After work, Yuwon and Manager Min sat across from each other at a quiet table in a cozy, upscale restaurant. The lighting was soft, and the hum of light music filled the air. Min looked calm and confident, while Yuwon sat nervously, his fingers fidgeting under the table.
Min (smiling gently): "What would you like to order?"
Yuwon (glancing down): "Anything is fine… I'm okay with whatever you choose."
Min (chuckling softly): "Alright then. I'll order for both of us."
He waved the waiter over and placed the order with ease, then handed back the menu. As the waiter walked away, Min leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table.
Min: "Yuwon, how about we go shopping together this weekend?"
Yuwon blinked, surprised.
Min (smiling): "I need to pick out some new clothes, and I could really use your company. It'll be more fun with someone there, and… well, I'd like to spend more time with you."
Yuwon lifted his gaze, caught off guard by how casual yet genuine Min sounded.
Yuwon (hesitating): "Manager Min… that sounds like a nice idea."
Min: "Just Min. Call me Min, please. We're not at the office right now."
Yuwon (looking flustered): "But…"
Before he could finish, Min reached out and gently held his hand across the table.
Min (softly): "I like it when you call me Min."
Yuwon's eyes widened slightly. His heart raced, but he managed to nod.
Yuwon (quietly): "...Min."
Min's smile grew warmer, his thumb brushing lightly against the back of Yuwon's hand.
At that moment, the waiter returned with their food and placed the dishes in front of them. Min let go of Yuwon's hand slowly, but his eyes lingered with a silent message: Take your time. I'm not rushing you.
Dinner passed with quiet conversation. Min talked casually about work, about a funny incident in the office, and a little about his personal life. Yuwon listened, occasionally nodding, his nerves tying knots in his stomach. He tried to focus, but his thoughts drifted often—especially whenever Min smiled at him too warmly.
After they finished eating, Min stood up and adjusted his coat.
Min: "Yuwon, let me walk you home."
Yuwon (quickly): "It's okay. My place is nearby—I can go on my own."
Min (insisting gently): "Please. I want to."
Yuwon didn't argue further. They stepped out of the restaurant and into the cool night. The street was quiet, the lights dim and soft, their footsteps echoing lightly against the pavement.
As they walked side by side, Min suddenly reached out and gently took Yuwon's hand. Yuwon stiffened slightly, his heart thudding. He looked at Min, confused—but Min didn't give him time to ask anything.
Min (softly): "Yuwon… I like you."
Yuwon stopped walking. His breath caught. His eyes widened.
Min (still holding his hand): "Can you give me a chance? I know you've been through a lot. But I really like you. And if you give me the chance… I promise I'll do my best to make you happy."
Yuwon stood frozen. Words wouldn't come. In the silence, another voice echoed in his mind—Jiha's voice from the night before:
"Yuwon, you need to open your heart."
He bit his lip hard and stared at the ground, unable to meet Min's eyes. Slowly, hesitantly… he nodded.
Min's face lit up. Without hesitation, he pulled Yuwon into a warm hug, holding him tight.
Yuwon let him.
He didn't feel excitement. Not butterflies. Just… emptiness. Like he was playing a role someone had written for him.
Still, he told himself it was time. Maybe this was the way to move on.
They walked the rest of the way together, hand in hand. Yuwon's fingers felt cold inside Min's warmth. When they finally arrived at the front door of Yuwon's apartment, he looked up at the dark, quiet building.
Min smiled at him, hopeful.
But Yuwon's eyes were distant—still stuck somewhere in the past, where a younger voice once said:
"Hyung… promise me...
Outside the apartment building, Yuwon and Min stood side by side. The night was quiet again, but a strange tension hung between them.
Min lingered, his body turned slightly toward Yuwon—as if he didn't want the night to end.
Min (gently): "Should I… come in?"
Yuwon hesitated. His heart beat unevenly in his chest. A thousand thoughts raced through his mind, but in the end, he gave a faint nod.
Yuwon (softly): "If you want to… you can come in."
Min smiled instantly and stepped closer. His arm slid around Yuwon's waist, pulling him in. His grip was tighter this time—more intentional.
Min (quietly): "Yuwon… if you don't want this, just say so. I'll stop."
Before Yuwon could answer, Min leaned in, his lips only inches away.
Then—
SCREECH.
The sound of tires tearing across pavement broke the moment.
One.
Two.
Three sleek black cars rolled to a stop in front of the building, their engines growling low and dangerous. Their polished surfaces gleamed under the streetlights.
Min froze. His arms dropped.
Min (alarmed): "What the hell…"
Uniformed musclemen stepped out, one after another—dressed in black, each armed and alert. A guard from the first car rushed forward and opened the door of the central vehicle.
Yuwon's eyes dropped to the license plate.
Noir Serpent.
His breath hitched.
And then, from the opened door, a tall, commanding man stepped out—dressed in an all-black designer suit. His hair slicked back, jawline sharp, aura dangerous. His very presence screamed power.
Yuwon's lips parted in disbelief.
Yuwon (whispering): "Tae…"
Min glanced between the man and Yuwon in confusion.
Min (low, uneasy): "Who is he? He looks like… a mafia boss."
Before either of them could move, two guards strode forward. In one swift motion, they pulled Min aside, firmly but without hurting him.
Min (struggling): "Hey! What are you doing—?!"
Then the man walked forward.
Yoon Taekho.
Now 24. Taller, colder, deadlier.
He approached Yuwon with calm confidence, his guards following like shadows.
When he stood directly in front of Yuwon, he finally spoke.
Taekho (calmly): "Hello… Hyung."
Yuwon stood frozen.
No words. No breath.
The past, the promises, the ache—everything returned in a crashing wave.