The Deal: Between Love and Favors

Even with so many things happening, Park Salin always found a way to appear in the corners of my life, not that he did it on purpose. He was the student who always slept in class. He always seemed like a busy person. But now, I just think he likes going to parties and staying out late. And for some reason, he decided to frequent the Promise Club. Out of all the places he could be, he had to be here, standing in the hallway just as I was leaving the White Room.

As if it wasn't enough that he almost suffocated me with his unwanted touch, he was bold enough to approach my table. He no longer looked scared and had a lot of questions for me.

I've been through this before. They ask questions, try to flirt, and when it doesn't work, they give up.

He sat down and briefly talked about his life, and I did the same. There was nothing more interesting at that moment than talking to Park Salin.

When I told him I needed to fake a relationship, he laughed. It was, in fact, comical. Faking a relationship would be my salvation. But honestly, I didn't want to fake it—I wanted to be able to find and love someone fully.

— But you want to find true love, don't you? — Looking into my eyes, as if reading my thoughts, he simply asked.

— No, not anymore. — I said, slightly intimidated. Just moments ago, I had scoffed at the idea, but deep down, I already knew I hadn't been truthful.

— Hm, that sounds like a challenge. If I win you over, will you pay my debt? — Salin wouldn't stop looking at me. I was starting to feel uncomfortable. His aura was intensely pink and bright. His lips were rosy and shimmering. He was captivating.

— I would pay, but can you really do it?

— I'd just need a little time. Don't you agree?

The last time someone wanted to be with me, it didn't work out. But that sentence scared me a little. Salin was smiling, but his eyes said the opposite. Maybe his family's situation was weighing so heavily on him that he was serious.

— M-maybe. — I said, slightly concerned. Normally, this feeling wouldn't affect me.

— If you'll allow me. — He said as he leaned in toward my lips.

He moved closer with a smile that caught me off guard. I was never prepared. My body tensed the moment his lips touched mine. But when his tongue brushed against mine softly, I felt a shock run through my entire body. I let him kiss me because that tingling sensation kept coming back every second. Was this normal? My breathing became erratic. But the feeling of having that boy kissing me was as strange as it was good.

When he pulled away, he smiled and even left me with a few pecks. I'm almost sure I stayed still for about 10 seconds, just processing the effects. He looked at me, confident. Unlike the others. Maybe he was the only one who was actually right.

— What is it?

I was in shock, in ecstasy—it was a terrifying sensation.

— Why… how did you kiss me? That was crazy.

— I thought you didn't feel anything. — He smirked, full of himself.

— You shouldn't have done that… — I barely knew how to react.

— I have a feeling you liked it… Don't be mad at me, Min Jun-Ho, but people here might start thinking you're gay from today on. But look on the bright side, not all is lost. — I nodded, embarrassed, and then he left.

I stayed there for a while until Jimbe came up to me.

— Are you alright, sir?

— I am.

(...)

I woke up already tense about what had happened. I kissed someone, and I didn't freak out about it. On the contrary, I felt good. My encounters with Park were always interesting. This was supposed to be just another damn day, but it could be completely different if I saw him again.

I heard frantic knocking on my door.

It was Taeho, my friend and a member of my main team. He looked frantic, staring at me in shock.

— Are you okay?

— I am, why?

— Why? Everyone saw you making out with a guy last night. Your father is calling you.

— My father? Just like that?

I understood Taeho's expression, and I felt the same way. My father doesn't like the community…

— Okay, I'm going to die. Grab your boyfriend Lucas and run as far away as possible.

— No one knows about me and my baby. You're the only one screwed here. Let's go.

— Are you taking me to the slaughterhouse?

Taeho shook his head.

— I just got here a minute before them.

I looked and saw the whole black-clad entourage.

— You have a job…

(...)

As soon as I arrived at the abandoned warehouse where my father was, I bowed to greet him.

— What's wrong, kid? Did you do something wrong?

— Hm? Did I? No? — I was confused.

— Never mind, I'm almost done here.

The man was my height. I had inherited many of his features. But his experience made him more ruthless. Maybe I'd become like that too.

He held out his hand to me—he wanted me to hand him the knife on the table. I did, and the half-dead man in front of us was definitely dead now.

— He really doesn't know anything.

I nodded.

— I'll make sure none escape next time.

— It's no use. They're all outsiders. Keep doing what you've been doing. We have to be patient.

— Yes. We're going out every night.

He looked at me, slightly proud, but then his expression changed as he glanced at his tools.

— Min Jun-Ho.

— Yes?

— I was peacefully at home when someone sent me a damn photo of you practically devouring the guy you ran over the day before. Explain. Now.

I knew I wouldn't escape.

— I don't know either… wait, how do you know I ran him over… — I didn't finish talking because my father doesn't like learning things about the family from outsiders. — Anyway, I took care of him and brought him to my house. The next day, we met at the Promise Club. While we were talking, he asked if he could kiss me… and I didn't refuse.

— You didn't refuse? That's it?

— Yeah, it was very different.

— So, you felt something? — He asked while grabbing a cloth to clean his hands.

— Yes.

— So… can we define you as gay? Or… did you just hit puberty now?

— I don't know.

— And you didn't get sick when he kissed you? No nightmares?

— No, nothing happened, and he didn't put his hands on me.

— That's crazy. "Mouth" is okay? But "hands" aren't? I still don't get whatever the hell is wrong with you.

— This kid is the only one where "mouth" became okay. And "hands" didn't. I don't even understand it myself.

He looked at me, still incredulous, then put his hands behind his back, preparing for his usual command. He always did that.

— Alright, you're going to get some tests done to figure out what's going on with you, and you're going to ask this kid out.

— What? — I was surprised. — I thought you didn't like it…

— Exactly. I'd rather have a son who owns up to being gay than one who's incompetent. So, I don't care if it's a guy. In fact, it's better this way—everyone will just think you were gay all along and that's why that happened.

— Maybe I really am.

— Not even you know, kid…

— I don't even know how to ask a guy out.

— Just ask. Pick a place, do something you both like. If he accepts, don't lose him. Enjoy your time together. See how you feel. Be in love. Don't waste time—get the guy pregnant and marry him.

— Men don't get pregnant.

— You know what I meant! Did you like the guy?

— Yes…

— Then do whatever it takes to have him before you're 25. But don't force him into anything. Business and love are different things.

— You sound more excited than I am.

— At your age, I was already in love and married to your mother.

— Sure, but I'll get closer to him again, just to be sure.

— Okay, try. But be honest with him. If he runs away, let him go.