FF Chapter 31

Only then did his tightly shut lips slowly part.

“Will you tell me everything?”

“Yes.”

“None of that ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I’ll tell you later,’ right?”

“I got it.”

Choi Muhyeok answered with a nod. Ji Yeonwoo, who had been cautiously watching him, slowly opened his mouth.

“It’s about Minhyuk… is he really your brother?”

The first question was something he had anticipated.

“If you’re asking if he’s my biological brother, then yes.”

But the answer sounded somewhat odd. If he was his brother, then he was his brother—what did “biological brother” mean? Ji Yeonwoo tilted his head, unsure.

“He’s my half-brother.”

“…Oh!”

Hearing that Minhyuk was indeed his brother, Ji Yeonwoo struggled to keep his expression in check. Even though he wasn’t surprised, the confusion in his eyes revealed his inner turmoil.

“Ah, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been surprised…”

“It’s fine. It’s easy for me to brush off, but Minhyuk’s had a rough time. He got compared to me a lot.”

It was clear without further explanation. Though they looked similar, their words and actions were vastly different.

“Minhyuk did apologize, but I’ll apologize again. I’m sorry for being rude. I hope you’re not upset.”

Instead, Ji Yeonwoo waved his hands in dismissal at Choi Muhyeok’s apology.

“I’m not upset. And why are you apologizing? It was your brother’s mistake.”

“This might be like insulting myself, but our parents spoiled him, so he’s a bit immature. To be precise, it’s my stepmother’s fault.”

As soon as Choi Muhyeok finished speaking, his face grew pensive.

Seeing that expression, Ji Yeonwoo couldn’t bring himself to say anything more. There was the matter of his biological mother, who had tragically taken her own life, his stepmother, and his younger brother, Choi Minhyuk, born after that. Ji Yeonwoo couldn’t shake the feeling that Choi Muhyeok was entangled in a complicated family history.

Could his stepmother or Minhyuk have had anything to do with his mother’s death?

“Is there anything else?”

Hearing the subtle question, Ji Yeonwoo refocused his gaze.

Truthfully, he wasn’t very curious about Choi Minhyuk. There was something else he really wanted to ask, but he hadn’t been able to bring it up.

“Yeonwoo, you’re hesitating, and it’s making me nervous.”

“…”

“It’s okay, just say it.”

Whether or not he knew what Ji Yeonwoo was agonizing over, Choi Muhyeok rubbed his back, urging him to speak. Ji Yeonwoo let out a small sigh.

‘Do you know what your brother does for a living?’

‘The Managing Director of Sunwoo Trading Company… or something.’

‘Huh? Well, that’s not entirely wrong, but… good grief.’

Choi Minhyuk’s exasperated words echoed in his mind. The problem was, Ji Yeonwoo had a rough idea of what they meant.

There were plenty of hints.

It all started when he’d talked about the person who’d given him marigolds as a farewell gift. The person had made unsettling comments, saying they could gouge out someone’s eyes, break their wrists, or make them unable to walk for the rest of their life without a change in expression. That chilling feeling couldn’t be put into words.

There was also the time he’d overheard strange music during a phone call, like the kind you’d hear in a club. When Ji Yeonwoo asked about it, Choi Muhyeok had said he wasn’t at work but somewhere else, vaguely explaining it was a personal business. It was hard to believe that running a club as a side business was anything ordinary.

The arm around Ji Yeonwoo’s waist tightened, and he froze, lost in thought, before looking up. He was being urged to speak.

“Muhyeok, could it be…”

“Yes?”

“Are you involved in anything other than running Sunwoo Trading Company?”

“What do you mean by ‘other things’?”

“Well, something… unusual.”

“For example?”

“For example…”

Following Choi Muhyeok’s lead, Ji Yeonwoo cautiously continued, glancing at him.

“Like being involved in… the underworld.”

“The underworld?”

“…Yes. Something like, I don’t know, a gang or something.”

As soon as Ji Yeonwoo’s stammering words left his mouth, Choi Muhyeok’s expression vanished.

“Did Minhyuk say something like that?”

Seeing Choi Muhyeok’s sudden change in expression and guessing he was angry, Ji Yeonwoo quickly waved his hands.

“No, no. He didn’t say anything directly. He just asked if I knew what you did. Honestly, I’ve been wondering for a while. I can’t explain it exactly, but I’ve gotten that feeling from time to time.”

“….”

“Am I right?”

As Ji Yeonwoo rambled on, Choi Muhyeok stared at him before turning his gaze to the empty air.

“Seriously, he’s such a useless guy.”

Ji Yeonwoo’s eyes lowered as he watched Choi Muhyeok.

“I shouldn’t have let him off so easily. I should’ve given him a proper lesson.”

The small sigh that escaped from him was almost an answer to Ji Yeonwoo’s question. Realizing that his suspicions were true, a wave of worry hit him.

“…You’re not still doing that kind of work, are you? Right?”

Choi Muhyeok met his eyes slowly, but didn’t answer. Why could he give straightforward answers to everything else, yet not to the question Ji Yeonwoo most wanted to hear?

“Muhyeok.”

This time, Ji Yeonwoo grabbed Choi Muhyeok’s arm and shook it, as if urging him to respond. Clenching his jaw tightly, his muscles tensing, Choi Muhyeok reluctantly opened his mouth.

“Before I answer, I’d like you to answer something first.”

“…I’ll hear it and then decide.”

“If my unusual line of work is still ongoing, does that change our relationship?”

Ji Yeonwoo’s heart sank. It was a far scarier and more painful question than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ What struck him was that Choi Muhyeok was more worried about how his work might affect their relationship than anything else.

Would it change our relationship?

The answer was a clear ‘no.’ His concern wasn’t about the nature of Choi Muhyeok’s work itself.

“Whatever work you’re involved in, it won’t change our relationship. It’s just… I’m worried.”

“Worried about what?”

“Isn’t it natural to worry when you find out your partner isn’t doing something ordinary?”

“……”

“It’s normal to worry about things like whether you’ll be in danger or if something bad might happen that could take you away from me overnight.”

Ji Yeonwoo spoke calmly, his voice soft and steady. Listening, Choi Muhyeok tightened his embrace around Ji Yeonwoo’s waist.

“I don’t know what you’re imagining, but it’s not as bad as you think.”

“Then what exactly do you do? Is it like what we see in dramas or movies?”

Though Ji Yeonwoo didn’t specify, Choi Muhyeok understood what he meant and couldn’t help but chuckle.

“What kind of work do you think it is?”

Despite the awkwardness, Ji Yeonwoo didn’t stop answering.

“You know, the kind of things people in the underworld do.”

“Like what?”

“Well, there’s a lot. Loan sharking, contract killings…”

At that, Choi Muhyeok, who had been listening seriously, finally couldn’t hold back his laughter.

“Have you been watching too many movies?”

“Stop joking around. I’m being serious.”

Still laughing, Choi Muhyeok leaned forward, grabbed Ji Yeonwoo’s shoulders, and locked eyes with him.

“What do you think? Do I seem like the kind of person who’d do that?”

Ji Yeonwoo shook his head, his face creased with thought. Even now, he couldn’t quite believe they were having this conversation, let alone the idea that Choi Muhyeok might actually be involved in organized crime.

“I didn’t choose this path. It was just something that happened naturally, like inheriting a family business.”

“Ah.”

“I know what you’re worried about. But just because someone’s in the mafia doesn’t mean it always looks the same.”

Holding Ji Yeonwoo’s shoulders, Choi Muhyeok explained carefully. Watching his face, Ji Yeonwoo seemed to relax a little.

“So then?”

“In the past, the kinds of things you’re worried about did happen, but now, it would cause big problems. The world has changed a lot, and the work I do has changed with it. And being involved in that world is just one part of what I do.”

After a pause, Choi Muhyeok’s eyes grew more intense.

“So, Yeonwoo.”

Before he knew it, those sharp, single-lidded eyes were staring straight at him.

“What I can tell you for sure is that the work I do will never put us in danger.”

At that moment, something that had been weighing on Ji Yeonwoo lifted.

“So don’t worry in advance.”

“Really? Is it okay to trust that?”

“Yes. No matter what.”

It wasn’t just an empty reassurance. His expression as he looked Ji Yeonwoo directly in the eyes held no hint of playfulness.

Ji Yeonwoo, meeting his gaze, nodded and gave a faint smile.

“Alright. I trust you.”

Strangely, he found himself truly believing Choi Muhyeok. It wasn’t blind faith. Rather, it was the result of all the words and actions Choi Muhyeok had shown him so far.

As Ji Yeonwoo looked at Choi Muhyeok, his smile reflected the ease that came with all his questions being answered. Yet, suddenly, he felt an uneasy sensation, like an unfamiliar scent brushed past the tip of his nose.

It smelled like something was burning.

“Is something burning? But there’s nothing that could—oh, right! The stew!”

Ji Yeonwoo’s eyes widened as he realized what had slipped his mind. Without waiting for a response, he quickly spun around and dashed into the kitchen.

“Yeonwoo?”

A sigh of regret drifted from the kitchen.

“Are you okay?” Choi Muhyeok raised his voice slightly as he called out.

“No, I’m not okay. Everything’s burnt.” Ji Yeonwoo’s disappointed reply echoed back. From just his tone, Choi Muhyeok could already picture the look of disappointment on his face.

“Let me take care of it. Don’t touch anything.” Choi Muhyeok, smiling as he stood there, followed Ji Yeonwoo into the kitchen.

˖ ❀ ⋆｡˚

“I’m… I’m sorry.”

Lee Hyunjun was left speechless as he stared at his secretary, Jung Doowon, who appeared before him with casts on his arm and leg. His fingers had been crushed, and his entire right arm was wrapped in a glaringly white cast. Moreover, the small scars that covered his face testified to the ordeal he’d been through.

“We didn’t expect Director Choi to go this far.” Jung Doowon, who had been speaking with his head bowed, stole a glance at Lee Hyunjun before bowing even deeper, feeling ashamed. Lee Hyunjun’s eyes darkened with anger as he looked at him.

It wasn’t because one of his trusted employees had been hurt. No, this was a matter of pride.

Sending his secretary back in such a state was clearly meant as a warning. Based on the conversation they’d had over the phone, it wasn’t hard to guess what had happened. They could have done more damage, but the fact that they left him walking, albeit barely, was a demonstration of arrogance—an implicit threat that one day, Lee Hyunjun himself might be in a similar state.

“That thug… he really handles things just like himself.”

Lee Hyunjun swayed his head from side to side and exhaled a humorless laugh. If this was a declaration of war, he was more than ready to engage.

“So, this is how you want to play it.” He muttered, gritting his teeth until they creaked.

Ever since their last call, Choi Muhyeok had stopped picking up his phone, possibly blocking his number. Lee Hyunjun grumbled, “How should I deal with these two? Muhyeok and Ji Yeonwoo…” His brow furrowed as he abruptly posed a question.

“What’s Ji Yeonwoo doing?”

Jung Doowon froze in place. His eyes darted downward, wavering nervously. Lee Hyunjun noticed and narrowed his eyes.

“Why aren’t you answering?”

“Well… lately, he’s been spending most of the week at Director Choi’s place.”

Lee Hyunjun shot to his feet, raising his voice. “What? You’re saying they’ve moved in together?”

“I couldn’t confirm the details since the apartment’s security is so strict, but I’ve seen him get in the passenger seat with Director Choi and enter the apartment, only to leave again the next morning… repeatedly.”

With a face red from fury, Lee Hyunjun finally threw the wine glass he had been holding. It flew past Jung Doowon and shattered against the glass cabinet in the study, scattering shards everywhere.

Crash!

The loud crash echoed through the room, snuffing out even the quiet hum of background noise.

Moments later, there was a knock at the door. Both Lee Hyunjun and Jung Doowon’s attention shifted to the source of the sound.

The study door opened, and an omega woman with long hair stepped inside. She wore a sleek black mini dress adorned with a luxury logo at the center of her chest. She looked more like she was about to head out than someone who had just returned home. As his eyes took in her appearance, Lee Hyunjun scoffed in disbelief.

She was Lee Hyunjun’s new omega wife. The daughter of a congressman, they were publicly portrayed as a happy couple, though that was far from the truth.

Jung Doowon, sensing the tension, quickly bowed and left. As soon as he was gone, the woman crossed her arms and spoke.

“Ugh, can’t you stop throwing things? At this rate, there won’t be anything left in this house.”

Anyone listening would think she actually cared about the household, but she never lifted a finger when it came to chores. And yet here she was, complaining about the state of things.

Ignoring her comments, Lee Hyunjun took out a cigarette from the drawer and placed it between his lips. No sooner had he done so than she marched over, snatched the cigarette, and snapped it in half before tossing it to the floor.

“And you should really stop calling your secretary over so late at night. It’s inappropriate.”

She was practically picking a fight. Lee Hyunjun, weary of her antics, sighed deeply.

“Really? You’re the one to talk? You’re the one heading out in that revealing outfit at this hour.”

Lee Hyunjun looked down at the cigarette she had thrown to the floor, then casually pulled out another and lit it, deliberately blowing the smoke in her direction. She wrinkled her nose, turning her head away from the smoke.

“Oh, so now you’re trying to act like a real husband?” she sneered.

“Why not? On paper, I’m your husband, aren’t I?”

Lee Hyunjun raised an eyebrow and took another drag of the cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke with a smirk.

“What a joke. Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten the contract we made when our families approved this marriage?”

“Of course not,” he replied with a scoff. “Thanks to that contract, my father gained valuable political connections, and you get to run back to that lover of yours whenever you please.”

Lee Hyunjun took a few more puffs before putting out the half-smoked cigarette in the ashtray. He slowly stood up and stepped closer to her, standing face-to-face.

“But the thing is, I’m the one who got married, and yet I’ve got nothing to show for it. Isn’t this deal a huge loss for me?”

“What do you mean ‘nothing’? Your father’s trust in you, which had hit rock bottom, went back up. Did you think I didn’t know about how you sent that omega away to America after you practically ruined him, just to avoid a scandal?”

As her words became more cutting, the relaxed expression on Lee Hyunjun’s face started to harden.

“And don’t compare yourself to me. Do you really think we’re on the same level?”

“Hey.”

“Yes, just like you said, I’ve gained someone I love, but all you got was a job title. Don’t you understand what that means?”

She jabbed her finger into his chest as she spoke.

“Your parents sold you out for the benefit of the family. It means they don’t care what happens to you anymore. Do you get it now?”

“Shut that mouth of yours.”

“From the sound of it, it seems like you still haven’t gotten over that omega you divorced. Wake up. Unless you want to lose the last bit of control you’ve got.”

Despite his warning, she finished what she had to say without hesitation and casually answered the phone vibrating in her hand.

“Yeah, it’s me. I’m heading out now. Already? Okay, I’ll be there soon.”