Jeonghan's POV
We spent hours talking and getting to know each other. I think we've already shared everything there is to talk about. Well, most of it came from Kwannie — our new companion in this place. That kid sure loves to talk.
The whole time they were chatting, I barely said a word. I just wasn't in the mood. I sat up from lying down — I've been awake for a while, just staring at the ceiling. The only indication of time passing is the faint light coming through the small window of this room. There's no clock, no glass objects, nothing that could be broken. Only my closet, a side table, and this bed — that's all there is. Boring, right?
knock knock
I haven't even answered yet, but the door opened, and whoever was knocking just walked right in. Another thing I absolutely hate — I can't even lock the damn door. Fucking hell.
"Hyung, you're awake? Mommy's calling for you — she has something for you to do," said the person who entered, now recognizable as Joshua.
"Okay, Shua. Just tell her I'll freshen up first, then I'll head out," I replied, my voice flat.
He simply nodded before quietly leaving my room.
"What day is it even? Hayss... Good fucking morning, huh?" I muttered to myself, dragging my feet as I got ready.
Not like I have the right to refuse whatever orders Mommy has for me anyway. I don't have a voice in this place — not even a single damn say.
After finishing all my morning rituals, I finally stepped out of my room and headed towards Mommy's office. When I arrived, I couldn't help but wonder why the three of them were also there.
"Mommy, you called for me?" I asked as I entered her office, my voice steady.
My eyes scanned the room — hoping, praying I wouldn't see that devil hiding in plain sight. A sigh of relief escaped my lips when I didn't spot him.
"Yes, I need you to run an errand outside. Go to this location and give this to whoever is in that office."
I looked at her with confusion while accepting the papers she handed me — one was a small note containing an address, and the other was an envelope whose contents I could only guess. Probably money.
"Why me, Mom? Are you sure you're sending me out?" I asked, gathering enough courage to question her. This was the first time she'd ever asked me to leave the premises.
"Yes, no more questions! You're the one going, and you're the one delivering that! You're not going alone if that's what you're worried about — my men will follow you. So if you're thinking of disobeying me, don't bother. You'll only make things harder for yourself. Do you understand?"
Her long-winded lecture left no room for argument. I mentally rolled my eyes at her overly long response — all that for my one simple question. I just nodded in reply, too lazy to say anything else.
"You three," she turned to the others, "we're short on staff at the club. You'll be in charge for now. Your father and I have something important to attend to. I don't want to hear that any of you disobeyed or caused trouble. Is that clear?"
"Yes, mom," they chorused.
"Jeonghan!" Her sharp voice cut through the air, making sure I knew I wasn't off the hook. "Go straight home, understand? If I find out you came home late, you'll be in big trouble."
As if I'd even get the chance to wander around with their eyes glued to me.
"Yes mom," I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral. After leaving us with a mountain of instructions — like she was heading off to war or something — Mommy finally left, dragging her entourage of guards along. You'd think she was never coming back with the way she went on and on.
Once the coast was clear, I made my way back to my room to change. The three followed me like shadows.
"Hyung... you're not going to leave us, right?" Minghao's soft voice broke the silence. Ever since they heard I'd be going outside, worry was written all over their faces.
"Why would I do that, Hao?" I answered, trying to keep my voice light.
"You're going out today, so there's a big chance for you to escape this place if you want to," Kwannie interrupted, the fear of what might be running through my mind clearly visible on his face.
"Relax, I'm just following what Mommy asked me to do. I won't do anything else. Besides, even if I wanted to, I wouldn't be able to escape with all of Mommy's men tailing me. Do you really think I could get away with that?"
"We wouldn't stop you if that's your plan. Kwannie has a point — even if there are men following you, they'd still be far behind," Joshua added.
"Guys, I'll say it again — I'm just following what Mommy told me to do, that's it." I looked at each of them straight in the eyes.
What they were saying was true — I could do it if I really wanted to. The problem is, I don't have the courage left to even try. You could say, there's not a single drop of hope left in me. If death was waiting outside my door tomorrow, I'd willingly walk with him. That's how fucked up my life is.
They all let out deep sighs of relief, like a thorn had been pulled from their chests. They're okay with me leaving — they just don't want to be the ones left behind. What a bunch of hypocrites.
"Alright, go and follow what Mommy ordered before you get yourselves in trouble."
They only nodded in response and slowly trailed behind me. Once I finished changing, I finally started carrying out the task assigned to me.
I exited through the backdoor of the club — the front door leads directly to the club's main entrance, and Mommy strictly forbids any customers from seeing me or any of the four of us.
We live right behind the club, with only a secret door connecting us to the house. The place isn't that big — just a small living room, four bedrooms, and Mommy's office. Food is delivered to us, so in short, it's like we're prisoners — only a bit fancier.
That's why whenever we're required to work at the club, we wear masks. Actually, even the employees wear masks too — one of the club's rules. There are too many idiots in the world who judge people the moment they find out they work at a club, as if it automatically makes them filthy.
Wews — like the club owners actually have hearts or something. Pssh.
When I stepped out through the backdoor, there was already a taxi parked there — they really made sure I wouldn't wander around, huh? As soon as I got in, I told the driver the address. He also mentioned that he'd be the one to take me back home. I just nodded — as if I had a choice. They didn't even give me a single penny for fare.
It didn't take long before we arrived at the address Mommy gave me. I stepped out of the taxi, knowing he'd be waiting to take me back after I finished the errand.
Sigh Whatever.
I think this is the basement floor of the building — all I can see are parked cars.
"Hurry up and move before someone sees us!"
I kept walking, still searching for the elevator when I noticed a group of men — about four of them — carrying a young child. A black van was parked nearby. Is this... a kidnapping for ransom?
"DADAAA!!!!, UNKOL SHII!! HEEELP!!!!"
The child's cries pierced through the air, making my chest tighten. Before they could shove the kid into the van, I moved without thinking — to help them... no, to help the child.
"What are you doing? Stay out of what you see!!!"
I could hear one of Mommy's men speaking through the in-ear device I was wearing. I ignored him and went on with what I was planning to do.
"What are you doing? Let the kid go!" I shouted as I got closer to them. I didn't really expect them to release the kid — instead, they turned their attention to me. Shit. Annoyed, I yanked out the in-ear device I was wearing and stuffed it in my pocket.
One of the men swung at me, but I quickly dodged his punch. All I did was avoid and run — no counterattacks. I couldn't understand why they were so slow. Maybe they were new to this kind of work. When I saw an opening to get closer to the kid, I took it. Without hesitation, I grabbed the pocket knife I had swiped from one of the men earlier and stabbed the guy holding the child — right in the thigh. The man howled in pain, loosening his grip.
I snatched the kid, hoisting him up in my arms, and sprinted toward the elevator that had just opened. As soon as I got inside, I frantically pressed the button for the floor I was supposed to go to. Luckily, before they could catch up, the elevator doors closed. I slumped down in the corner, still holding the kid tightly in my arms.
I could feel him trembling, his small sobs echoing in the confined space. What surprised me the most was that he wasn't thrashing or trying to break free — considering he had no idea who I was.
*Before the kidnaping happens. In the malls top floor office
Seungcheol's POV
"Dada, didn't you say we would go out together? You pwamis that to me, right?" his five-year-old son said, pouting.
So cute... Cheol thought to himself.
He stood up from his seat and walked towards his son, kneeling down to meet him at eye level.
"Baby, do you see that big mountain on Daddy's desk?" he pointed to the pile of paperwork scattered across his table.
"Daddy is still busy, so Uncle Hoshi will be the one to go with you for now," he said, motioning towards Hoshi. "But you pwamis that to me. My teacher said it's bad not to keep your pwamis," his son said sadly.
Seungsheol couldn't resist pinching his son's chubby cheeks because of how adorable he looked.
"I'm sorry, baby," he replied, pouting and trying to act cute.
A sudden burst of laughter caught his attention, making him turn towards Hoshi, who was secretly recording their interaction with Dino. Seungcheol shot him a sharp glare, making Hoshi immediately stand up straight and hide his phone behind his back.
"I don't want to go with Uncle, Dada. I want you," the child insisted.
"Just come with us, boss," Hoshi butted in, only to receive a sharp glare from Seungcheol.
Seungcheol let out a deep sigh. "I'm really sorry, baby. Daddy promises we'll go out together after my work is done. Don't you want to go to Disneyland again? Daddy will take you there," he tried to convince the little one.
"Pinky… pinky… pinky pwomise," Dino said, extending his little pinky finger to Seungcheol.
"Yes, pinky… pinky… pinky promise," Seungcheol replied, wrapping his own pinky around Dino's.
"Yey!" Dino cheered happily before walking towards Hoshi. "Let's go, Shi hyung," he said, gripping Hoshi's hand tightly.
"Let's have lots of fun," Hoshi responded with a grin.
"Take care of him, okay? Never take your eyes off him. He's restless and loves to wander around," Seungcheol firmly instructed, holding Hoshi by both shoulders.
"Yes, boss," Hoshi replied, giving a playful salute. "Don't ever let yourself get distracted," Seungcheol added, his tone serious.
"Bye-bye, Dada," his son bid farewell. Seungcheol sat down again, pulling his child into a tight hug. "Take care, my son. Have lots of fun today," he whispered. Without wasting any more time, Hoshi and Dino finally left.
Hoshi's POV
As soon as we got inside the elevator, I asked,
"Dino, where do you want to go? Slides, toys, or food?"
"Toys," he answered excitedly. "I want lots of toys!" he added, jumping in excitement.
"Buy a tiger plushie, Shi hyung," he requested, making me chuckle at how adorably playful this little kid is.
Ding
When the elevator doors opened, I held his hand tightly. The mall was packed — it was the ber months, after all. If something bad happened to this little rascal, Seungcheol would definitely kill me. "Bubwit, don't ever wander away from me, okay? Hold my hand tight, and don't let go. Got it?" I reminded him firmly.
"Otey," Dino answered, giving me a thumbs up. We walked around until we finally reached Toy Kingdom. When we got there...
"Do you like this one?" I showed him a dinosaur toy I spotted. "Flying dinosaur, Dino!" I acted like a little kid, making the pterodactyl fly in the air.
"Woooosh wooooosh!"
But instead of being amazed, he scrunched up his face in disgust at what I showed him. "I don't want that. I'm not a baby anymore," he said with a pout. "I'm a big boy now."
"I want that one…" he pointed at a large toy car — big enough for him to ride. He ran towards it, excitement written all over his face, and eagerly tried to climb inside. I called a saleslady to assist us.
A few moments later, he spotted another toy he liked. His eyes sparkled as he went around, pointing at every toy that caught his attention — pure joy radiating from him. I picked up everything he pointed at — including the tiger plushie he mentioned earlier. This kid is funny — doesn't like dinosaurs but loves tigers.
He was running around here and there, asking for every toy he fancied. I couldn't say no or skip any — he's only five, but his memory is sharp. If I missed even one toy, he'd definitely notice and throw a fit — just like his dad.
While we were browsing, something caught my eye. The moment I saw it, I instantly thought of him. I could already picture his reaction if he saw this. A smile crept onto my face — I was sure he'd love it.
"Uncle Hoshi, why are you smiling like a crazy person?"
"What???? You little—" I just laughed at what he said. See? Just like his dad — he notices everything. Sharp eyes. I decided to buy what I saw — since we're already here anyway.
"Shi Hyung… let's go there." He tugged on my shirt, pointing at something. I tried to follow where he was pointing, but I couldn't see what he was talking about.
"Wait a minute, Bubwit. Hyung just needs to buy something real quick, okay?" I told him.
"But hyung, I wanna go there! Buy it for me nowww!!!" he insisted.
"Bubwit, come here." I called him closer. He came over and listened to what I was saying. "Hyung just needs to buy something quickly. Stay right here, okay? Don't go anywhere."
He pouted but nodded at me. When he did, I left him there and approached the sales lady. I glanced back at Dino, making sure he was still there. When I saw he hadn't moved, I turned my attention back to the sales lady.
"Sir, what are you looking for?"
"The one that will make him smile," I answered in my head.
"Can I take a look at that?" I pointed at the toy placed on the top shelf. The sales lady showed it to me while installing the batteries. It was a robotic potted plant.
"This is a great choice, Sir. It's one of our best sellers. It's perfect for tech enthusiasts and makes a great decoration in front of the computer. It's also ideal for plant lovers."
That's totally him—the one who's always in front of the computer.
"You press this button to turn it on, and it has many functions. You'll know right away if the plant needs food, water, or sunlight. It even has feelings, Sir, even if it's just a robot."
Wish everyone had feelings. That guy always has that serious, default expression—like emotions completely abandoned him.
"You'll see if it's happy, angry, or sad. You can also interact with the robot," the sales lady explained. This thing is impressive—definitely a good distraction for him, even just for a while. That guy doesn't know how to do anything else but codes.
"Are you sure tech enthusiasts will like this?" I asked again, just to be certain.
"Yes, sir!" she answered confidently. Ah, confident, huh? "If the person I'm giving this to doesn't like it, I'll turn you into a robot," I said with a serious face. The sales lady looked startled by what I said.
"Hehe, just kidding, miss." I quickly added with a peace sign, making her laugh as she scratched the back of her head. "Alright, I'll take it." I handed her my card. She put the robot back in its box, and after processing the payment, she gave it to me. I also paid for all the toys that Dino picked out. "Thank you, Sir. Have a nice day." I just smiled at her and started walking away.
"Wait… it feels like I'm forgetting something…" When I looked back at where I left Bubwit, he was already gone. "Aiiissshhhh… I'm so dead when Seungcheol finds out."
I went back to the sales lady I was talking to earlier since Bubwit was just behind me, which was within her line of sight.
"Did you see the kid I was with?" I asked, slightly panicked.
"Sir, I didn't notice him anymore," she replied. I ran my hands through my hair in frustration.
"Alright, thank you." I answered while looking around anxiously.
"Aiiisshh!! I'm really doomed now."
I've already searched the entire Toy Kingdom. I checked every corner, but I still couldn't find him. I even asked different people around the store in case someone saw him. I ran my hands through my hair in frustration. What the hell, Hoshi? Why did you have to prioritize flirting?
I tried circling the store again, thinking I might have missed him — but still nothing. Damn it, what now?
"Boss, did you see a kid walk out of the store?" I asked the guard outside. I showed him Dino's picture, hoping he would recognize him.
"Oh, Sir, I saw a man take him with him. I think they were heading to the arcade — that's what I overheard."
"Arcade? Alright, thank you." Carrying all the toys, I went straight to the arcade and asked around. There was still no sign of them.
With the size of this mall, finding Bubwit alone would be nearly impossible. Even if I don't want to do it... this is the right thing to do. With trembling hands, I contacted Seungcheol through the earpiece. I'm really going to die this time.
"Hyung..." I started.
"Oh? Hosh, if this is about Dino, make sure I'll be happy with what you're about to say." Seungcheol warned. Yeah, Cheol... You'll definitely be happy — happy with anger. Aarrghhh.
"Hyung... it's just that... Dino—" My voice broke, unsure how to even say it.
"Hoshi, what? What about Dino? You better tell me my son is with you," Seungcheol's patience was running thin.
Goodbye, earth.
"Hyung—"
"WHAT, HOSHI? WHERE IS MY SON?!"
I immediately yanked out the earpiece from my ear, feeling like my eardrums had just shattered from how loud he shouted.
"Hyung, calm down. I'll tell you... but say eeyyyy first—" I stammered, my heart pounding like crazy. Damn, I feel like a total idiot right now. Lord, I guess we're about to meet.
"Fuck! Hoshi, are you going to answer properly or not?" Seungcheol's serious voice came through, laced with threat.
Shit... Uji, I love you.
"Hyung... your son is... missing," I whispered, barely audible.
"FUCKKJSDHGHDGH—" That was the only thing I heard before I quickly pulled the earpiece away from my ear.
I really need to find a new boss after this... Uji, what will happen to us now?
Seungcheol's POV
I suddenly slammed my table out of frustration at the person I was talking to. That damn Hoshi. He wouldn't answer properly—he's raising my blood pressure.
"Hyung... your son is missing." His voice was faint, but my temper shot up the moment I heard it.
"MOTHERFUCKER***** HOSHI, DIDN'T I TELL YOU NOT TO TAKE YOUR EYES OFF HIM?" The others in my office flinched at my sudden outburst. "HOSHI, IF ANYTHING BAD HAPPENS TO MY SON, YOU ARE SO DEAD!"
I didn't even care if Hoshi responded or not. I needed to calm down—listening to him would only make me angrier.
Honestly, fear and worry were mixing inside me, but I needed to stay composed. I had to find him and make sure he was safe.
Dino, please be safe.
"Gyu, Dino is missing. Check the mall's CCTV. Deploy all guards. Search every floor and corner of this mall. Shut down all exits and entrances."
Gyu immediately followed my orders. Once he left, I called Hoshi's personal phone to summon him back to the office—he probably removed his earpiece already.
There was only one solution left in my mind to find Dino as soon as possible. I knew he hated being disturbed, but I had no choice.
(Caller ID: Monitor)
Ji, please pick up...
(......fuckk Jiii!)
I could only pull at my hair in frustration—damn it. I knew he already figured out what was happening, but he still refused to answer. Great.I was about to call him again when a message suddenly popped up on my screen.
"Stop calling me, Hoshi already told me everything. I'm looking for your son. I'll message you once I find him."
I felt a bit calmer after reading that message. But the anxiety gnawing at my chest still wouldn't go away. I could face anything—anyone—but when it came to my son, I was weak. Hoshi, you damn tiger, I swear I'll drag you back to your den if something happens to him, you fucker.
I paced around my office, anxiously waiting for an update from Monitor. I swear I could count every second that passed—my heart pounding harder with each one.
Ping...
I immediately grabbed my phone, my hands trembling as I checked the message.
"Found him, with another person. They're in the elevator heading to your office. I already informed Hoshi—he's with them."
That was all it said. Okay, they found him... but my anger still boiled beneath the surface. It didn't take long before the office door swung open. There he was—the person mentioned in the message—carrying my son.
"Hyung, before you get mad, I tried to take your son, but Dino wouldn't let go of him, so I had no choice but to bring him back here to your office, and he also won't give your son to me." Hoshi pointed at him. The person holding my child looked at Hoshi with disinterest. Hoshi was about to speak again, but I silenced him.
"What do you want? Money? Give me my son, and I'll give you whatever amount you want!" I challenged the man. He remained silent and expressionless.
"Hey kiddo! Is this your daddy?" he asked, pointing at me. Dino looked at me and nodded. He then put my son down and sat in front of him to be at eye level.
"Are you sure? Maybe you're just scared to tell the truth," he said to my son. The fuck is he talking about? Isn't it obvious he's my son?
"Yes, I'm sure," Dino answered him. He smiled at Dino and ruffled his hair.
"You're cute. Alright, you're safe here," he said, pinching Dino's cheek. He then stood up and faced me.
He looked around my office, glanced at the envelope he was holding, and repeated that a few times as if confirming something. Once he was sure the details on the paper were correct, he looked at me again and spoke.
"I guess I'm in the right place, huh?" he said, showing me a small paper with an address written on it. I could only nod, and he handed me the envelope he was holding. "It's from the owner of The Luxe Den Club," he simply said and was about to turn around and leave.
But before he could leave, Dino grabbed him and stopped him from going.
"No! Don't leave, just stay here, please," Dino said in a pleading tone. Just like earlier, he crouched down to match Dino's height.
"This is why you're getting kidnapped, because you're too comfortable with people. Even if I want to stay, I can't. I need to go home," he said with a smile to my son. I was alarmed by what he said, so I glanced at Gyu, who had just returned to my office. Gyu immediately approached me and showed me CCTV footage from Monitor on his iPad. It was footage from the parking lot, where my son was almost taken if not for this man.
"But why? I like you here," Dino pleaded with a pout.
I was surprised by my son's behavior. He usually didn't insist on people staying, especially if he liked them. I remained silent and observed the two of them.
"That's exactly the reason. I can't stay here. How about this? If you promise me not to go with just anyone anymore, I'll come back."
"Really? Pinky pwomise?"
He just nodded and stood up.
"What if you don't come back?"
He was taken aback by Dino's response. It was clear he had no real intention of fulfilling the promise to the child. He couldn't speak right away, struggling to find something to say. Suddenly, Dino acted as if he was asking to be carried in front of him.
Not only me, but everyone else in my office was surprised by Dino's behavior. He stared at my son for a moment, then, losing hope, finally carried him.
"Baby, I really need to leave right away... but I promised, right?"
Dino just hugged him tightly, shaking his head with small kicks.
"Yah!... You promised not to go with just anyone, remember? You don't even know me."
"You saved me earlier, you're a good person," Dino replied, still clinging onto him.
"How could you say that I'm a good person?" he asked, sounding hopeless. Dino suddenly looked at him, cupping both sides of his face before answering.
"Something about your smell" he remained silent at Dino's response to him. "Son, you look like a creep with what you just said, the fuck!"
They kept trying to persuade each other in front of me. I was the one running out of patience with Dino's behavior now. He's not like this, so even I don't know what to do with him.
"Can you give him a little more of your time? Even just until he falls asleep?" I just asked him, but I whispered the part about him falling asleep, for sure this little rat won't sleep.
He sighed and nodded. I signaled for him to sit, and he followed, but the problem was Dino still wouldn't let go of him. A few hours passed with the two of them chatting and laughing, and finally, my son fell asleep. Once he was asleep, I took Dino from him.
"Thanks, I didn't get to thank you properly earlier. Sorry for my behavior too," I said shyly.
"It's nothing, I'll be leaving now," he answered quickly. Before I could say anything else, he left.
I didn't follow him, he seemed like he was in a hurry. Then I remembered the envelope he handed me earlier. I almost forgot about it. While Dino was in my arms, I looked inside the envelope, which I kind of regretted doing.
"Damn, they've been unpaid for two months, why is this check is one month short?"
I just stared at the door the person had walked out of earlier, and feeling frustrated, I threw the envelope.
"Aiiissshhh."
Side Story
Somewhere
I woke up to the sound of my ringtone. When I looked at the Caller ID, it was Hoshi. I just put my phone on silent and went back to sleep. But it kept vibrating because of the consecutive text messages.
'Here we go again. He never says anything else except, "Have you eaten yet?"'
But why won't it stop vibrating? Usually, it's only a few texts. Haysss, this only means one thing, I think he did something stupid again. I grabbed my eyeglasses and read his messages.
"Uji help me please (TT__TT)."
"I lost Dino at the mall. Please help meeee." Hayss, I knew it.
He's done for with Cheol. Man, why do he just lost himself. Cheol loves Dino so much. I got up from lying down to start the search.
*kring
(Caller: Cherry)
*ignored call
*send message to: Cherry
"Stop calling me, Hoshi already told me everything. I'm looking for your son, I'll message you when I find him."
I accessed the mall's CCTV, and I wasn't disappointed. I reviewed the footage from floor to floor until I found Dino.
*send message to: Cricket
"Found him."
*ping
"Uji, nice one. Because of that, you get a kiss from me." What is this idiot saying, fuck *acts like puking.
– Are you sure to Block Cricket??? YES