The Deal: Between Love and Favors

[Hours Earlier]

The director spared no effort in asking me to take on more work.

— I need you to review last week's releases by 4 PM! And prepare a report for the audit.

— Another audit?

— Yes. — My boss said, looking slightly worried.

If I wasn't mistaken, the company was preparing to be sold. But as long as I got my salary, everything was fine.

When I returned to my seat, Yoma stood close to me.

— This sucks, we're going to get fired. — He sighed. — Some different guys showed up yesterday, didn't you see? You should have. They were all well-dressed. I think the company is going to be sold, and they'll fire us.

— Don't jinx it, hyung.

— That's just what it looks like. — He said, then suddenly took my hands. — Dude, your hands are so soft.

— They're fairy hands.

— I thought you were an angel.

— I'm a fairy.

— That guy isn't coming this week, is he?

— No. He's waiting for me to text him.

— Why don't you?

— It's not just any message.

— Now I'm a little curious… Hoba! — Yoma even changed his tone of voice. He was caught off guard by a hug from Taeho. I had seen him approaching and acted accordingly so Yoma wouldn't notice.

He turned to face Taeho, and I ceased to exist. Yoma started talking, calmly, but his excitement was impossible to miss. Taeho's arms wrapped around Yoma's waist, and they looked at each other with a smile.

— Don't be all lovey-dovey at work and near me. — I said, but they ignored me. — Hey!

I hate being ignored and insist until I'm noticed.

My parents used to say that if I wanted more attention, I should try becoming an idol. I thought it was nonsense back then. But now I recognize that's just how I am, and it tends to be a flaw.

— I'm talking to you guys… Hey… I'm right here…

Taeho's eyes finally met mine.

— You're so cute. I'm taking this guy away from you.

My biggest disappointment is not being the center of Yoma's attention.

And with each passing day, I hate it more.

I looked at my desk, and there it was—the card with that bastard loan shark's number.

Min Jun-Ho.

— Mom, he's crazy. — I said, standing next to her hospital bed. — But he's willing to forgive the debt. I have nothing left, but this way, I won't have to pay them 10,000 every month, and I'll be able to cover your surgery… — I was hiding some details, but I always told her everything. — Things can get better for us. And when you wake up, everything will be in order! Your son is the best, Mom. I'll help Dad too, so don't worry, I'll take care of everything!

— Stop bragging to your mother. — My father said.

— She used to brag all the time too. I'm just returning the favor.

— Go, go. Once you sort things out, look for Sora. He can't keep disappearing like this.

— I'm not going to worry about him. He's not a kid anymore. — I replied. — And he better hide really well.

Now, I had to go see Min Jun-Ho.

(...)

I went home and got ready. I stopped in the living room, still deep in thought, drank two cans of alcohol, and with my phone in hand, sent a message.

And he came quickly.

Min Jun-Ho arrived on his motorcycle, got off, and walked toward me. He knew how to be attractive, keeping his gaze fixed on me—I felt like a male escort. The guy had a sweet look, but I couldn't trust him, even though at this moment, I was.

His eyes drifted to my exposed waist. I had put on a purple cropped top with a few rips, along with gray pants. I had chosen this outfit on purpose. I knew his gaze would linger on me. I needed that.

He said he didn't feel anything beyond that. But when our eyes met, they burned. I had sparked his curiosity, and I must admit, feeling desired like that was a good sensation.

— You…

His voice sent shivers down my spine.

— I don't want to talk about this. — I was nervous. I knew that in this man's presence, I could go through with it effortlessly. But this was wrong in so many ways… It was better not to think too much. I looked at his face, and he seemed just as nervous as I was, his gaze was eerily fixed on my hand. — What is it? — I asked.

— I have trouble taking the initiative, but is it weird that I want to hold your hands?

— Yes, it's very weird, don't try anything, just… let's go.

He handed me a helmet and said he would take me somewhere quiet.

(...)

I have to admit that on the way there, I regretted it multiple times. I wondered if I would get seriously hurt if I just jumped off the bike.

— We're here. I thought it would be safer to bring you somewhere more… private. — Min Jun-Ho said as soon as we entered the room.

I looked around the place suspiciously. I had been here before, but now the atmosphere felt different. Everything felt more intense.

— Please, don't regret it. — He said, his gaze serious. — I know you're not here for me, but for the debt, but I still want this to happen.

The way he said that was so sincere, so direct, that it almost made me forget why I was there. He didn't seem to be lying, and if he was doing something wrong, he didn't know how to hide it.

I placed my bag on the dresser. Before deciding this, I had spent hours thinking about how I would do it, how I would deal with the consequences if he filmed and posted it or blackmailed me. Everything inside me was in conflict. I was risking my life here.

— Do you want something? — He asked, pressing his lips together as if he had more to say. But I took a deep breath and didn't answer.

I needed to prepare myself, adopt a new persona, create a facade to face this.

I stepped closer to Jun-Ho and could clearly see the agitation in his eyes. He was nervous, but trying to hide it with an enormous effort. He stiffened like titanium when I placed my hands on his shoulders, his face turning red. He was possibly more nervous than I was.