Yoojin while his thumbs traced the most tender marks on his backside. Yoojin's jaw ached from biting down so hard.
The warmth inside felt so different from a finger. Still, Sung Hyunjae remembered Yoojin's sensitive spots and persistently drove at them until Yoojin could only grip the bedding for support. His muscles locked up, and his insides tightened as if to help push Sung Hyunjae harder against something that felt incredible and tremendous. It snapped together instantly, leaving Yoojin struck by such a powerful force he screamed.
He came. Thick and blissful cum shot out of him. His vision turned white hot and matched the fire that exploded in his belly and out to every part of him. His knees dug into the bed, and his toes curled. A pure pleasure pulsed through him. It threw him in and out of awareness and left him wrecked.
Tears stained his face, and more came. Drool leaked from the folds of the gag. The belt made his shouts louder than he had ever been. And the whole time, Sung Hyunjae didn't stop. He continued to devour Yoojin while his quivering body lost all strength, and pleasure rolled through him in new, higher waves. The intensity building until it touched every part of him, leaving him a mess. Unable to lift a finger or say a word.
Sung Hyunjae pulled away, wiping his mouth and observing his work.
Yoojin was grateful that he had stopped. His body was a puddle of useless bones and weak flesh. He didn't care about anything anymore. His mind still raced with the aftershock. He could barely keep his eyes open while the pulse of satisfaction left him submerged in wild ecstasy. The only thing that made this better was the way Sung Hyunjae kissed his lower back. Each kiss felt like a drop of water on a scolding desert.
Sung Hyunjae reached for the nightstand and retrieved a bottle of lube. Yoojin saw this out of his peripheral and didn't say anything. He still couldn't move while he struggled to catch his breath.
Sung Hyunjae used two fingers to spread the lubricant inside him. After a few moments, he easily added a third. The oil dripped down Yoojin's length, and Sung Hyunjae generously applied more.
Yoojin buried his head in the pillow as his insides slowly opened. Each stroke fed the fire inside him that hadn't subsided.
"Nmgh…Ah!…mmm." It felt like his orgasm hadn't ended, and the leisurely way Sung Hyunjae spread his fingers caused Yoojin's voice to hitch. More ripples shot through him. It kept happening at a low intensity. His erection hardened again, and the ache to be filled flooded his thoughts.
Sung Hyunjae extracted his fingers, making Yoojin turn his head in protest. But the esper was removing his clothes, exposing his rigid member, and pressing it against Yoojin's entrance.
When Sung Hyunjae inserted himself, Yoojin's breath rushed out. Why was he so big? Even with preparation, Yoojin was always overwhelmed by that first feeling of fullness. Sung Hyunjae wasn't cruel enough to shove in all at once. He must have thought Yoojin had suffered enough. No, somehow, this was worse. Sung Hyunjae pressed forward in a single, slow thrust. There were no breaks or pauses to adjust. The long, nearly torturous penetration rocked him to the core and made his fingers twitch.
Sung Hyunjae rarely bottomed out on the first thrust, but his thighs on Yoojin's sore ass made him clench.
Sung Hyunjae withdrew his hips, and Yoojin whined at the loss. His head was spinning. He needed more time to recover, but also something harder right this moment. How did Sung Hyunjae always know how to drive him crazy?
He must have made an abnormal sound because Sung Hyunjae stopped. He lowered his chest onto Yoojin's back and wrapped his arms around him.
He kissed Yoojin's cheek. "If you want to stop, open your mouth and let the gag out."
Yoojin shook his head.
Sung Hyunjae kissed him again. "Let it out if I'm being too hard." His words were neutral, not hinting at his own inclination. The only way Yoojin knew how excited Sung Hyunjae was by the throbbing member inside him that pulsed with need.
A part of Yoojin wanted to test what would happen if he let go of the gag. Would Sung Hyunjae remove himself and help Yoojin clean up? Then what would he do with his own needs? Yoojin imagined him quickly jerking himself off and realized he wanted to watch something like that.
A new desire filled him, and he shook his head again as he lifted his hips.
Sung Hyunjae breathed deeply, fighting to restrain himself. He gave Yoojin another reassuring kiss. "You're doing amazing. My perfect guide was made for me."
Yoojin's insides trembled and tightened down on the cock while his member throbbed. Sung Hyunjae gave him another kiss, soothing him until his breathing slowed down. Yoojin pushed his hips back, trying to feel Sung Hyunjae deeper.
Sung Hyunjae gave him one last kiss, and his arms tightened around him, locking him in place before raising his waist and slamming into Yoojin.
Yoojin shouted, but he lifted his hips to meet every thrust. His eyes watered, and drool pooled on the pillow.
It felt more satisfying than anything. When he had come before, that had been different. But this? This was something his body remembered, something he craved. His guiding found a solid foundation to connect and unite them, filling them both. The rush of power surprised Yoojin, as if that was where his powers wanted to be, and those nearly tangible insights followed.
His perfect guide. Who let him try anything he wanted and trusted him completely, even when scared. No one would ever step between them. Everyone would know who his guide belonged to.
Devotion, respect, and deep possessiveness engulfed him from the esper. He felt so close to Sung Hyunjae, so profoundly entangled with him. His voice grew louder as he tried to shout through the gag. He wasn't sure what he was saying until it was too late.
I like you.
He shouted it again and again. No longer feeling ashamed of his attraction. He loved it. He loved him. Each thrust coiled something inside him tighter and tighter, and he couldn't think of anything else. Sung Hyunjae's hips surged forward, causing Yoojin's head to fall back. The espers' soft hair brushed his cheek, and he heard what he had been craving to hear since they returned from the hot springs.
"I like you too," Sung Hyunjae's hot breath grazed his cheek, and his throaty voice made Yoojin's insides cramp down. He smiled while Sung Hyunjae pounded inside him. It felt like it had been so long since they had been like this.
Sung Hyunjae tightened his arms, and he buried his head in Yoojin's neck as he gave a final push to shove them both over the edge.
Yoojin shouted. Unable to do anything else, his body squeezed down on Sung Hyunjae until the esper couldn't budge. His shameful grunts felt good. He came so hard he nearly passed out. His mind almost broke. He didn't think he would ever recover.
I love you, Yoojin.
He tried to blink to stay conscious but struggled to hold on. His head fell forward as he lost strength. He thought he heard something. Something that made his heart flutter and joy fill him, but he was still fighting through his orgasm.
He didn't think his limbs could become more jelly than they did right now. Sung Hyunjae rested his head on his back. Listening to the esper's labored breaths was gratifying, if not rewarding. Yoojin had made him like this.
Sung Hyunjae was the first to move, taking the belt from Yoojin's mouth.
Yoojin licked his dry lips and adjusted his sore jaw. Hands ran down his back, and kisses traced his shoulder blade. It was nice, the little gestures, but they ended too quickly. Sung Hyunjae withdrew and stood.
The surprising lack of contact and aftercare was aggravating. He hadn't realized how accustomed he had grown to it. He felt lacking without it. He turned his head, baffled, as Sung Hyunjae stood in front of the bathroom. Sung Hyunjae turned on the lights, and it outlined his perfect, muscular figure. The shadows highlighted the contours of his flawless body in an unworldly silhouette. Yoojin's eyes drifted down to Sung Hyunjae's stiff erection. Oh.
"Yoojin, would you like to wash up with me?"
Yoojin glared at him. Did Sung Hyunjae not understand how worn out he was? But the way Sung Hyunjae smiled said he already knew Yoojin's answer. The cocky esper thought he was going to get his way with this? After the things he had done?!
But he was once again asking Yoojin, letting him make the decision. But how could he expect anything from Yoojin while he was in a near-boneless state? Groaning, Yoojin pushed off the bed with shaking arms. This was probably the worst idea he ever had, but he followed Sung Hyunjae into the shower.
A Different Type of Hungover
Yoojin had regrets. He should have stopped before the shower. Not only was his back sore, his knees bruised, and his jaw stiff, but he had missed his chance to talk to the Head Guide yesterday. He wasn't any closer to understanding Newbie's guiding. Plus, he was exhausted.
Sung Hyunjae had been brutal last night. After coming twice more, Sung Hyunjae pressed his head against the shower's stone wall and roughly removed all the cum out of his ass. He didn't think he could come again, but his body clenched and spasmed until he was milked dry.
After that, Sung Hyunjae needed to dry his hair for him, dress him and lay him in bed because Yoojin couldn't move. Sung Hyunjae told him not to fall asleep yet, saying he needed to eat and drink something, but there was little else he wanted to do besides rest.
While waiting for the evening meal to arrive, Sung Hyunjae massaged his back and worked the knots out of his shoulders. Several times he had to wake Yoojin up, not allowing him to sleep until he ate something. Sung Hyunjae could be very mean.
In the morning, Yoojin slept through his alarm and almost snoozed through Sung Hyunjae's gentle coaxing.
"That's all right," Sung Hyunjae said, smiling. "You can skip as many classes as you want and stay with me."
The words hit him like cold water. Yoojin would not be trapped with that maniac for another minute. Was he the only one taking his guiding career seriously?
His backside was sore, and he was scared to check himself in the mirror. He couldn't believe what they had done yesterday, nor how hard he had come from it. But there were only three faint red marks. Huh? Why was his ass still throbbing?
Sung Hyunjae saw the marks, and his lips tilted downward. He said it was a shame more didn't remain. Next time, he would have to do it harder.
Yoojin fought him, not with words but with fists. He couldn't hit the S-ranked esper, but he made Sung Hyunjae sit on his knees, apologizing and swearing never to do that again.
Sung Hyunjae looked like an angel when he promised "to only do it when Yoojin-ssi asked."
That caused another fistfight. Yoojin didn't care how mindless he had gotten last night. He would never ask for spankings. He wasn't one of those weirdoes who liked those kinds of things.
Fuming, he stormed out of Jupiter but stopped when he saw the car that was supposed to drive him. Yoojin asked if another vehicle could take him but reluctantly took the car Sung Hyunjae had arranged.
A large arrangement of flowers took up half the backseat. Their fragrance lingered on Yoojin's clothes and the car's upholstery but didn't make the ride unpleasant. The neatly pruned flowers were arranged in a beautiful pattern for such a large bouquet. That must have cost a fortune.
In the middle was a small note that the petals almost hid. Yoojin fiddled with the card while he stared out the window and had trouble putting it down.
XOXO,
SHJ
It was corny but handwritten. Yoojin's thumb stroked the thick edge of the cardstock, and while no one was looking, he hid it in his pocket.
Before he headed to the Association's classroom, Noah, nearly tearful, apologized to Yoojin for his sister's actions. Sister? Oh, that's right, he had talked about his twin sister before.
Yoojin's mood dropped even more. Riette was his sister? He felt worse for Mr. Noah than for what had happened to him. What must it have been like to be related to someone like that? He told Noah it wasn't his responsibility to apologize and not to worry about it. He was almost late for class because of how long he had to reassuring Noah.
He walked into class and wished his ass didn't hurt so much. His jeans rubbed uncomfortably against his skin with each step, making him angrier at Sung Hyunjae. He needed to get back at that jerk. Yoojin was letting the arrogant esper get away with far too much lately.
"Yoojin!"
He lifted his head at Newbie's cheerful voice. She smiled from her isolated spot in the classroom's corner. He smiled and headed toward her. He hadn't learned nearly enough about her problem, but he could ask a few more questions before class started.
A tall student stepped in front of him, blocking him from Newbie. "You're Han Yoojin, right?"
Yoojin's eyes narrowed, remembering him as the man who said those rude things about him yesterday. He already knew who Yoojin was and his past reputation with negative guiding. So what did he want now?
"I was wondering if you would like to sit with me today?"
When he said that, the other students turned. Equally as surprised as Yoojin. He glanced at Newbie behind him, "Umm, actually, I was just heading—"
The other man rubbed his neck nervously. "Because you started late, you probably don't know anyone in class. And…if you want, I can help you with the lessons you missed."
Yoojin checked to make sure he wasn't standing in front of another student, but it was only him.
"Would you like to meet up for dinner? Are you free tonight or this weekend? Can I get your number?"
What had caused such a shift from the guy who had said, 'I'm surprised they even let him get his license.'
"Umm, Chul? Are you okay?" another student asked.
Chul snapped at his friend, "Shut up. I'm just trying to be welcoming. You should too." His reaction surprised most of the students. Realizing how strange he sounded, he laughed to lighten the mood, scratching his cheek. "I mean, we're all guides here. We should be friends."
Then why did you say those things about me yesterday? What had changed in a day?
Chul held his phone out to Yoojin, his movements a little skittish. "W-we can exchange information. I can buy lunch. Would you like barbecue?"
Newbie sank in her seat. Watching Yoojin with dejection, like he had forgotten about her so quickly.
Chul's smiled. "So anyway, this weekend there's a—"
Yoojin walked around him and claimed the seat next to Newbie. He was almost worried someone would take it before him. As childish as it was to claim friends in school, Yoojin felt comfortable next to her. Chul's actions raised too much suspicion, and Yoojin wanted an uneventful experience with the Association's classes.
But as soon as he sat down, he felt a sharp discomfort in his backside and cursed Sung Hyunjae. He tried not to let it show on his face, but he squirmed to find a comfortable position. There weren't any, and the seats were hard. Damn, Sung Hyunjae.
Newbie sat straighter, her smile beaming.
Yoojin glanced at Chul, expecting annoyance or irritation from the rejected guide, but he just waved and smiled before taking the nearest seat to Yoojin. "Cool, Yoojin-gun. We'll catch up after the first lesson."
Yoojin's brow arched. What was he trying at?
Because of him, Yoojin didn't have time to ask Newbie questions before the instructor stepped in. Was the universe out to stop him from helping her?
He had difficulty paying attention because his mind stayed focused on Newbie, and the day's lesson seemed as pointless as yesterday. His ears picked up when he heard his name murmured, and he glanced at Chul whispering to his friend.
"He's… jae's…guide." The friend looked stunned. His wide eyes met Yoojin's gaze for a moment before turning away. What was going on? They already knew about the negative guiding. Was there something worse that Yoojin forgot about?
Yoojin looked ahead at the instructor. Drama would only get worse from engaging.
"…last night…they were…in an elevator."
The lecture didn't help relax him. The instructor only talked about espers. There was an hour-long lecture revolving around Sung Hyunjae. The instructor gushed over the extraordinary mob boss who protected Korea and served as an outstanding citizen, how not even other S-ranks could compare to The Boss Hyunjae. How he was an exceptional example of an enviable and desirable leader.
Yoojin fumed in frustration the whole time, remembering how mad he was at Sung Hyunjae and how much his backside hurt.
His phone vibrated in his coat, and he checked it while the instructor rambled on. It was a picture from Noah.
Noah: I met someone cute today. Hope class is going well :D
Yoojin couldn't help but smile at the attached photo. Noah had found a dog while waiting for Yoojin to finish his classes. Aww, Yoojin wished he could pet him too.
"It's the top of the hour."
Yoojin looked up. Were they about to get a break? Chul's head shot up too, and he quickly glanced at Yoojin in a way that gave him an unsavory feeling. Not wanting to talk to him again, Yoojin grasped Newbie's wrist.
"Um, Yoojin-nim?" She looked up from her notes.
"All right," the professor said. "Everyone take a break and meet back here in—"
As the last words left her mouth, Yoojin yanked Newbie up and whirled out of the room. His instinct was right. Chul and his friend turned to Yoojin and Newbie's empty seats before they realized they were gone.
Strawberry Cakes
Yoojin sighed with relief that he hadn't encountered any other students but felt terrible for dragging Newbie with him. She caught her breath and wiped the sweat from her forehead.
"Is there something wrong, Yoojin-nim?"
"No, I just wanted to talk to you about guiding."
"Oh. I studied all last night! And I re-read all the instruction books."
He smiled. "Really? How do you feel?"
"Well, it's hard to tell without an esper, but I know I'll make you proud today."
"Do you want to have lunch together and see if we can bribe Song Taewon to come over?"
She touched her lips. "Oh, I don't think you should bribe a civil servant. If you get caught, you could face a huge fine."
"Lunch doesn't count as bribing," he said as he rustled her long, wavy hair.
Her cheeks turned rosy, and she bit her bottom lip. "Lunch would be nice, Yoojin-nim. But I'm living in the Association dormitory under their contract. I normally eat at the cafeteria because I don't have money."
It wasn't like Yoojin had money either. That's what Sung Hyunjae's card was for. Hmm…maybe that was a good way to get back at Sung Hyunjae. Having a five-star lunch date with Newbie, buying a luxury car, or perhaps a matching set of expensive watches for him and his brother.
"The cafeteria sounds good," Yoojin said. "Do you know what they're having?"
"I think it's some kind of cutlet today. But you don't have to stay for my benefit."
"Nonsense," he said. "Friends eat lunch together. And we're friends, right?"
Her chuckle was sweet to his ears. "Yeah."
Define My Guiding
The pork cutlets weren't bad, but they were hard to like since he was used to the chefs at Jupiter. Yoojin was willing to buy their lunches from now on, but if that was where Newbie wanted to eat, he wouldn't force her to leave the Association.
At the end of the day, Newbie messaged Song Taewon, and he met with them. Yoojin texted Noah that he had to stay behind for 'guiding reasons.'
Seeing what Yoojin was now calling 'dark vision' because of Newbie's dark insight gave him a headache. He asked her if she saw things like him, dark with occasional blue lights. She looked at Yoojin strangely, saying she saw things like everyone else.
They practiced until she slumped against his side with a heavy sigh. They hadn't made any progress. The only one who had improved was Yoojin. He had plenty of practice guiding through other guides now. He also found out he could guide Song Taewon without touching him as long as Yoojin touched a guide touching him.
Song Taewon noticed immediately and told Yoojin to stop.
"I'm tired," Newbie groaned.
Yoojin leaned against her. "Me too."
Song Taewon tilted his head. "Guiding seems to have more effect on your physical strength than I initially thought."
They looked at him. Technically, neither of them had guided, but they had been spending their energy. No matter how hard they pushed, Newbie's powers wouldn't enter Song Taewon. To guide, a guide had to pull the concentrated energy from an esper, and Newbie's powers tried to go in every direction except to the esper right in front of her.
Yoojin looked down and noticed they were still holding hands. She was so small compared to him, and Song Taewon had so much patience for an esper. Yoojin could feel it in his bones that they were close, but no one else thought so.
Yoojin's phone chimed, and he switched off Newbie's dark vision to check his messages. With dark vision, he could make out people and large objects, like everyone in the room and the table next to them, but written text wasn't possible. It was Yerim.
Yerim: Talk to your boyfriend.
Yoojin scowled. They've been on one date. She shouldn't insensitively call people a couple.
Yoojin: Why?
Yerim: Tell him to let me pick you up. I'm a bodyguard too. Let me pick you up.
He wrote back quicker this time.
Yoojin: You don't have a license or a car.
He was not flying with her again. It was embarrassing for a little girl so much smaller than him to carry him around. The typing dots came up and disappeared a few times before her next message came in.
Yerim: Moon Hyuna is driving.
Her? Why is Yerim hanging out with her? Well… it wasn't strange for the only two S-ranked women in Korea to hang out. Yoojin shivered, thinking about their last interaction. He hoped Moon Hyuna was only teaching her good things.
Yoojin: No
Yerim: C'mon!!!! Soyoung is here too!!! We wwant to try this n3w ice cream place!
Yoojin: Then go with them
Yerim: ICE CREAM!!111! They make it in front of you!
Yoojin: Fine. I'll talk to him. But I'm busy right now.
Yerim: Hurry up.
He set his phone down and turned back to the other two. They looked miserable.
"Song Taewon, do you know anything about the status of my contract?" Newbie asked.
He sighed. "Nothing is set in stone yet."
"But what are they saying? Are they going to sell it?"
His lips thinned. "They are looking into several syndicates to trade or sell your contract."
Her shoulders slumped. "I guess that's it then…"
Yoojin looked at him. "Wait, Song Taewon, that can't be it. Can't you tell them not to sell it?"
"I don't have any authority over the guiding center. I have made suggestions, but the Association is very strict with their contracts."
Yoojin fumed. "But the Association sets the rules for the contracts. And their price for training is outrageous! This is a scam."
Song Taewon nodded. "I feel the same way, but with the guide shortage and all the esper and guide bonding laws, it's very complicated to establish a new norm."
Yoojin wanted to shout but held back while Newbie watched him with a fearful gaze. He tried to seem calm for her sake. He shoved down his personal hatred of the Association and addressed her. "It'll be okay, Newbie. I'll help you every day. You'll be a great guide, so you don't have to worry about joining a syndicate."
Her lips curved so slightly you couldn't call it a smile.
Song Taewon stared at him. "I'm surprised you feel this way about syndicates. Considering you are part of one."
"Hey, kids shouldn't join syndicates because they don't have any other options. Besides, guides should always have a say in where they work. We're not just contracts to be passed around." He pushed his powers forward and switched to Newbie's dark vision. It was easy to control another guide's ability once they became better acquainted.
He forced Newbie's powers harder than usual. He wouldn't fail her.
A Perfect Score Doesn't Always Mean the Best
There wasn't any progress over the next few days, but more of his classmates tried to seek him out. Some would show up with coffee or breakfast for him, and one even bought him a gold necklace.
Yoojin refused all gifts. The students were acting weird. Even Newbie noticed, but none of them talked to her, so she couldn't tell Yoojin what was going on either.
He still struggled with guiding the Association's espers. Today, he worked with a B-ranked esper, and all he wanted to do afterward was lay face down on his desk. The Association's guiding method aggravated him. It made no sense to him, and by the end, he felt like he had blown a fuse. He barely stabilized the esper before class ended, and he still needed to practice with Newbie.
"Hyung, you seem tired since you started classes."
Yoojin leaned heavily on his brother, exhausted from all his work with Newbie.
They sat together on a park bench while Yerim ran around with Peace. He wasn't sure how his brother had emptied an entire park for them, but he loved seeing Peace have free range to run. Yerim was always fun to watch as she chased after the little monster.
But he couldn't ignore the worry in his brother's voice. "I'm fine, Yoohyun-ie. I've been studying late."
His brother's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Just studying?"
They stared at each other for a moment before Yoojin sat up. If he wanted to keep his brother, he had to be honest. They promised not to have secrets anymore. "I've been guiding a lot more. The Association is teaching us guiding with espers. I might have overdone it today."
Yoohyun's brow furrowed. "Are you guiding anyone outside the Association?"
Yoojin looked away. "…yes."
"Hyung."
"It's… it's not what you think."
"I think you're guiding Boss Hyunjae."
How had that news gotten out? Yoojin looked down at his lap. This was not how Yoojin wanted to have this discussion.
"That bastard," Yoohyun muttered. "I'm going to kill him. He swore he wouldn't make you guide."
"Yoohyun, wait! I mean… yes. I have been guiding him…" Oh no… were they having this talk? Yoojin felt his face blush. He swallowed. "But he's never forced me."
"He's supposed to be keeping you safe. That was our deal. How is having you guide him helping? Look how tired you are."
"Yoohyun…" This was impossible. This shouldn't be happening. But his brother waited for him to speak. "I asked to guide him."
His brother's jaw ticked. "Give me one reason I shouldn't kill him."
Oh no. Yoojin hadn't even mentioned a fraction of what they had done together. "Umm…A reason?"
"That bastard is S-rank. You can't guide that kind of esper. He has plenty of other guides."
Yoojin scratched the back of his neck. "He doesn't…have any other guides."
Yoohyun's eyes darkened. "He's making you be his only guide?"
"Yoohyun, wait. Wait until I'm done explaining."
"Okay. Explain."
Yoojin sweated. What could he say that didn't make this worse? And it didn't help that all Yoojin could think about was waiting two more days to ask Sung Hyunjae for another date.
"Hyung," his voice lowered in warning.
Yoojin bit his lip. He could say Sung Hyunjae bought him the earrings… but would he think Sung Hyunjae just bought them so Yoojin could guide him better? He could say that he bought Yoojin's debt from Diarma…no, that would make it seem like Yoojin was obliged to him now. Maybe he could mention.....
"We…we…" Yoojin glanced away and back. "We have a high sync rate."
"What?"
Yoojin nodded. He had never tested with anyone else, and guides loved high-ranked espers. Sung Hyunjae constantly received guiding requests. Yoojin could just play the part and act proud of this. "Eighty-seven."
Yoohyun's mouth fell, but his eyes filled with fire. "He made you test with him."
"Not exactly—whoa! Hey!" Yoohyun stood and threw Yoojin over his shoulder. "Where are we going? Yerim, Help!"
Her response was a full belly laugh.
"Wait, Yoohyun! Where are we going?"
"To test our sync rate. I'll have the results deleted, so don't worry about it."
That wasn't what he was worried about. Why did his little brother think throwing him around like this was okay? "Yoohyun, are you out of your mind? Do you know how impossible it is to get a high sync rate with an S-rank?"
"You did it once. Just do it again for me."
"That's not how it works!"
Yoojin grimaced and didn't want to think how disappointed his brother would be with their results. Plus, he was so tired today! The results would be so bad.
"Yoohyun, can't we wait at least until the weekend?" He tried everything but couldn't persuade Yoohyun to reconsider.
One hour later, Yoojin sat outside in the sun, staring at their sync rate test results. Yerim sighed, looking over his shoulder. "Wow… I'm sorry, Ahjussi. So close. You must be disappointed."
He blinked at the results, then looked up at her. "What are you talking about?"
"The results. You two aren't compatible. I guess you have to be my guide for sure. I promise to earn a lot of money to take good care of you and build you a mansion."
"Yerim…did you not pay attention in your esper classes?"
"I got the gist of most things."
Yoojin glanced at his brother—who was still grinning like a fool—and back at Yerim.
"The minimum requirement for a guide to be compatible with an esper is forty percent."
Yerim balked. "Forty? But that's below failing!"
Yoohyun frowned. "This isn't the education system. Esper and guide sync rates are ninety for E and F-ranks, eighty for D-ranks, seventy for C-ranks, sixty for B-ranks, fifty for A-ranks, and forty for S-ranks."
Yerim gasped. "They grade on a scale?"
"No." Both Yoojin and Yoohyun answered at the same time.
"Then what does this mean?"
Yoojin looked at the paperwork one last time. It meant Sung Hyunjae was going to have another fit of possessiveness.
"It means Hyung and I are perfect matches," Yoohyun said. "He can be my dedicated guide, and I won't have to rely on anyone else."
Yoojin sighed. How was it possible for a single guide to score this high with two S-ranks?
He scored an eighty-nine with Yoohyun. An eighty-nine shouldn't be possible. Sung Hyunjae had only scored an eighty-seven. Yoojin needed a minute to process this, but Yerim yanked him up from his seat.
"Then test with me too!" She dragged Yoojin back inside. "If you can match so high with him, then you and I should have a perfect score."
"Yerim, there is no such thing as a perfect score! It's a sync rate. Did you not pay attention in your classes at all?"
Another hour later, Yoojin sat in the garden outside the building, patting Yerim on the back. She hadn't passed Yoohyun's rate, so his brother was unconcerned with her devastated attitude. But Yoojin was utterly confused as to why she thought this was bad.
A forty was good! A seventy-two was terrific!
He still couldn't wrap his head around this. He absent-mindedly patted her on the back but couldn't focus on his words. "There…there," he muttered. "… It'll be okay."
"It's not okay! Are you going to leave me for a more compatible esper?"
There was nothing wrong with a seventy-two, but something was wrong with scoring this high with three S-ranks.
There was a famous guide who scored seventy-nine with an S-rank in Russia. The guide only tested with the S-rank by accident because she spent years floundering around different guiding agencies. She had been fired so many times she had to use her mother's name to get work.
The Russian guide wasn't like Newbie. She could still guide, but even with F and D ranks, she always hit under the minimum sync rate requirement and struggled to make a living. She was now one of the only S-rank dedicated guides in the world, but her power only worked for one esper.
After encountering the S-rank, her life changed into a Cinderella story, and sometimes they still did public appearances. Their story became an award-winning movie. Yoojin saw it when he was broke, living alone, and hated espers and mob bosses. At the time, he thought it was romantic garbage.
Until today, Yoojin wouldn't have thought it was possible for a guide to match with more than one S-rank.
Maybe there was something wrong with the testing equipment. That had to be the only explanation. Three years ago, a guide got into trouble for manipulating sync rate results. Yoojin's reputation wouldn't survive a hit like that.
A guide known for negative guiding and faking his sync rates?
How mad would Sung Hyunjae be when he found out Yoojin had tricked him?
There was no way he was compatible with three S-ranks.
"Ahjussi, you're not answering me!"
"That's because he doesn't have time for low-rate espers," Yoohyun said.
"You bully!" Yerim jumped and attacked Yoohyun. His brother dodged her attack but still flew across the street.
Yoojin hadn't moved, still in shock as he processed today's events. Three S-ranks. He was compatible with three S-ranks. There had to be something wrong with the equipment. That was the only logical explanation. Yeah. That had to be it.
It was rare for a guide to be above forty with a single S-rank. There was no way he could have scored above that with three. Maybe he should warn Sung Hyunjae before he found out on his own. Confessing now would lessen the damage, and hopefully, Sung Hyunjae would understand.
Something exploded nearby, and Yerim started yelling. Yoojin still didn't move, not even when a shadow fell over him, and the sync rate result paper was taken.
He blinked back to reality and found Sung Hyunjae standing before him. The esper read the results with a curved lip. "The young miss should be very happy with this. I assume she didn't score as high as the young master, and that's why they're fighting."
"Y-you…what are you doing here?"
"You were late coming home, and I worried." Sung Hyunjae's gaze darted to the fighting espers. "Should I even ask what the young master scored?"
Yoojin tried to clear the cobwebs from his head. "I think the testing equipment is defective."
Sung Hyunjae's eyes returned to him. "Of course you do."
Yoojin stood, surprising Sung Hyunjae by moving too quickly and almost falling.
He lowered his head. What would Sung Hyunjae do? Demand another test to know their actual results? Or become possessive and join the fight?
This all ruined Yoojin's plan. He just had to wait two more days to ask for another date, but that opportunity had slipped away. Sung Hyunjae would never agree to a date with a guide who manipulated sync rate results. But…maybe Yoojin could try…
"Hyunjae I was…I mean, Mr. Sung—I… do you…"
A hand touched Yoojin's chin and raised his face. "You have to speak clearly so I know what you want."
His face burned. The fingers that touched him felt like fire. Sung Hyunjae stroked his cheek with his thumb.
"Now speak."
Yoojin swallowed, nodding. He clutched his hands, and somewhere behind him was another explosion. The wind from it brushed Sung Hyunjae's hair back.
Yoojin's mouth was so dry when he asked, "Can… you and I…" Sung Hyunjae's face was unreadable. Yoojin's tongue was heavy. Why didn't he rehearse this? "A date. T-Together? Would you go on a date with me?"
"Oh." Sung Hyunjae pulled his hand away. "I didn't think you would be so bold to ask."
That wasn't what Yoojin expected. His heart squeezed painfully as he waited for the rejection. The seconds ticked by slowly. He shouldn't have asked. Or, at the very least, he should have waited like he originally planned.
Sung Hyunjae's eyes darted away as he cupped his mouth, seeming deep in thought. "I can't believe you asked before I could."
His body jolted back to life. "What?"
"Once again, I underestimated my perfect guide. I wouldn't have kept you waiting if I had known how much you liked me."
Yoojin looked away. "I don't—I mean, I like you. But a normal amount. I wanted to pay you back for the last date—er, I mean, I want to go on a date with you, but I don't—I just wanted to show you—"
"Yoojin."
He looked up. Yoojin had never felt so vulnerable. All the while, Sung Hyunjae looked as handsome and perfect as ever.
Sung Hyunjae stepped closer, crowding Yoojin and sliding his hand around his waist. How he looked at Yoojin, gold eyes filled with warmth and lips forming a flawless smile, stole his breath.
"Where is my guide taking me?"
Bitter Caviar
Takko slammed the phone down and screamed.
"Takky?" A sweet voice called before a young girl peaked around the corner of the room. "Is everything alright?"
Ex-guide Takko snarled at her sister. "Get out! Get out! Get out!" She screamed until her sister left.
Since she lost her position at Jupiter, Takko had to live with her worthless sister. She wouldn't be living in this dump if her funds hadn't been frozen because of the fines filed by Boss Hyunjae's legal team and the Association.
Her sister, a low-ranked guide, had always held mediocre guiding positions with shoddy syndicates. Instead of trying to move up, once she finished her contract, she quit and worked at a bank like an unawakened.
This was pathetic! Takko was once a leading guide at Jupiter! She was the Head Guide's apprentice! She should be lavished with rich gifts from espers trying to woo her or pocketing a hefty paycheck.
Instead, she was being sued for illegal guiding conduct, and no one would look at her resume anymore.
She screamed in frustration.
And Boss Choi Sukwon told her to wait. That bastard. Didn't he know she was in trouble? She was a high-ranked guide and shouldn't be treated like this!
She pulled at her hair. This was all Han Yoojin's fault! He was a low-ranked guide known for negative guiding, so why had he got off scot-free? He should've been facing a criminal charge, not her. He's the one who should be banned from syndicates. He's the one who should be sleeping on a futon! She bit her lip and tasted blood. Her fury refused to subside.
She ate instant ramen last night. INSTANT RAMEN. With her failure of a sister, she had to cook her own meals in a fucking one-bedroom apartment! She had dined on lobster and caviar more times than she could count. She didn't even like lobster, but why order something cheap when rich espers were the ones buying? Espers always tried to impress her like that. She had received cars as gifts, and then she gave them away to her friends like they were inferior to her taste. NOW, THOSE FRIENDS ABANDONED HER???
She hurled her phone at the wall and stomped her foot. Han Yoojin, this is all your fault. I swear I will make you pay.
The Princess Dreams of Her Prince
King's long, lavender hair reached her waist, and the way her soft purple hair seemed to float always reminded others of a jellyfish. Her outfit was magnificent, from her designer heels to her tailored suit. The only thing misplaced about her spotless attire was the guide resting in her lap.
Mary's long, blonde hair sprawled over King's legs, and her feet rested on the sofa's cushion. The young guide reminisced about her adventure at Jupiter.
"I can't wait for you to meet him." Mary sighed. "Han Yoojin is sweet and heroic—the way he took my hand and told me to evacuate. He's cute too. But small. He would be handsome if he were just a bit taller."
King stroked her hand through Mary's hair. The guiding flow was steady as her fingers curled through the blonde locks. Even lying in a lazy pose on King's lap, the young guide looked elegant, and her appearance hinted at a royal lineage—a foreign look from a faraway country.
"Now that you feel better after your deficit, you can bring him to me."
Mary sighed again, but this time, it was regretful. "I wish I wasn't such a weak guide. I heard Han Yoojin already recovered, and he was in worse shape than me."
King brushed Mary's hair off her forehead. "Not all guides can compare to each other, Mary. You are already perfect."
Mary beamed with pride, believing she was a perfect guide to her esper. King was an ideal esper. Every guide within the transcendent syndicate had wanted to work with her, but only a perfect guide, like Mary, could. Mary was so excited that Yoojin would meet her as well. He would love her too. "I bet Yoojin-ie is an amazing guide. Not perfect like me. But he's special. I can tell. You're going to love him."
King considered her guide. "We shall see."
The guide that killed her brother, who survived a complete syndicate's guiding burst, and who stood as an S-rank espers private guide. What would he be like? It was so easy for rumors of guides to escalate. Espers were obsessed with a guide's status instead of their compatibility.
However, that didn't seem likely for Han Yoojin. The espers he guided were kept secret. Not even with bribes or infiltration had King found the actual number of espers he guided.
When an unknown guide is promoted to high-ranking espers, they normally gloat about their position. In comparison, Guide Yoojin stayed out of the spotlight. He was a particular guide.
Now, Sung Hyunjae was suddenly showing him off? Most bosses only did that when their guides had a high-standing or famous reputation, and Han Yoojin had none of those things.
She recognized Sung Hyunjae's challenge. His declaration announced Han Yoojin as his guide. No one would question their relationship after his public display. If King tried to get any closer to Han Yoojin, she risked the wrath of Korea's top mob boss.
King's hand drifted away from Mary.
"Hmm?" Mary blinked at King with wide, gemlike eyes.
King returned to brushing Mary's hair, feeling the slow stream of guiding return.