Warnings: Language, violence, sexual situations, vandalism
Summary: He’s an artist. He does it all for the ‘art.’ Tattooing. Racing. Sex. All because he thinks they’re beautiful. There’s no one here that doesn’t know his name, because it’s everywhere. On every graffiti-filled wall, every tattooed skin, every cheer of the crowd. His name is there somewhere, because it’s all his—this world. And when he lays his eyes on you—well, he’s never seen anything more beautiful. And he’s going to make you his masterpiece.
The sun beats down on you, sweat dripping down the side of your face and you try to quicken your strides, eager to get to somewhere cool. Throwing open the doors of the garage, their AC is a blessed relief. Byun hangs half-way off the reception counter, his bored grin greeting you like always. “Hey there. Here for Chen again?”
You nod while fanning yourself, the tank top you wear practically soaked with your sweat. Summer days are the worst. Byun points to the tattoo parlor, “Well, you know where to find him.”
Chen is cleaning his tools when you enter, and he greets you with his usual smile. “Hey, princess. Visiting so soon? Well, not that I mind.” There’s a sly edge to his tone now, as he leans in to give you a peck on the cheek.
You grin back at him. All you want lately is to see him, every minute feeling longer than the last when you can’t. Being with him makes you calm and excited all at once, and you savor every second with him.
As if you’ve gotten addicted to him.
As if you’ve fallen in love with him—
What a dangerous feeling to have. You know how these stories end, all too well. You’ll fall head over heels in love with this mysterious person and you’ll be ripped apart faster than you can blink. He’ll rip you apart.
He’ll trample on your heart and you’ll be abandoned.
So you have to keep this feeling a secret, no matter what. Just keep smiling like you’ve always have, and you’ll be able to stay next to him. Never take him too seriously, that way you’ll never be hurt.
“Wanna go for a drive, princess?” Chen asks, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and pulling you close. Good thing the AC is blasting, or else you would’ve turned into a puddle by now. Still, the garage is much too hot.
“You sure? What if a customer comes?” You raise a brow at him as he begins to lead you out. Chanyeol isn’t here as he usually is, you notice.
“It’s fine.” He answers casually, dismissing it with a shrug. “They’ll be back.”
For the tattoo or for him, you wonder. You wouldn’t be surprised if he gets some returning customers just because he has a pretty face. “Alright then, your call.”
He leads you outside where his white Nissan Skyline is parked. His car is always polished to perfection, several of his designs drawn across the hood and doors. It’s a perfect display of his artistic skills, the white of the car acting as a canvas.
But...wait.
Something’s wrong.
As you get closer to the familiar car, you clearly see that the windshield glass had been shattered. Not only that, but there are several long, deep scratch marks that stretch over the side of his car.
You gasp at the sight, knowing how much this car means to Chen. You glance at him, afraid of his reaction.
You feel a icy shiver roll down your spine, your skin prickling in fear. You’ve never seen Chen look that way before. His face is calm, so calm, but it’s cold. His eyes are filled with a chilling anger, the silent kind, the most deadly kind. Like a snake bidding its time before it sinks its teeth into its prey. The kind of look that insinuates the calm before a world-wrecking storm.
He doesn’t move for what feels like an eternity and a second all at once. Then he carefully fishes his phone out from his pocket, dialing a number and smiles. “Hey D.O. When you’re done with your work, could you take the white Nissan Skyline away? Yeah, you know the one...uh huh...no, I want it destroyed.”
“What?” You gasp, clutching onto his arm to stop him. “But that’s your favorite car! It’s just a scratch, it can be fixed!”
He glances at you, such an frigid look that makes you swallow thickly, your grip on him loosening. He ends the call, slipping his phone back in his pocket. “Fixed?” His voice is soft, but there’s a terrifying edge to it. He chuckles darkly. “No. Something broken can never be perfect again. I don’t need anything that’s not perfect.”
Then he walks away, hands in his pockets and humming a tune like he didn’t just destroy his most prized possession. Like nothing just happened.
You shiver—tremble—feeling your knees go weak. It’s only a matter of time before you, too, will be thrown away like that.
So you must hide these feelings.
Deeper.
Deeper.
“You know who did it?” Chanyeol asks taking a long drag from his cigarette.
Glancing at Kai, Chen nods. “Probably the guys from the last race.”
“Great.” Sehun sighs, rolling his neck, his dark puffy hair falling over his eyes. “I love dealing with sore losers. So what are we gonna do? Should we tell Suho?”
Chen wrinkles his nose at the thought, loathing the idea of a scolding. Hey, it’s not his fault this world works like this. You gotta live somehow, even if you break all the damn rules. “Let’s not. Suho’s been plenty busy himself. They just keyed my car, no biggie.”
“No biggie?” Chanyeol raises a skeptical brow, tapping his long fingers against his knee, the cigarette ashes falling onto the ground. “You loved that car, man.”
“Loved.” He repeats, the word quiet and heavy. A shadow passes through his eyes, a look the others know all too well to comment on.
“So what are we gonna do?” Kai asks, tilting his head at Chen. “I’m not about to let some fucker trample all over us like this.”
Chen grins, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes. “If they want a rematch, so be it.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Kai scowls. “We don’t do rematches. Our turf, our rules and they lost.”
“Yeah, well, if they’re gonna be stirring up trouble, I’d rather you guys have a rematch rather than fucking each other up, you know?” Sehun grins. “It’ll make my job heck of a lot easier.”
“Fuck that.” Kai says, but Chen only laughs, slapping his back a few times.
“Chill man; I’ll do the rematch myself. I’ll take on a hundred of those bastards if I have to—I’ll still win, fair and square.”
“What a load of bullshit.” Chanyeol snickers. “But I’ll enjoy it for sure either way.”
“Keep it on the down-low, ‘kay? Don’t leave us any messes to clean up. Suho’ll be real fucking pissed.” Sehun says, earning an eager nod from Chen.
They’re still skeptical of this, of course. Chen’s been known to get into a lot of trouble—rather minor ones for sure, but trouble nonetheless. It’s rare to see him so excited about something when he’s usually so uncaring about anything. Still, it’s none of their business and they’re in no position to stop him.
“Alright.” Chanyeol shrugs, putting out his cigarette. “Go for it then.”
You walk into the tattoo parlor again, greeting Byun as per your usual routine now. This time though, Byun tells you that Chen isn’t here.
“What? Where is he?” Another race, perhaps? He doesn’t have his car anymore though...so did he get another one?
“Met up with some people.” Byun answers vaguely. “Don’t worry. You can wait here if you want, but it stinks like hell so I’d recommend you come back later.”
“Um,” you wring your hands against the skirt you’re wearing. “Who is he meeting?”
Byun let’s out a sly grin, looking up at you from where he’s sprawled over his counter. “What’s wrong? Scared he’s cheating on you?”
Your cheeks heat up immediately as you shoo away the very thought, appalled he would say such thing. “No! Of course not. I’m just...worried. He seemed really upset about his car, so...”
“Heh, I guess he is.” Byun shrugs. “He went to have a rematch with those jerks from the last race. He said they were probably the ones who keyed his car.”
You gasp, feeling a wave of anxiousness as you recall the faces of those racers. They didn’t seem to take their loss lightly—if keying Chen’s car is any indication. They’d probably do anything to win this rematch. “Where are they meeting?”
“Whoa there, calm down.” Byun waves his hand at you. “He’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”
“Please, Byun.” You grab his arm, unconsciously digging your nails into him. “I’m really, really worried. Please tell me.”
He winces, seizing your hands quickly in attempt to pry you off. You can see the boys in the garage start to take notice, stopping with whatever they were tinkling with to stare at you.
“Okay, okay! I can tell you, but it’s not where a good girl like you should go. And you can’t do anything even if you go anyways.”
“I’m really not a good girl, Byun.” You say, forcing out a tight smile. “I don’t care about anything, I just want to see him, make sure he’s okay.”
“Well,” he sighs, giving in. He rips a piece of paper from a notepad, scribbling down an address. “Here. Just...I warned you, alright? And Chen isn’t the type to change his mind easily.”
You clutch the paper tightly, thanking him.
You’re not the type to change your mind easily either.
“Well would ya lookie here.” The man from the race hollers when he gets out of his car. What was his name again? Damn, maybe Chen should’ve made an effort to remember their names before calling them up. “Who would’ve thought the cheater would want a rematch? Feelin’ guilty, boy?”
Chen smiles, swallowing the desire to laugh his ass off. Guilty? Him? It should definitely be the other way around, right? “You’re the sore loser here. Can’t take a hit and now you’re calling me a cheater?”
The man scowls, grabbing Chen by the collar. He’s as strong as he looks, but all brawn and no brain.
Chen quickly puts up his hands in a sign of surrender, the smile still on his face, unfazed. “Hey, now. Let’s just have a rematch fair and square. That’s the best solution, right?”
With a scoff, the man shoves Chen back, a confident grin growing on his face.
A red flag for trouble.
“Sure, pretty boy. Let’s have a rematch fair and square.” His friends start to giggle behind him, and Chen mentally rolls his eyes. Yeah, he knew they’d have some underhand tricks up their sleeves. He’s still confident he’ll win though and even if he doesn’t...well, he tries not to think of that right now.
“Rules?” He asks.
“None.” The man answers, gesturing towards the dusty road that stretches on into the distance. “Just get to the finish line.”
Well, his turf, his rules. Chen shrugs and begins to get into his car when he sees a taxi pull up nearby. Odd, he thinks, this place is pretty secluded.
But then the person that gets out makes him nearly choke on his own spit, and he gets out again, jogging towards you.
“Yo, where ya goin’?” His opponents yell after him, but he ignores them for now. He grabs your arm, pulling you to face him.
“What are you doing here?”
He looks shocked, and maybe even angry. It’s a stern expression you’ve never seen on his face before, but you stand firm and stare back at him. “I was worried.” You glance at the parked cars, and at the familiar men with several new faces. You turn back to him. “You gonna race him?”
“Of course.” Chen answers, scoffing. “No one messes with us and gets away scot free.”
“I’m coming too.” You say, resolute.
“No you’re not.”
“I am.” You pull your arm from his grip, storming your way towards the car you recognize from EXO’s garage. Chen follows you closely, a string of complaints that go unheard. You get into the passenger seat and slam the door closed.
“The fuck!” Chen yells, knocking on your window and tugging at the door handle to get it open. “Get out! This isn’t your race. Get the fuck out, now!”
You ignore him completely, turning away. Chen continues like that for a while longer before the opponents begin to grow impatient.
“You racin’ or what?” They snarl out, eyes narrowing on the two of you threateningly. “You makin’ fun of us?”
Chen stops, but continues to stare at you. Even without looking, even with glass between you, you can feel the heat of his glare. He takes a deep breath, perhaps to stop himself from breaking the car window, and finally slips into the driver’s seat.
“You’re going to fucking regret this.”
“I won’t.” You answer.
You see the race flag being raised, and the sound of the starting gunshot rings in your ear.
Previous Chapter [M]│Next Chapter
The Art of Sin Mini Masterlist
EXO Customs Collab Masterlist
A/N: After a bazillion years, things are finally kicking off now. And between you and me, I’d hang on real tight. :)
Working in a garage by day, running the streets by night; these men are sexy, dangerous and extremely exciting.
Kim Jongin - Pretty Little Vixen [COMPLETE]
@ninibears-erigom-fics
Age: 26
Nickname: Kai
Position: Mechanic at EXO Customs/Lead Racer
Specialises in: Muscles cars and fixing the vehicles
Pride and Joy: Sleek Black 67’ Chevy Impala
Profile: Kai is described by some as beast on the streets and freak in the sheets, his handling of cars is incomparable and matched with a full sleeve, several ear piercings and the trademark bad boy look, Kai is a well-known heartbreaker who changes women faster than he can change a tyre. Reigning champion with a perfect score, hard worker in the shop and love for old school rock, Kai is the guy your mother told you to stay away from.
Kim Junmyeon – Impulse Control
@suhoerections
Age: 29
Nickname: Suho
Position: Owner of EXO Customs/Racer
Specialises in: Planning the races and running a legit garage
Pride and Joy: Orange 19’ Iron 883 Harley Davidson
Profile: Suho is your average garage owner on the outside; behind closed doors, Suho is the head of the notorious street gang EXO. He’s got fingers in many pies, dirty cops in all his pockets and knows the best spots to call a race. A killer smile and the know-how to get anything, Suho is the man you want to remain on the good side of because even though he’s a lover not a fighter, he isn’t afraid to show a firm hand.
Kim Jongdae – The Art Of Sin [COMPLETE]
@kimjongdaely
Age: 27
Nickname: Chen
Position: Tattoo Artist/Racer
Specialises in: Car designs, ink and drifting
Pride and Joy: White 92’ Nissan Skyline GT-R R32
Profile: Chen lives by one motto – the world is his canvas. Working as the designer at EXO Customs, Chen learnt that he loved seeing his work on everything and everyone so he set up shop there as a tattoo artist as well. On the streets, Chen can literally run circles around anyone and often enjoys driving dangerously around town on his free time. If he isn’t in a race, he’s usually spending his time using someone as a way of letting out his creative genius.
Do Kyungsoo – White Mustang
@kyungseokie
Age: 27
Nickname: D.O
Position: Car Dealer as a part of EXO Customs/Car Dealer during races
Specialises in: Dealing with the cars that are won as prizes from races, getting new cars for Baekhyun to run around with
Pride and Joy: Silver 69′ Ford Mustang Boss 429
Profile: When at work, Soo deals in cars and he deals with them at the races too. He is the man who brings the top prizes for races, the best cars to put up for grabs but some racers like to put a little more risk into their game and place their own cars up; Soo makes sure that if the car is to change hands, that it runs smoothly. He’s serious, down to earth and knows the right car for you!
Byun Baekhyun – Stolen Heart
@kpop---scenarios
Age: 28
Nickname: Byun
Position: Receptionist at EXO Customs/Drug Runner
Specialises in: Sweet talk, moving drugs and collecting money at races
Pride and Joy: Deep Red 65′ Mustang
Profile: Byun can talk his way out of anything – normally because he’s talked his way into it. He’s the man people go to when they want a little more ‘fun’ at races and he can get the drugs to where they need to go without any suspicions from the pigs. He takes his job seriously despite his boyish behaviour and overly friendly attitude, Byun isn’t someone who will slack off on the job and really doesn’t like it when others fuck around with his stuff.
Park Chanyeol – Wild Valley
@fairyyeols
Age: 27
Nickname: Yeol
Position: Mechanic at EXO Customs/Street Mechanic
Specialises in: Fixing anything with an engine
Pride and Joy: Blacked out 19’ Mercedes G-Class SUV
Profile: Yeol loves getting his hands dirty, he loves the sound of a purring engine and he loves food. He went from stealing cars in his youth to being one of the best mechanics in town and there is nothing he can’t fix – kind of. Cars, he can have it running good as new in no time but hearts, he’s out of practice; his real passion is for cars so finding someone to take him away from that isn’t something he’s interested in.
Zhang Yixing - Joyride & Finesse
@yeoldontknow
Age: 28
Nickname: Lay
Position: Parts Dealer for EXO Customs/Black Market Parts Dealer
Specialises in: Finding parts, selling parts and importing certain things for the gang
Pride and Joy: Yellow 19′ BMW 8 Series Convertible
Profile: Lay has a knack for finding the best deal when looking for car parts, he knows how to haggle and will go to all lengths to get whatever the mechanics are after. His expertise isn’t just car parts, he imports everything the garage needs as well as anything the gang might want - his connections are limitless. You’ll rarely find him around the garage during the week but if you ever need him, Byun always has his current cellphone number.
Oh Sehun - Ride Or Die
@mint-yooxgi
Age: 26
Nickname: Hun
Position: Mechanic at EXO Customs/Muscle at races
Specialises in: Getting rid of the cops, showing problematic people to the door, throwing people over his shoulder
Pride and Joy: Yellow and Black 14′ Chevy Camaro SS
Profile: Hun doesn’t look strong but don’t let his muscular build fool you, he can carry two people over his shoulder and look good doing it. His sassy attitude and way with words helps disperse any volatile situation and if he has to, he’ll show people the door with force. Hun has the ‘don’t fuck with me’ look down but he does have a soft side that he only seems to show his dog who he takes with him everywhere.
Kim Minseok – Worth The Risk
@baekwell--tart
Age: 30
Nickname: Minnie
Position: Accountant for EXO Customs/Bet Taker
Specialises in: Handling the money, taking and placing bets, cleaning the money
Pride and Joy: Silver 18’ Audi TTS Coupe
Profile: Minnie is Suho’s right hand man, the one who keeps the workers paid, the garage legit and makes sure no one is trying to mess with the books. If a bet is to be placed, Minnie’s the man to place it with and he’s the one who will send the dogs after you if you haven’t paid up; he’s a clean cut, no bullshit type of guy and he likes it that way.
