The ballroom glittered.
Chandeliers dripped gold above a sea of tuxedos and satin gowns. The Shin Group's annual corporate gala was the kind of event where fortunes were flaunted and secrets were whispered over champagne.
Hyungwon had been warned an hour before.
"You're coming. Dress appropriately."
That was the only message from Hoseok. No location. No driver.
Just... a command.
And now, standing by the entrance in a slim black suit that clung to his frame like sin, Hyungwon felt every pair of eyes glance his way. But none of them mattered.
Because Hoseok was already watching him.
From across the room. Drink in hand. Jaw clenched. Eyes dark.
Their gazes locked.
Something sharp passed between them. Like a string pulled tight. A silent language neither of them had agreed to speak but both understood.
Hyungwon started moving.
So did Hoseok.
They met near the marble balcony, away from the crowd. Hoseok didn't say anything at first. Just… looked at him.
"You clean up well," he said finally, voice low.
"You sound surprised."
"I am." Hoseok took a sip of his drink, eyes never leaving Hyungwon's. "You look like someone worth watching."
Hyungwon tilted his head. "Then watch."
A dangerous smile.
"I already am."
Their moment was interrupted by another executive Lee Junho from a rival company. Too friendly. Too familiar. He placed a hand on Hyungwon's shoulder, leaning in with a laugh.
"Shin's new assistant, huh? If you ever get tired of babysitting him, give me a call."
Hyungwon smiled politely.
Hoseok… did not.
His eyes narrowed. His voice turned to velvet dipped in warning.
"Touch him again, and I'll make sure your company is bidding from the gutter next quarter."
Junho laughed awkwardly and backed off fast.
Hyungwon blinked.
"…Was that necessary?"
Hoseok stepped closer, so close Hyungwon had to tilt his chin up to meet his eyes.
"You work for me. You stand with me.
And tonight…" His voice dropped, barely a whisper "You stay close to me."
Hyungwon's heart stuttered. He hated how his breath caught.
"…Is that an order?"
A pause.
Hoseok leaned in, breath ghosting his ear.
"That's a warning."
End of Chapter 3