Chapter Text
A light breeze fluffs his hair as he exits the coffee shop with a takeaway cup in his large hands. The street is full of chatter from people hurrying back to their workplaces after lunch. The sun is quite pleasant today, but Junho still keeps his jacket zipped tightly; it’s an early spring, so best not to try his immune system. Not that he’s an avid health freak, but he’d rather work than lie in a sickbed feeling completely useless.
It’s always been like that for him: work, work and a bit more work. Being a business owner and a robotics engineer are challenging, but Junho’s not one to shy away from a challenge. On the contrary, his stubbornness paved the way to recognition and juicy business deals. Coming from a rich and well-known family, Junho wanted to prove he wasn’t just another lazy rich kid with his dad’s money behind him; though, he did have to accept a hefty amount for the investment in his own company because everyone has to start somewhere. And with his visionary mind, he was able to attract a great team of young professionals under his wing. Things couldn’t have been better for him, except for one thing: he struggled to form a sincere, warm bond with his father, despite being the only child. So, when Junho got a call from him saying there’s something important to discuss, Junho was secretly hoping it’d be something good.
He stops in front of the three-story glass building and sighs; meetings with his father were never the most pleasant experience. Junho puts on a mask respectful compliance, hoping it’s the right one this time, because he is tired of walking on eggshells around the old man.
His father’s law firm is known for being the biggest and the best in the country, and therefore, such a huge office building. Being the son of a tough prosecutor has never been easy. Junho often felt anxiety around his father, so he could only imagine what kind of emotion his father was capable of imposing on the ones he’s going after. Strict and stern best described the accomplished, professional Mr. Lee.
Junho enters the building and stops at reception, a woman with chin-length hair smiles at him. “Hey, Hyerim.” He greets her with a polite smile.
“If I were you, I’d hurry. He’s waiting.” She winks and Junho curses inwardly. His father has always been a very punctual man, as expected from someone working in criminal justice. Junho glances at his watch as he enters the elevator.
1:25 PM
“Fuck.” He leans against the glossy wall. Junho was supposed to be here 25 minutes ago. He will have to deal with his father’s criticism all because of the very unsatisfied customer in front of him at the coffee shop. He’d gladly throw that soy milk latte she wasn’t happy about at her face.
He exits into the hallway, passing some wooden doors, and hurries towards his final destination. He strides through the waiting area and notices something odd: two rather large men in black suits securing the way to his father’s office. Did he hire bodyguards?
They don’t stop him though, probably already aware of his importance here.
Junho shuts the door behind him and scans the office: decorative wood carvings on the walls and shelves stacked with law books; nothing had changed since the last time he visited the prosecutor. The view from the glass wall-sized window is impressive as always, as it faces the river with some greenery on the side. His father is sitting behind a massive table typing something on his computer, showing no attention to his offspring.
Then, Junho notices another figure across the room, almost one with the shadow of a bookshelf. He’s a little taller than Junho, black suit and tie, white shirt, shiny black shoes, and light brown hair slicked back, accentuating his handsome features. If not for the rise and fall of the man’s chest, Junho would think it’s a cut-out of a suit model. His eyes scan the man’s face and it shows no expression, but the man’s eyes are analysing Junho back, making the latter feel somewhat unpleasant. Reminds him of that one time when he broke into a neighbour’s pool, intoxicated for the first time during his 17th birthday, and got caught swimming butt naked by said neighbour. The neighbour knew him, obviously, but the disappointed look he gave Junho was imprinted on his brain indefinitely. Why he is feeling like that right now, Junho has no idea because he didn’t do anything bad except for being late and that shouldn’t concern the unfamiliar man. Junho averts his gaze back to his dad.
“Sorry, I know I’m late–”
“Sit.” His father commands without sparing him a glance. Junho breathes out nervously as he takes a seat across the table. Why does it feel like an interrogation is about to happen?
He waits a couple of minutes, feeling the probable-bodyguard’s gaze on him, until the old man finally reclines back in his seat. There’s a deep crease between his greying eyebrows.
“If I say we have an important meeting, I expect you to treat it as such,” he says, placing his arms on the wooden table and clasping his fingers. Junho leans forward and puts the half empty cup on the table.
“I am. It’s not my fault the idiot in front of me wasn’t satisfied with the coffee and made a scene,” he reasons, but his father’s heavy sigh betrays irritation at the excuse.
“You could’ve left without the coffee. My time is precious, your coffee is not.” Junho looks away, swallowing his argumentative response. His father bends forward slightly. “Now, that we got this out of the way, let’s talk about important matters.”
“Related to the new faces in your office?”
“Yes. My position comes with a certain level of danger, being a prosecutor who goes against the scum of this country. It’s inevitable.” He leans back a little. “Currently, I’m going after a group of organized-crime leaders who have ties with the government. It’s the most complicated case of my career. Two days ago, one of my colleagues was almost kidnapped, and we received information that it was the doing of the Serpent; that’s the name they go by.”
“So, you got yourself a couple of bodyguards? Sounds about right.” Junho shrugs. Being cautious makes sense.
“I hired a bodyguard for you as well. Just to be safe.” Junho jolts forward in his seat.
“Hold on.” Now it’s Junho’s turn to frown. “I don’t need and don’t want a bodyguard. I don’t need someone babysitting me.”
“The choice is not yours.” His father’s lips tighten, which Junho recognizes as a sign of anger. This is about to get difficult.
“What the hell, Father, I’m not a child. I’m 27 years old and can take care of myself! I’m not related to the goddamn case in any way!” Junho stands up and his father does the same, clearly out of patience as he slams his hands on the hard surface of the table.
“You’re related to me! Did you forget?!” Junho suddenly remembers they’re not alone in this office and the presence on his left is still there. Fuck, having a spectator at a time like this is the last thing Junho wants. He hates being put in a position where he has to take shit from his father and swallow it all down. So humiliating. “I received an envelope with our photos in it, a small bag of ash attached to them. Do you know what that means?!” Junho shakes his head, looking away. “It’s a death threat!”
An eerie silence follows and Junho sits down, rubbing his forehead. There’s no way out of this, is there?
“This is not a debate.” The prosecutor sits down as well, regaining his composure. “I’ve sent a security company to install proper security systems in your house where there will be a team of guards 24/7. Your personal bodyguard is this man.” Junho looks at the bodyguard approaching him with his hand extended for a handshake.
“Kim Minjun. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” Junho would so like to ignore the handshake, but his father is mentally throwing daggers at him and Junho cannot afford the luxury of being rude right now. He stands up and gives a very brief handshake.
“I assume you know my name.” Junho doesn’t really look at the bodyguard. Trying to stay composed and calm, Junho turns his gaze to the cup on the table.
“He knows everything about you.” His father’s voice gets his attention.
“What the hell does that mean?”
“Your work, schedule and similar important information,” Mr. Lee explains. “Here are the rules: Mr. Kim will pick you up every morning and drop you off at home every night. Once you’re back home, you’re not allowed to leave until Mr. Kim returns in the morning. You’re not to be left alone during the day; everywhere you go, your bodyguard follows.”
“Can I shit in peace at least? Or does he have to hold my hand even in the toilet?” Junho’s on edge, feeling his freedom slip away bit by bit.
“Junho!” The prosecutor slams his hand against the table once again, forcing Junho to slump in the chair. “This man was a part of the military Special Forces and he deserves respect! He’s a highly skilled professional tasked with keeping you safe, so cut the crap.” Junho shows no intention of talking back, so his father continues. “Mr. Kim will report to me every night. If you decide to run away from him…” Junho snorts. “I will make sure not only Mr. Kim but also a couple more bodyguards will assist you while you take a shit.”
“How long will I have to endure this?” Junho’s gaze is focused solely on the carpet, and if he had magical powers, there’d already be holes in it.
“Until I find enough evidence to put the Serpent leaders behind bars.”
“That could take years!” Junho jumps from his seat, overflowing desperation in his voice.
“So, you better start getting along with Mr. Kim here. He’ll be your shadow.”
Junho stares at his father, withstanding the latter’s heavy gaze. This is fucking bullshit. He may as well go to a prison and get himself locked up until this blows over.
“Are we clear?” The older man’s low voice sends shivers down Junho’s spine. He lost this battle.
“Yes,” he says sharply.
“Good. The security company has prepared a special vehicle that you’ll have to use from now on. No more toy cars,” the prosecutor says. Junho’s nostrils flare in frustration, thinking about his lime green Lamborghini at home.
“Seriously?” Junho glowers at his dad. This whole deal has gone too far.
“Son, this is for your safety. You’ll thank me someday.” His father sits down and types in the computer password to resume his work.
Junho walks around the chair and stops at the window, his frustrated gaze lingering on a child chasing after a kite by the river. He’d gladly switch places with the kid at this moment.
“That’s your final word, huh?” he says, admitting defeat.
“Yes. You can go back to your regular schedule.”
Junho shifts and scowls at his father working on something, his stern expression clearly stating this conversation is over. Junho sighs and doesn’t say goodbye as he exits the room with the bodyguard following him behind. When they enter the elevator, Minjun presses the underground floor button.
Junho glares at his profile as if trying to get inside his head, but the bodyguard wears a neutral expression that baffles Junho. Is he even human?
“Something on my face?” Minjun says without looking at him.
“Your face is the problem,” Junho scoffs.
“How come?”
“I’d rather not see it.”
“Too bad you have no choice.” Minjun turns his head and smirks.
The audacity of that little shit. Junho frowns as the elevator bell rings and the door opens. Minjun wastes no time leading the way, taking the key from his pocket and pressing the unlock button. The lights of a huge black Range Rover Sentinel SUV blink two times and Junho’s jaw drops slightly. Sure, his Lamborghini is amazing, but this vehicle is impressive, too. Minjun opens the back door for him.
“I can open the door myself,” he hisses, aggressively passing Minjun and settling into the leather backseat. The bodyguard says nothing as he closes the door.
Minjun takes his place behind the wheel and starts the car. “Destination?”
“I suppose you already know where I work.” Minjun nods and the rest of their trip continues in silence. Junho can’t even enjoy the smooth ride with the blood boiling in his veins.
+
Minjun doesn’t open the door for him this time. Junho lets himself out of the vehicle and struts angrily towards the staircase, unsettled by the shadow looming behind him. He still hasn’t calmed down. He feels even more vicious as the realization settles into his consciousness: he has a goddamn babysitter. An adult man. Lee Junho. He owns this robotics company and he’s forced to have this person watch his every move.
They reach the lobby and Junho starts to march off towards his office, but the voice on his left stops him.
“Junho?” He notices his personal assistant behind the table, slight confusion on his face as he glances at the figure in the dark suit next to Junho. Oh, right, Nichkhun doesn’t know what happened, but unfortunately Junho is too angry to explain it all at the moment.
“That’s my bodyguard. I don’t want anyone bothering me today,” he declares and leaves, letting Nichkhun know at least that much. He knows Nichkhun isn’t at fault, and being harsh is not really what the man deserves because he’s Junho’s right-hand man at this place, but he just cannot control his behaviour.
He expects a loud bang as he forcefully swings the door shut behind him, but Junho instead hears a simple thud and a click, which makes him turn around. Minjun is right there.
“Seriously? The walls are made of glass, you don’t need to stay in the same room with me.” Minjun walks past him, ignoring whatever Junho said. He looks through the window, seemingly searching for something. “What are you doing?”
“Looking for dangerous spots in case someone tries to snipe you.” He pulls out his phone and types something in it.
“Snipe me? Like that would ever happen. My father got himself two bodyguards and I got only one. I think that says a lot.”
“So, you’d rather have two bodyguards?” Minjun glances at him curiously. “I thought one was too much and now you’re jealous because your father has two?”
“What?!” Junho shrieks in disbelief. This bodyguard allows himself too much familiarity. “Don’t you think your tongue is too loose?” Minjun raises his eyebrow briefly and slides the phone back into his jacket pocket as he moves over to Junho, standing right in front of him. Junho didn’t think it was possible for the bodyguard’s eyes to look even darker from up close, and there’s that unpleasant feeling again, like he’s being analysed on a molecular level.
“You expect respect, but show none. I’m your bodyguard, not a punching bag. Your father warned me you could get very temperamental sometimes, but I’m used to such childish behaviour since a lot of people seem to have this type of defence mechanism. However, don’t push it. I’ll be outside.” Before Junho can even retort, Minjun leaves the room and takes his position on the other side of the glass door.
Junho grabs a random book from his table and throws it across the room, feeling humiliated like he’s never felt before. Of course his father would allow this shitbag full freedom of speech. Junho is just an object to him that he was paid to protect. Nothing more, nothing less.
He regains his composure after a while and sits back behind the glass table, opening his laptop. From his periphery, he can see Nichkhun approaching Minjun and feels betrayed when his assistant smiles at the bodyguard while saying something that makes the latter smile back. Nichkhun must be a saint to extract such a sincere smile from that vile creature. Their conversation ends a few minutes later and Nichkhun goes back to his desk.
Junho grins as he types Minjun’s name into the google search bar, ready to dig for some dirt. Maybe the bodyguard has embarrassing videos on his social networks. His grin, however, falls when after extensive research he finds no trace of this Kim Minjun. It’s like he doesn’t exist online. What is this nonsense? There’s nothing he can find on this guy.
Junho groans and decides to answer a bunch of emails instead to get his thoughts off the whole situation.
+
It’s already a little past 8 PM when Junho realizes he actually got so immersed in work that he lost track of time. Now that he’s back to reality, he exhales in frustration. He notices Minjun is still in the same position he was earlier and the thought brings a sinister smirk to his face.
“Good, motherfucker, I hope your legs turn to jelly,” he mumbles.
He grabs his stuff and exits the room. As expected, Minjun follows him to the underground parking lot without saying anything, and that’s a relief. Maybe if they don’t talk to each other, Junho can endure this situation, but the bodyguard’s mere presence is annoying.
Somehow, Minjun gets ahead of him when they enter the parking lot and extends his arm, forcing Junho to halt.
“Are there surveillance cameras here?” His voice is somewhat too loud and Junho looks in the direction Minjun is staring.
Then, he sees two men: one of them is smoking while leaning on the car door and the other one is behind the wheel. The smoker has a shaved head, while his accomplice has a bun tied on top of his head. Junho knows pretty much everyone in this building and they don’t look familiar. These guys have a weird vibe.
“Of course, there are cameras here.” He makes sure to sound as loud as Minjun, but somehow his intonation is almost comical. Minjun doesn’t smile. He leads Junho to the Range Rover while also keeping an eye on the odd duo.
Once they’re inside the vehicle, Minjun asks, “Do they look familiar to you?”
“No,” he admits. “But maybe they’re waiting for someone. Don’t be paranoid.” Minjun drives the car out of the parking lot into the main street.
“Yeah? Well, they’re following us.” Minjun glances at the mirror and Junho turns around in his seat, kind of glad this SUV has tinted windows.
Indeed, the car is the same but the occupants are not visible in the dark. Junho feels his heart beat faster but tries not to think too much of it. This could mean nothing.
He feels the car pick up speed and Minjun swerves between the lanes skilfully. Junho hates to admit it, but his bodyguard is a pretty good driver. “What are you doing?”
“Trying to lose them.” Junho looks back at their alleged pursuers who really look like they’re trying to follow the same route.
“And what if we don’t lose them? Are they going to bust out a rocket launcher and kill us?” Minjun actually chuckles at that while taking a sharp turn to the right.
“No, I think they’re trying to intimidate us. If they wanted to kill us, we’d already be taking on bullets. This is just the beginning.” He takes a left turn.
“Beginning of what?”
“Them attempting to get their hands on you,” he states calmly, taking an exit to their right. “They’re testing things. Now that they’ve learned you have a bodyguard, they’ll change their tactics.” Junho holds tightly onto the seat in front of him. He’s talking like he’s so sure of it.
“Bullshit.”
“It’s funny how even in this situation, you’re still in denial.” Minjun smirks and jumps between lanes sporadically, no tension on his face. They take another exit, and after a while, the bodyguard declares, “We’ve lost them.”
Junho looks back and doesn’t see the pursuers anymore. “Maybe they just went where they had to go, weren’t pursuers at all.” Minjun shakes his head, disagreeing.
When they reach the gate of Junho’s house, the changes are obvious: surveillance cameras and a couple of guards inside the walls.
“Are you going to tell father about the car?” he asks Minjun once outside the car. He sees a phone in the bodyguard’s hand.
“Yes. Why?”
“Maybe you shouldn’t.” There’s a dubious expression on Minjun’s face.
“You really just can’t accept what’s happening, can you?” Junho looks away nonchalantly and Minjun sighs, seemingly done with the master of denial. “Doesn’t matter, I’m here to make sure you’re alive and kicking.”
“Wow, so chivalrous.” Junho sneers and they stare at each other for a couple of seconds.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Mr. Lee,” Minjun says and starts walking away, pressing the phone against his right ear.
“Might as well call me Junho since you’re basically up my ass,” he yells and Minjun turns around, a smirk on his face.
“Haven’t reached that far yet, but okay, Junho.” The way he says his name is deliberately intense, the tone of his voice low and dark, clearly meant to taunt his client. Then, Minjun’s demeanour suddenly changes into a serious one as the older Mr. Lee answers the call.
“Fucker,” Junho mumbles and leaves the yard, happy to finally be free of Minjun.
He walks into the two-story house, light yellow on the outside, white walls on the inside. Junho kicks off his shoes and turns right towards the kitchen, going straight for the refrigerator. His thoughts were so preoccupied today that he forgot to eat, and now that he feels somewhat at ease, his stomach starts rumbling. Junho grabs a plate and a few pieces of leftover pizza, one piece already in his mouth.
He passes the living room on his left and walks up the stairs to his office, which separates his own bedroom and guest bedroom. He usually spends some time in his gym on the first floor when he’s back from work, but he just has no energy to bother tonight.
Junho flops onto the comfortable chair and turns on the computer. Leftover pizza tastes so damn great, especially when he’s starving, so Junho devours it in no time, clicking through some folders. Then, his eyes focus on a certain folder.
Mom
He sighs, opening the directory to find one video file in it, so precious to his heart. He doesn’t watch that video often, but today feels like the right time. Watching it always gives him a bittersweet feeling because it’s the only recording he has of her. It wasn’t even meant for his eyes to see, but as a curious teenager, he found an old tape hidden in the attic; when he watched it, his whole world changed. He suddenly understood why his father was so strict with him and never showed love: he lost the love of his life and a huge part of him died. Junho couldn’t help but feel guilty, so he put up with his father’s cold behaviour because he was supposed to be the miracle child.
“Oh, touch it!” A long-haired woman with a floral dress is smiling up at the camera while sitting on the sofa.
“Is he kicking again?” His father’s cheerful voice emerges somewhere from behind the camera.
“Yes!” Junho’s mom grabs his dad’s hand and he sits down beside her, placing the camera on the table so both of them would be in the shot. “I think he’s going to be an athlete! I’m so happy, honey.” His father touches her cheek with the other hand, so gently and carefully as if she were made of glass.
Junho bites on his lower lip, witnessing such an intimate moment. His father was a completely different person 27 years ago.
“We’re so lucky,” he says. She kisses him on the lips, then pulls back and places her hand on top of her husband’s, which is resting on her huge belly. “Our miracle child.” He smiles gently, and they stay quiet for a few more moments.
“He’s not even born yet, but I love him so much already. Only a few weeks left till the big day.” She then glances at the camera. “Why did you bring this?”
“I want to document the moment we choose a name for him.”
“Ah! That’s a great idea!” she beams. “Do you have anything in mind?”
“I’m not really that creative…” She slaps his arm playfully. “You’re the creative one. You pick the name.”
She thinks briefly before a radiant smile flashes on her face. “Oh. I know! I think Junho sounds cute, doesn’t it? I have a feeling he’ll be a very talented boy. Because God gave him to us, he’s a gift from heaven. What do you think?”
“I think it’s a wonderful name.” He pecks her on the cheek, his gaze so warm.
Suddenly, she grabs the camera and tries to film her own face, only managing to fit her eyes, nose and lips in the frame. “I love you, Junho!” she says, her eye-smile so adorable and sincere.
Then, the video ends.
Junho slumps in the chair, as always, slightly confused about the feelings inside him. He knows he’s the spitting image of his mother. Not only that, he seems to be creative just like her because she used to be a painter and he works in a field of innovations. Just how hard is it for his father to look at him? Junho has a feeling, but he could never put himself in his shoes.
He was supposedly a miracle child since his mother was told she’d never conceive, so when she got pregnant, she was already 33 years old. It was a rather late pregnancy and she had some problems while carrying him, but no one expected the birth would actually take her life. She lost a lot of blood, and then there was septic shock. She was gone in just a few hours. His father told him this story only once when he was old enough, and they never talked about it again.
Junho swore to always be respectful to his father because that’s the least he could do to honour his mom. He had to accept the way the old man tried to protect him, because Junho was a piece of her and he was still alive. He knew that much, but it also felt very restraining and Junho was not always able to live up to his commitment.
He doesn’t know how long his compliance will last, but he will try his best to act according to his father’s wishes. After all, Junho is a piece of him, too.