Chapter Text
Donghyuck effortlessly manoeuvres through the multitude of doors labeled as private, easily making his way through multiple floors of the luxurious building in the center of Seoul, with a bewildered Renjun trailing behind him. "If this is what comfort looks like, I might consider writing to Oxford to update their definition, Donghyuck-ah," Renjun exclaims, half-serious. Donghyuck chuckles at his mischievous Renjun, who is struggling to keep up.
Running his fingers through his hair, which is dyed in two different colors, Renjun continues, "Well, Na-fucking-Jaemin better compensate me generously for all the coffee I've bought him, if his family's residence is a penthouse." As they approach the last door, it opens up to reveal a spacious and secluded patio, causing Donghyuck to come to a stop. With his uncertain fingers hovering over the keypad, Donghyuck retorts to Renjun, "Well, in that case, you can say goodbye to that payment, Renjun-ah. This isn't Jaemin's family home; it's his sister's penthouse. You should have fact-checked, Mr. Debt Collector."
(The word "sister's penthouse" lingers on his tongue, sounding foreign. Technically, it was The Penthouse or their penthouse; a hidden retreat; their secret. Yet, he could still enter the place without announcement, and it had hardly changed.)
After finally making a decision, Donghyuck enters the code into the door, causing it to open. Renjun, who is bewildered, follows him inside. The door reveals a spacious formal living area with minimal furniture, and three adorable occupants eagerly greet the duo upon their arrival. The living area is adorned with a single chandelier and a glass wall that provides a stunning view of the Han River. Renjun is both amazed and captivated by the sight. He continues to explore the rest of the house, noticing a set of stairs on the left side of the living area that lead to another section with tinted glass walls. On the right side, there is a cozy space connected to a large open kitchen and dining area. It is undeniable that the labeled food boxes from Jaemin's home were incredibly tempting. A kitchen of that caliber is sure to produce culinary wonders. Donghyuck kneels down beside Renjun to pet the Pomeranian that had been playfully nibbling at his feet for the past minute, while the two cats patiently wait for their turn.
Renjun glances up at Donghyuck with an amused expression, while Donghyuck responds with an irritated "What?" Their silent exchange is interrupted when a flash of pink darts towards them at an incredible speed. "Mama Hyuckie is here!" she exclaims, her words jumbled and difficult to understand, as she throws herself into Donghyuck's waiting arms, giggling.
As Renjun looks away from the girl, a woman in her late twenties emerges from the expansive kitchen, wearing a wide grin. Renjun observes her, noticing the familiar dark hazel eyes and a radiant smile. It's no surprise that the Na siblings have been blessed with exceptional genes. While Jaemin possesses a muscular build and a striking physique, his sister is more slender. Despite her disheveled hair and tired eyes, she is just as stunning as her brother, even wearing what appears to be hospital scrubs. If beauty had the power to kill, the Na siblings would undoubtedly be the world's most lethal assassin duo.
Donghyuck lifts the small pink ball in his hands and greets the woman, "Ruru, you're back?" The woman smiles brightly at him and replies, "I just returned from the hospital. The devil is locked away in his study. The acquisition is scheduled for tomorrow. I'm relieved that you're finally here and you've brought assistance for the extraction. He hasn't eaten since yesterday."
Donghyuck chuckles and playfully complains in a childish tone, "I didn't bring him; he forced me to come here from the airport at gunpoint, Ruru. Your brother really lacks social skills. He left his secretary hanging after an argument. He's been missing for four days and Renjun here refuses to believe that he's alright and will eventually show up after sulking."
The woman bursts into a hearty laugh and turns to Renjun, saying, "Hello Renjun, I'm Na Ruhae, Jaemin's sister. Thank you for tolerating the brat." She then gestures for them to proceed to the glass-paneled room on the other side of the living room, stating, "He's up there in the study. I hope your extraction goes smoothly. I'll be in the kitchen. You can take the little army with you."
Ruhae turns back and leaves the two to their own devices with an army of four cute companions; two cats, one dog and a child. The pink ball is still nestled in Donghyuck’s arms as he introduces her to Renjun, “Hani this is Jun-jun, won’t you say hello to him? Your Jojo lives with him.”
The young girl glances at Renjun from Donghyuck's shoulder and timidly asks him, "Can I visit Jojo?" Renjun extends his pinky finger and offers a warm smile, saying, "Certainly, sweetheart. I promise you can come over anytime." The girl's toothless grin widens as she eagerly takes his hand.
Renjun playfully tousles her hair and leans towards Donghyuck, asking, "What should I make of this, Donghyuck?" Donghyuck nervously smiles and replies, "We've known each other our whole lives." Although Renjun is not entirely satisfied, he chooses not to press him further. Renjun leads the way with a hesitant Donghyuck trailing behind him. As they approach Jaemin's supposed self-imposed prison, Donghyuck's demeanor undergoes a complete transformation. Finally, they stand outside the glass doors, and Renjun's clumsy fingers tap on the doors, snapping Donghyuck out of his thoughts. He shifts from one foot to another, holding Hani closer.
After what feels like an eternity, the doors beep and slowly open, revealing a disheveled Jaemin partially obscured by the large monitors in the room. As Renjun and Donghyuck step inside, a mop of brown hair peeks over the monitors, assessing the intruders. When Donghyuck's eyes meet Jaemin's, the world around them simultaneously spins and comes to a halt.
Mayhem
It was utter chaos; the accumulation of years, disorder, and memories that had gradually faded away were now flooding Donghyuck's heart and soul in vivid detail. Donghyuck was doomed, with no chance of recovery. The hazel eyes that had haunted him every night for the past two years were now staring back at him, vulnerable.
Before the silence could consume them, Renjun lunged at Jaemin, who swiftly evaded the attack in a frantic motion. However, he was soon caught in a headlock while a amused Hani giggled in Donghyuck's embrace. "Do you think I would let you off the hook if you disappeared, Na Jaemin?" Renjun hissed, tightening his grip on Jaemin's head. Jaemin tapped his arm frantically, blurting out incoherent apologies. "I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you, Renjun-ah," Jaemin finally managed to say as Renjun released him, rewarded with a toothy smile from Renjun. Jaemin straightened his clothes and ran a hand through his disheveled bangs, then shifted his gaze back to Donghyuck. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Jaemin stood right in front of Donghyuck, pulling him by the arms as his face drew closer, his eyes fixed on Donghyuck. Donghyuck's heart raced, and he closed his eyes as Jaemin approached, feeling his breath fan over his face.
However, all that escaped him were bursts of laughter. Donghyuck's eyes fluttered open to see a shrinking Hani, who was now being showered with kisses by Jaemin. Finally, her arms released Donghyuck as she wrapped them around her uncle, while Jaemin raised a teasing eyebrow at Donghyuck.
Stupid, stupid Donghyuck. Wouldn’t it be great for the ground to rip apart and swallow stupid Donghyuck alive there and then? Maybe Renjun's eyes that were boring holes in his forehead could split him apart and drown him in his embarrassment. If he happens to survive this Renjun's interrogation would be next, he might as well die here. He had to die here there is no way he's going to survive 'Explain to Renjun'. Finally Jaemin broke the eerie silence “Your hair, it’s longer”
“Hello to you too Jaemin” Donghyuck quipped back. Jaemin raised an amused eye at him as laughter ripped through his throat. Tearing his gaze from Donghyuck, Jaemin turned to Renjun “Ruru will probably be stunned with the extraction” and then proceeded to climb down the stairs with his niece nestled in his arms. Renjun and Donghyuck followed him quietly.
Dinner was a chaotic affair with peeled shrimps making their way on to Donghyuck’s rice with the same frequency with which they made their way onto Hani’s plate. Bizarre, it was absolutely bizarre the tingling sensation that warmed Donghyuck’s chest.
After dinner Ruhae bustled to gather her mini army and deposit them two floors below at her ex-husband’s house to leave for work while an urgent phone call rushed Renjun back to his house in search of his missing documents. The chaos left an awkward Donghyuck and an amused Jaemin behind. They settled for a bottle of Domaine Leroy Musigny Grand Cru to reminisce their childhood memories.
Donghyuck was entranced by the free conversation and laughter that flowed between them, so unlike two years ago. Jaemin was the same yet he had changed but Donghyuck was unable to decipher what had changed, it was the same wine yet it tasted different, maybe the alcohol was messing with him, right it was the alcohol.
As the night wore on, Donghyuck found himself becoming more and more intoxicated, both by the wine and by Jaemin's presence. They laughed and reminisced about their shared adventures, their inside jokes, and the mischief they used to get into as children. Donghyuck couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia mixed with a tinge of sadness. He had missed this, missed Jaemin's company and the way they used to be so carefree together. But now, things were different. Donghyuck had changed, and he couldn't help but wonder if Jaemin had changed too. As the conversation turned more serious, Donghyuck found himself opening up to Jaemin in a way he hadn't done in a long time. He shared his fears, his insecurities, and his regrets. Jaemin listened attentively, his eyes filled with understanding and compassion.
Finally, the time had come for Donghyuck to retire. At Jaemin's insistence, he agreed to stay, perhaps because he missed this place just as much or maybe it was the influence of alcohol - yes, it was definitely the alcohol. Donghyuck followed Jaemin through the corridor, which was adorned with portraits that Jaemin had taken over the years. Even with his eyes closed, Donghyuck could vividly picture each one, as the sequence had become ingrained in his memory, much like the familiar path to his old house. The beach house they visited in high school, Ruhae's graduation ceremony, their college inauguration, their first semester break, Hani's birth, their first trip from college, Hani's first birthday, Grandma's 80th birthday, Ruhae's 25th birthday, Ruhae's divorce, and their graduation - Donghyuck had experienced it all. This corridor held not only Jaemin's memories but also his own.
Although Donghyuck wanted to scream and tell Jaemin that he didn't need guidance in this place, he found himself enjoying Jaemin's company and his constant chatter. So, he continued to follow him deeper into the long corridor. Just as his thoughts threatened to consume him, Donghyuck's gaze fell upon an unfamiliar portrait that captured a familiar moment. It was the night - the last night Donghyuck had seen Jaemin before leaving.
It was the night when Na Ruhae inherited the Na Trust instead of Jaemin. The portrait was so lifelike, as if it had frozen the exact scene that had unfolded before Donghyuck's eyes. Coming to a halt at the end of the corridor, Donghyuck stood in front of the portrait, which depicted Jaemin tenderly kissing his sister's left temple before guiding her onto the stage.
The siblings positioned themselves with their backs facing the camera, revealing only their side profiles. Upon closer inspection, it became apparent that their outfits were coordinated. The black lace on Ruhae's dress perfectly matched the lace adorning Jaemin's jacketed shoulder. In that moment, it struck Donghyuck that they were aware of this match, perhaps even orchestrating it. Or maybe he was simply overthinking things. After all, they frequented the same boutiques, so their choices could have coincidentally overlapped. Lost in a daze, Donghyuck turned at the end of the corridor and entered the guestroom.
However, what awaited him there took his breath away. Across from the junction, a solitary wall displayed a portrait from that very same night, illuminated by a framing light. Donghyuck stood in disbelief as he gazed at himself from two years ago. His eyes were filled with shimmering tears of hope, his lips stretched into an uncertain smile as he looked at Jaemin with a mixture of shock and indiscernible emotion. Meanwhile, Jaemin stood before him, his eyes filled with reassurance and his smile blindingly bright. The portrait revealed everything - it was a plan.
That night, Jaemin had made a deliberate choice, and he had chosen Donghyuck over all his ambitions. "That portrait caused quite a dent in Ruru's card. I was banned from accessing it for an entire month," Jaemin's playful voice echoed in Donghyuck's ears. He turned to Jaemin, his eyes moist with tears, and said, "You knew. You knew back then, and yet you chose to sacrifice everything." As the words left his lips, Donghyuck trembled, feeling all the emotions he had suppressed threatening to overflow.
Jaemin's grip on Donghyuck's arms tightened in an instant. "There was never a struggle for inheritance," he asserted, his voice firm yet gentle. "What is mine is hers, and what is hers is mine. I sacrificed nothing but a personal pursuit." Jaemin's tone softened even further as he gazed at a tearful Donghyuck. "I used to believe that only by obtaining the inheritance could I find contentment. However, I soon realized that my desperate need for validation from insignificant individuals was only pushing away those who truly mattered to me," Jaemin confessed quietly. This revelation shattered the last semblance of composure in Donghyuck.
The weight of Jaemin's words overwhelmed Donghyuck, and he responded by pressing his lips against Jaemin's in a tender peck. However, the harsh reality of the situation quickly dawned on him, causing him to stumble backwards. Before he could utter an apology, Jaemin's lips forcefully captured his, pulling him into a passionate kiss. Jaemin kissed him with an intensity akin to that of a famished man, his hands frantically exploring Donghyuck's back.
Donghyuck experienced a surge of Jaemin's repressed emotions as he allowed Jaemin to explore. The moment their lips parted, Jaemin's tongue entered his mouth, initiating a peculiar dance between them. Jaemin pulled away briefly, allowing Donghyuck to catch his breath, but Donghyuck was not merely panting; he was hyperventilating. He had yearned for this warmth for so long, and now that he finally had it, it was overwhelming him. Before he could gather his thoughts, Jaemin's lips found his throat, and he whispered, "Welcome back, Lee Donghyuck."
Suddenly, Donghyuck found himself making unfamiliar sounds, struggling to keep his trembling knees from giving way. He sought support by tangling his fingers in Jaemin's hair. Donghyuck felt like he was losing control; he wanted everything. He wished for time to freeze, to keep him and Jaemin locked in this moment.
This time, he was prepared to give his all, to surrender to Jaemin and to embrace the feeling that had kept him awake at night for years.