FANDOM: Ateez
PAIRING: Yeosang/San, Hongjoong/Seonghwa/Wooyoung, Yunho/Mingi, Jongho/OC
AU WORD COUNT: 18,836
RATING: M
POTENTIAL TRIGGERS: Descriptions of torture, blood, violence, implied self harm, disrespect of elders, implied and explicit abuse, foul language, pet names [such as darling and baby] - MORE TAGS CAN & WILL BE ADDED
The underground world of the mafia and its ties has always been a dangerous place, especially when one is involved with the criminal element of the underground. What makes it more dangerous is the sense that change is on the horizon and drawing nearer very quickly.
Kim Hongjoong is the second son of Kim Wonsik, current head of the powerful Kim crime family. With an array of other powerful families as subordinates, the Kim family is preparing to crown Hongjoong as the next head of family with his brother Bumjoong as the face to the general public. Many years of growing and learning in the mafia’s world has brought him his own inner circle of ‘lieutenants’ - a select group to act as council and enforcers - men he’s grown up with.
Seonghwa of the Park family known for their influence in fashion is his right hand. Yunho and his younger brother Wooyoung from the Jungs [whose family owns tech guru company JungTech] are the strategist and one of the hackers respectively. Song Mingi comes from a long line of weapons dealers and Kang Yeosang hails from the best of the cleaner families while also being second to none in terms of hacking. And then there are the Choi brothers - San and Jongho - whose family provides influence in hotels and is beginning to dabble into the world of performing arts with the acquisition of the House of Ice; a world renowned opera and ballet house owned by Kassia Dimitrescu and her daughter Natalia.
While ruthless in conflict and often brushed off by their own parents, the boys know when mercy should be shown. But mercy is not a free flowing service among the dark and messy world of the mafia families. Especially as the new princes prepare to claim their power.
FANDOM: Ateez
PAIRING: Yeosang/San, Hongjoong/Seonghwa/Wooyoung, Yunho/Mingi
WORD COUNT: 13,734
RATING: M
POTENTIAL TRIGGERS: Descriptions of torture, mentions of blood and violence, implied self harm
SUMMARY: After three years of watching two of his best friends dance around their obvious affections for each other, Wooyoung is going to need the help of all of the Horizon Boys and some close friends to get the words spoken between Yeosang and San. However, plans go on hold when one of their own goes missing.
TAGLIST: @ashxx0707
Part One || Saga Masterlist
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Mingi groaned as he woke up, unfamiliar with where he was. It settled in uneasily that he can't remember getting here, let alone being tied down to the chair he finds himself in. Closing his eyes, he took a few deep breaths to calm himself down and think. Unfortunately, he couldn't remember what had occurred to end up where he was. He tried to lean forward, testing the ropes around his torso, when a door opening brought his attention to it.
“Well, well. Look who's finally awake.”
“Wonjin?” Mingi asked, surprise painting his features upon seeing one of the bodyguards he was familiar with. “What's going on?”
“Seems you crossed a line somewhere, princey.” Wonjin replied, moving to lean against a table along the wall not far from Mingi's chair. “We had orders to collect you.”
“There's a miscommunication somewhere then. Where is my mother?”
“She's a little indisposed at the moment.”
“What did you do?”
“Nothing terrible.”
“Damn it, Wonjin, answer me.” Mingi growled, eyes narrowed at the other male.
“Come now, I have no need for reckless casualties, little prince.” A new voice spoke, the woman attached to it entering. Her hair was bleached to a snowy kind of blond, eyes a bright green and Mingi felt his blood run cold at the sight of her.
Jung Haneul - Yunho and Wooyoung’s stepmother.
“Lady Jung.”
“Still so cordial, such a good boy.” Haneul cooed, but he could hear the venom in her voice. “I suppose I can see why my son fancies himself in love with you.”
The words spark a fire in Mingi, looking up at her from his current position, crimson hair falling about his face. “What do you want from me?”
“A simple favor, really. In return, I'll give you anything you want.” Haneul remarked, stepping around the chair to lay her hands on Mingi's shoulders. “Do we have a deal?”
“You're gravely mistaken if you think for a moment that I would make any kind of agreement without full disclosure.” Mingi countered flatly, tone an odd mix of bored and warning.
“Leave my son.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I have plans for my boys. Ones that do not include any…” Haneul paused as she tried to find a word she liked, fingers tapping on his shoulders. “...infatuations.”
Mingi refused to humor her by looking back at her, instead he kept his gaze straight ahead as he spoke. “With all due respect, ma'am, they aren't your boys. None of them are, they're your stepsons. As for your deal, I would never hurt Yunho by lying like that, nor do I appreciate being kidnapped and subtly threatened.”
Haneul leaned in, her breath ghosting over Mingi's neck. “I wasn't threatening you, Mingi, but I can if you'd like.”
“My lady, is that wise?” Wonjin spoke up suddenly, a frown on his face. “Master Kim won't take kindly to-”
“I am under no obligation to give a damn about that man or any of his rules.” Haneul snapped, righting herself to wave the other off. “Go check on the perimeter or something. I don't need you here right now.” It takes a moment, but Wonjin finally bows and departs, leaving Haneul alone with her victim.
“You're lying to yourself, you know, Lady Jung.” Mingi mused, wriggling against his constraints, testing them once again.
“Oh? And why is that, exactly?”
“You're married to Yunho's father. His obligations are shared with you by proxy. Don't you know that?”
“You're so naive, little prince.” Haneul sighed dramatically, walking over to lean against the table and cross her arms. “I married him for the money that comes with the name, nothing more.”
Mingi barely refrains from rolling his eyes at her confession. If only their world worked the way she seemed to think it did. “So your misguided attempt at bribery here has nothing to do with any of the boys; Yunho or otherwise. This is about you. You're only worried about yourself and your happiness. You don't give a damn about any of them because none of the four of them will let you control them the way you want. So you're resorting to antics like this to get your way. Is that it?”
“I am a more capable mother than the one they had.” Haneul spat, anger distorting her face.
Mingi watches her, willing his face still so he doesn't offend her with the blatant disbelief he feels. “Then why go through all this?”
“Do you know how hard it was to set everything up? The planning and the deals and the secret meetings and the arrangements alone were a headache.” Hanuel’s head sways side to side as she emphasizes various words, dramatic as she speaks. “And then the actual follow through? Those have been even harder to get done. So many idiots are just blindly doing things without the slightest idea about the true meaning of this world.”
“And what do you believe that to be?”
“Power is nothing without the money to back you, silly boy.” Haneul grinned, looking almost insane as she watched him.
“Money means nothing in this world. It’s merely a subset.” Mingi offered instead, tone matter-of-fact. “Loyalty is the true power. Trust. Something I suppose you don’t understand.”
“Trust can be bought, little prince.”
“Hardly. Trust isn’t something money can buy, nor is it something money buys back.” Mingi cocked his head, arching a brow at her. The implication of his statement is obvious and they’re both aware of it.
Haneul sneered, walking over to yank at his hair until his head was tilted back, throat dangerously exposed as she spoke. “Don’t get cocky, you little shit. I’ll end you the way I killed that trophy bitch before me.” Mingi is confused at her words for a moment, but then his heart stops as realization dawns on him.
“You killed Miss Haerang.” The moment he says the words, Haneul falters, her grip on his hair going lax before she steps away, a strangled kind of laugh escaping her. Mingi feels a loss he had thought to be healed suddenly carved open, once more fresh on his very soul, but he forces himself still, refusing to cry. Not here, in front of the woman who caused the pain that seeps into him like an icy wind. He will not show her sorrow or hurt when he’s still at her mercy. “Why would you kill her? She did nothing to you.”
“She was a waste!” Haneul half screamed in fury, turning to look at Mingi with deranged eyes. “She was too soft for this world, too weak.”
“But you didn’t want to be in this world, remember?” Mingi argued back, straining against the ropes as he let his anger overcome the sadness he was feeling. “You said so yourself, you only did it for the money. Like some cheap whore!” The pain that blooms across his face with a loud slap only serves his anger like gasoline on a flame, Haneul having struck him.
“How dare you speak to me like that! I am your elder.”
“You may be older than me, but you hurt Yunho and Wooyoung. Hurt their brothers. That makes you nothing more than a leech to me.” Mingi growled, defiant as he glared at her. “You, Jung Haneul, are not worthy of my respect nor anyone else's in any of the families.” Haneul is raising her hand again when the window shatters, glass shattering to the floor as Haneul screams, blood blooming through the fabric of her sleeve. It takes Mingi a moment to process the woman has been shot, and his eyes go to the window, knowing there's only a select few who could make such a precise shot through Haneul 's forearm. By the time he's realized, commotion has broken out beyond the closed door, and his eyes find Haneul’s as she clings to her bleeding arm whining in pain. “It would appear you're out of time, Hanuel; my friends have arrived.”
“You're not leaving this room. Not when you know what you now know.” Haneul countered. She turns from him at the same moment the door kicks open, Yeonjun and San storming through as the heavy wood slams the wall behind the door. Yeonjun dives at Haneul, dispatching whatever weapon she was reaching for as San works to cut through the knot that holds the rope with the ease of his signature blade.
“You hurt?” San asks.
“I've handled worse.” Mingi answers, rolling his shoulders as he stands from the chair. San hands an earpiece to him and he puts it in as San helps Yeonjun put Haneul in the chair. “Nice shot there, Yeo.”
“Glad you're okay, too, Mingi.” Yeosang replies through the earpiece. “Guys, I've got movement in my scope, going around back. It's not anyone I recognize.”
“I've got it.” Yeonjun states, going back to the door. “Kai, Gyu, let's go, we’ve got more friends.” He starts down the hall, a brief second passing before two figures rush by the door.
“Captain, what do we do with this one?” San asks, working the rope around Hanuel’s wrists..
“Leave her.” Hongjoong answers over the comms, tone unimpressed. “She's lucky I don't give the order to put her down. Our concern is getting Mingi home. My father can handle her.”
Mingi smirks at the words he hears, looking at Haneul. “The time has come for you to eat your own words.” He chuckled as he helped tie the rope in a way it binds her wrists but the rope itself crossed in front of her before tying it at the back of the chair. “We'll see where your obligations truly fall when you face Hongjoong's dad.” He can't help the glee he feels when her face blanches, eyes wide as he and San head for the door. The moment they're out of view, Haneul seems to understand and screams in rage, struggling to wriggle free. Mingi pays it little mind as he follows San. “Who all do we have?”
“Yeonjun and his boys are there with you, as well as Yunho, San and Yeosang.” Wooyoung’s voice crackles into the comms, and Mingi almost freezes at the sound of his friend's voice.
“Mingi?” San asks, turning when he realizes the taller male isn't by his side anymore. “Mingi, what is it?”
Mingi feels his chest constrict, air suddenly heavy as the weight of what he knows crashes into him like an avalanche. His body is lead, refusing the budge from the spot he stands, fighting to breathe and not cry. He wants to stop the emotion, to get to safety with his team, but he can't make his body move. Sound becomes fogged, like he's surrounded by cotton, until hands force his head to move. His vision clears enough to register Yunho is in front of him, cupping his face as he speaks, worry written on his lover's face. It's enough to force his senses back, leaning to rest his forehead against Yunho's as he breathes heavily, the panic giving way as he focuses on Yunho so he can think.
“Mingi, baby, we have to go.” Yunho is urging when sound is clear again. “It's not safe here, okay? We gotta go.” He doesn't know what's wrong, but Mingi freezing isn't normal and despite his own panic, he remains composed, taking Mingi's hand in his own and heading for the door.
“Guys, Kai is hit.” Yeonjun sounds in pain as well, but he's focused. “Wonjin got by us.”
“He's got to be headed to Haneul.” Mingi states. “Yeosang?”
“I don't see Wonjin, but Haneul is in the chair still, she's toppled it ov-” Yeosang cuts off, a loud burst of sound echoing as he fires. “I don't have a clear shot of the full room, and I can’t find a new vantage point without losing sight of her. If Wonjin gets by me, he can cut her loose.”
“You can't stay on that door if you have to reload, Yeo.” Wooyoung mused, tone filled with concern as he spoke. “We have Mingi, you should get out of there.”
“Wooyoung is right, everyone’s safety is top priority. Everyone in the immediate vicinity of the warehouse, evac now.” Hongjoong ordered. “Yeosang, keep that idiot distracted as long as you can. When you run out, get out of there and regroup with Yunho and the others instead of reloading the rifle.”
“Yes, sir.” Yeosang replies, another shot ringing out.
“Gyu and I have Kai taken care of. Taehyun and Soobin are getting the car so we can get him out the back.” Yeonjun explains.
“San, Mingi and I are close to a side entrance, we should be able to get out that way without too much trouble.” Yunho added, motioning towards the hall of their exit route. The trio starts, San taking the back position and cocking his gun as he keeps an eye behind them. The problem comes when they find four large boards covering the width of the door, and the window covered with a piece of wood from the outside. Yunho and Mingi immediately go for the window, shattering the glass and knocking shards out of the way to get to the wood and shove at it.
“Shit.” Yeosang curses, having run out of ammo. “Heads up, you three, you have about three minutes before they're on you.”
“Understood,” San states, covering the taller men as they work on pushing the bottom of the board that blocks them in. It finally gives way when Mingi kicks at it, successfully cracking enough to give them space to get through. Footsteps are racing, and San levels a stare towards where the corridor turns into the area they occupy.
“San, let's go.” Yunho calls, making Mingi crawl through the hole as he focuses on the younger male. He glanced out as Mingi stood, motioning that it was clear for them to follow. When he looked back, a figure stood in the doorway, arm lifting. “San!” Gunfire rang out, San yelping as Yunho stepped behind the other, pulling his own gun and firing a warning shot at the wall above the person's head. Without looking at San, he ushered the younger male through the window to where Mingi was waiting to help, eyes locked on the figure before him. He knows who it is, but still struggles to believe as he spots Haneul reloading a revolver. He was silent, glowering at her as he aimed. When she found herself staring at him, she paused for a moment.
“Yuyu, baby-”
“Don't.” Yunho warns, gun still aimed as he watches her. “Don’t call me that. Not after this. Not ever again. It is Yunho to you.”
“Yunho, get out of there!” Mingi is shouting, and Yunho is aware of Yeosang's voice as well, the two splitting their focus between Yunho and a wounded San.
“Yuyu, come on, it's me.” Haneul pleaded, but didn't drop her weapon.
Yunho tightened his hold on his own. “Do. Not. Call. Me. That.” He said again, voice more firm and commanding with eyes narrowed. “You kidnapped Mingi. You shot San. I’m not trusting you ever again.”
“I was only trying to save you, baby.” Haneul tried to downplay her actions, stepping closer, gun still in hand.
“Yunho, get away from her!” Mingi shouts. “Let's go!” The pleading tone in Mingi's voice breaks Yunho's concentration, and in the second it takes him to glance back, Haneul is raising her gun. Yunho's reflexes are quicker though, his aim better, and he doesn't think as he fires, glass from the upper pane of the window showering over him as Haneul misses. She slumps to the ground in the aftermath of the duel, however, and Yunho can do little but stare for a moment. His arm holding the gun hangs at his side, and a brief panic envelopes him when he realizes what he's done, unable to hear the commotion from the comm in his ear or the others outside. He flinches away from something grabbing him, returning to reality when he looks to find Mingi has crawled halfway back in. “She…” he looked back at where the woman lay. “She really tried to kill me.”
“I know, baby. But right now, we need to get out of here. Come on.” Mingi assured, trying to reach for Yunho’s hand again as he finished climbing through the escape. “San is hurt, we have to go, Yunho.” He begs. “Please,Yu.” When the older snaps out of his thoughts, he turns to Mingi, yanking the other to him and clinging. Mingi doesn't need to ask, he knows by the way Yunho clings to him that it's in desperate relief. He tucks his face into Yunho’s neck, letting the older man hold him for a moment. “I'm right here, love. I promise.”
“Role call.” Hongjoong chimes suddenly. It’s enough to get Yunho and Mingi to move again. “Yeonjun, your team?”
“Accounted for and safe. Kai is getting patched up now. Gyu has a graze on his arm and I probably have some bruised ribs, but we're alive.” Yeonjun’s voice replies, though there is definite pain in the pink haired man’s voice.
“Good, you boys go get checked out. Hwa, where are you with Jongho?” Hongjoong checks next.
“Pulling in to gather the others.” Seonghwa answers.
“Yunho?” Hongjoong asks.
“I'm fine. I've got Mingi, Yeosang and San with me.” Yunho manages, leaving the nightmare behind him as Mingi snakes through and helps him out as well. He immediately went to kneel next to where Yeosang is on his knees at San’s side, applying pressure to his side. The panic on the sniper's face is obvious; he can't bring himself to look away from San’s barely conscious form. “San is hit, though.” There's a silence that grips everyone before Hongjoong speaks again.
“Yeosang, update on San.”
Yeosang is quiet for a moment, but brown eyes are examining as he struggles to find his voice. The command seems to help him ground himself as he relays what he sees. “San’s got two wounds but neither are life threatening on their own. He's lost a decent amount of blood, though, which is a concern.” The breath he takes is shaky, and Yunho reaches to lay a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to help ground him. “I...I've got pressure on the one in his abdomen, it's through and through. His shoulder is hit, but I think that bullet is lodged.”
“How does she not know how to aim?” San laughed weakly, attempting to lighten the mood.
“Save your strength, damn it.” Yeosang shushed, not budging as tires were heard and a rose gold colored car pulled up near them.
“We've got to move him to the car, Yeo.” Yunho explains. “I need you to let him go so we can take him to the hospital.”
“But the blood-”
“Yeosang, it's okay. We've got him. Get your bike, you can follow us, alright?” Seonghwa is kneeling next to the pair as he speaks, reaching to rest a hand over Yeosang's gently. “He's gonna be okay, come on now.” With much gentle coaxing, Seonghwa gets Yeosang to release the pressure so that Jongho can take the place while they lift San up and get him to the car. Once San is secured with Mingi and Jongho in the back, he turns to Yeosang. He finds Yeosang still on the ground, staring at his hands that are covered in San’s blood, the appendages shaking slightly. Seonghwa knows he can't leave the younger, signaling for Yunho to go ahead before returning to Yeosang and kneeling next to him, gently tucking his hand under Yeosang’s chin to make the younger look at him and away from the blood. “You can't ride like this, you'll fall. Where's your bike at, precious?” It takes more of his words spoken gently, more encouragement, but he finally gets an answer and moves to get on, helping Yeosang on before they head out. Yeosang keeps his hands at his sides, but Seonghwa takes a moment to look over his shoulder and speak when they stop at a light. “Hold onto me.”
“Hyung, your shirt.” Yeosang protested weakly, the honorific catching Seonghwa off guard. None of them bothered with honorifics when none of their parents were around, so it said a lot about Yeosang's mental state.
“I'm not worried about a little bit of blood on my shirt, Yeosang-ah. What I am worried about is you falling off while we’re driving, though.” Seonghwa replies, one hand reaching back to tug one of Yeosang's arms towards his waist. “Please.” It's enough to get the younger to fold to his request, and they continue the ride to the hospital in silence; Yeosang’s hand clenched in the fabric of Seonghwa’s shirt. Pulling in, Seonghwa isn't surprised to find a familiar white jeep, tailgate down as a little group is set up around it. He pulls the motorcycle in by the vehicle, and Hongjoong is the first to walk over as he and Yeosang unmount the bike.
“San's in surgery to get the bullet out of his shoulder, but he's fine. Kai has some stitches and there may be a scar on his forehead. Gyu’s arm is fine, luckily, and Yeonjun does have three bruised ribs as he suggested. Mingi is getting looked at, much to his dismay. My father has already dispatched a team to the warehouse to handle cleanup.” Hongjoong says in lieu of greeting, updating the pair as he holds a bottle of water and some hand wipes out to Yeosang, who doesn’t acknowledge it. A glance at Seonghwa, who shakes his head, and he hands the water to his lieutenant before turning back to Yeosang. “Here, let me help you clean your hands.” Yeosang initially pulls away, but Hongjoong keeps his grip on the ravenettee’s hands. It takes a bit of encouragement, much like with Seonghwa, but he's finally able to get Yeosang to cooperate and they clean all physical traces of blood from his skin. Once the task was complete, Yeosang seemed to return to being detached. “Everyone’s out here together, except Jongho and Yunho. They're inside so they can keep us updated. Do you want some water?” When Yeosang shook his head, he reached up to lay a hand on the side of Yeosang's neck. “You did good, okay? Everyone is safe, that's what matters.”
Yeosang doesn't answer, instead he steps back, going to climb onto the hood of the jeep and sit by himself, facing the hospital. The lights give his form silhouette, and Seonghwa frowns worriedly before looking down at Hongjoong.
“He’s blaming himself.” He states quietly, obviously worried.
“I know, but he didn't do anything wrong.” Hongjoong answers.
“We won't be able to tell him that.” Seonghwa argued back quietly. “San was hurt, he's going to blame himself for a while.”
“San will tell him himself.” Hongjoong sighed, shaking his head. “Go get some fried chicken for everyone, yeah? We'll get everyone fed and I’m sure Wooyoung should be able to make him eat.” He manages a smile when Seonghwa leans to kiss his head, nudging at the taller male. “Go, I'm fine.”
Seonghwa doesn't argue, instead tilting his head to kiss Hongjoong properly before going to his own car. Wooyoung appears as he's getting in. “What is it, little fox?”
“Can I go?” Wooyoung asks sweetly.
“You don't even know where I'm going, Wooyoung.” Seonghwa counters.
“I hate hospitals, Hwa. Please?”
Seonghwa feels his heart ache before he nods, remembering the last time they were all at a hospital like this. “Alright, come on, let's give you a break.” he waits as Wooyoung walks around the car and gets in before closing his own door and starting the car. By the time they get food and drinks for everyone and make it back, Mingi and Yunho have joined the gathering. Food is distributed and while everyone is finding places to sit and eat, he offers a box of food and two sodas to Wooyoung, nodding towards the other end of the jeep. “Make sure he eats, okay?”
Wooyoung only nods, taking the box and tucking the sodas into his jacket pockets before going to the front of his car. Yeosang is still quiet, almost a statue as he watches the windows of the hospital. His hands rest in his lap and Wooyoung can barely recognize that he’s even breathing. It hurts Wooyoung to see the older one in such a state, and he sets the box on the hood. It gets a brief flinch from Yeosang instead of actually getting his attention. “Hey there, pretty boy.”
“Not now, Wooyoung.”
The flatness of Yeosang's usually near-melodic voice hits Wooyoung like a ton of bricks. “Oh come on, now. You can't sit all alone like this.” He tries to stay mindful of his words, clambering up so he can sit next to Yeosang, making sure the box of food sits safely between them. “Got some dinner for ya. Hwa even splurged and got us all sodas.” He holds one out, waiting patiently until Yeosang looks at where he offers the beverage. “Take it, okay? You need something in your system.”
Brown eyes continue to watch the soda Wooyoung holds for a long moment before Yeosang reaches out reluctantly to take the can and open it. “Thanks,” he manages, taking a sip.
“Of course. Now we eat.”
“Wooyoung, maybe now isn't -”
“Yeo, I need you to be okay, too.” Wooyoung cuts him off, voice small. “San is going to be fine, and so are the others.”
“But I'm not okay, Woo.” Yeo murmurs, looking at the soda he holds in his lap. “I fucked up. Kai got hurt. Gyu and Jun are hurt. San is hurt.” He motions his free hand at the massive building in front of them as if to prove his point.
“That's not on you, Yeo.”
“How is it not?” Yeo countered, finally looking up at Wooyoung and locking eyes. His gaze is puffy, bloodshot from crying silently. “If I'd had better control over the situation, no one would be hurt. Everyone would be fine.”
“Everyone is fine, though. Yeosang, you can't see through walls, and this isn't ‘Wanted’, we can't curve the trajectory of bullets.” Wooyoung replied, opening the box to reveal the chicken, some biscuits and fries. “We all did the best we could given everything. We all came out alive, for fuck's sake. Sure, a few of us are banged up, but we're still breathing, we still get to live another day. That's the part that matters most.” The smell of food and the words Wooyoung speaks seem to get Yeosang’s attention briefly. It isn't enough for his friend to pause, though, so Wooyoung nudges the box closer. “Come on, just eat a little bit, okay? We went to your favorite place and everything to try and help.” He plucks a tender up and holds it out, willing his best friend to just take the damn thing. His face lights up when Yeosang does, indeed, take the chicken to bite into it. He relaxes as they sit and eat, and he can feel Seonghwa and Hongjoong watching from the back of the jeep, not hovering but still worried. He glances through the windshield, nodding at Hongjoong when the captain tilts his head.
“I would lose my mind without him.” Yeosang suddenly confesses, Wooyoung’s gaze focusing on him. “Getting to them and seeing all the blood-”
“It's okay to panic when someone we love that much is hurt. That's just a fact, Yeo. And sadly, none of us have the luxury of a normal, non-violent existence. We’re mafia princes, for fuck’s sake.” Wooyoung replied, popping a couple of small fries into his mouth. “You did a great job, okay? Even San is going to tell you that.”
For the first time since they found out Mingi had been kidnapped, Yeosang's lips manage a smile, even if it's barely visible. “I just need him to be alive right now.”
“He’ll be fine.” Wooyoung assured, offering a biscuit to Yeosang as he spoke. “I’m sure you’re gonna be the first person he wants to see.”
“He’ll want to see his brother first,” Yeosang countered, looking up when Yeonjun called out Jongho’s name. The youngest was making his way to the gathering, looking tired but not overly hysterical or anything, which made Yeosang relax as he adjusted so that he could slide off the hood and meet the other male. “How is he?” he asked when he got close enough.
“He’s gonna be fine. They’re keeping him a few days to make sure they don't miss anything and get his blood volume normal, but he should be cleared to go home by the end of the week.” Jongho assured, smiling a little. “He’s still unconscious right now, but I promised him before we got here that I would take you to him as soon as I could.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeosang, my brother’s biggest concern the entire way here was where you were and if you were okay. Yes, I’m sure. As soon as he wakes up, he’s going to be looking for you.” Jongho explained. “Let me fill in the others and then we’ll go inside, okay?” He touched Yeosang’s shoulder for a moment before turning to go and speak to the others gathered at the other end of the jeep.
“Told you so.” Wooyoung teased, nudging Yeosang’s arm before tugging the older into a hug. He grinned when Yeosang rolled his eyes. “Don’t be mad that I’m right, just go tell him how you feel.”
“I am not mad, Wooyoung.” Yeosang shook his head, reaching to nudge Wooyoung from him, tilting his head away out of habit from past moments when Wooyoung clung to him like this. His reaction only made Wooyoung giggle before pulling away and half skipping over to the group, Jongho returning moments after.
“Alright, let’s go.” Jongho motioned for Yeosang to follow, walking just slightly ahead of the other. He’s quiet for a long moment as they move through the lobby to the elevator, pressing a button for the seventh floor when they enter. “How are you holding up?” he asked softly, standing to one side.
“That’s a loaded question, Jongho.” Yeosang countered.
Jongho sighed and turned to look directly at Yeosang. “It wasn’t your fault. We had no idea how many people she had with her. We worked with what-”
“If one more person tells me-”
“San wanted me to let you know that.” Jongho cuts him off in return for the interruption, not commenting on the clear wave of emotion that falls over Yeosang’s face. The elevator slows to a stop, chiming before the doors open and he steps off, Yeosang not far behind as he goes down the hall and to a room where the door was closed. He carefully opened it, waving Yeosang inside as he walked in.
Yeosang hesitated at the door frame, able to see where San lay unconscious under the sheets of the bed from where he stood. He took a breath and stepped inside, finding his way to the side of the bed and standing quietly. One hand reached out to touch San’s arm, relief flooding him as he watched San breathe. “You’re okay.” he murmured, more to himself than to San, and forced himself to keep his own breathing even despite the emotion in his chest.
“I let the nurses know someone would be staying the night, they brought in some extra pillows and a couple of blankets for the pull out bed.” Jongho explained. “I figured you would want to stay with him.”
“Thank you, Jongho.” Yeosang looks up as he speaks, hating the way the edge of his vision blurs.
“Just make sure you get some rest too, okay?” Jongho replied. “San’ll be mad if you don’t take care of yourself just because he’s hurt.”
“I’ll try. You stay safe getting home, okay?”
Jongho nods, patting Yeosang’s shoulder before going to the door, closing it quietly behind him. He takes the elevator back down, returning to where the group had been. He finds only Wooyoung, Hongjoong, Mingi, Yunho and Seonghwa waiting. “Where is everyone?”
“I sent them home.” Hongjoong replied. “Everyone is alive and safe, no need to take up so much space. Our cleared people need rest as well.”
“How’s Yeosang?” Mingi asked, leaning into Yunho with his arms around the other man’s body securely.
“Emotional, though he didn’t want to show it. He’ll be okay once San wakes up and talks to him, I’m sure.” Jongho answered, but he could tell something was wrong. Mingi was clinging tighter than normal to Yunho, while Wooyoung was silent sitting in the backseat of Seonghwa’s car with the door open. Hongjoong was stiffer than usual in his stance while Seonghwa hovered between where Wooyoung sat and Hongjoong stood. “What’s wrong?”
“Something came to light today,” Hongjoong replied, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “Something I had no choice but to relay to my father so he could go about the appropriate notifications.”
“What do you mean?”
“The truth about Miss Haerang’s death.” Seonghwa said bluntly. The mention of his mother made Wooyoung sob, and Jongho felt the sharp exhale of breath like a punch to the stomach when he realized Wooyoung had been crying quietly the entire time.
“What do you mean, the truth?” Jongho asked, eyes looking at everyone in turn.
“Haneul murdered her.” Hongjoong grit through clenched teeth. “Then swooped in to take her place for the money that came with marrying Yunho and Wooyoung’s dad.”
Jongho knew that none of them were particularly close to any of their parents, but before her death, Jung Haerang had been one of the few people who actively cared for them, worried over them. Each of them still had a gift she'd given them at some point. Everyone had believed for over seven years that her death had been a retaliation for a failed deal, and now they were discovering it was far from that? All eight of them were going to take the news roughly, and Jongho himself was no exception. “How do we-”
“She told me.” Mingi’s usually confident voice is soft, as if he’s lost in his mind. “She tried to bribe me into breaking up with Yunho and when I wouldn’t take it, things got a little heated and she slipped about killing Miss Haerang because she was so angry.”
“Where is she now?” Jongho asked.
“Dead.” Yunho is blunt, one hand moving to pet through Mingi’s hair. “She’s the one who shot San. She was aiming to kill me, too, but her aim is - was - terrible.” he corrects himself as he speaks.
“Father will no doubt hold a meeting soon. He’ll use Haneul as a cautionary tale about letting outsiders in. I wouldn’t be surprised if he demands no funeral and only has her cremated.” Hongjoong sighs and reaches up to pinch the bridge of his nose between a thumb and forefinger. “For now, though, we all need to go home and try to rest. Yeosang is with San, Yeonjun and the others are home, even if they're banged up. All we can do right now is try to take care of ourselves and get through this mess. With Yeosang and San here, the rest of you can stay at the loft. Wooyoung, take Jongho with you, I know you don’t want to be alone right now.”
“But-”
“Wooyoung, it’s okay. I’ll be with Hongjoong.” Seonghwa assures, reaching to thread his fingers through the younger’s hair. “It’s just so that none of us are alone for the drive, okay?”
Wooyoung nods a little, leaning into the touch before turning his head to lay a kiss on Seonghwa's palm. He then climbed out and hugged the taller male. “Be careful.” he murmured, moving to stand and start for the door to his jeep.
Jongho started for the passenger door, getting in and pausing to look at the others as he reached for the door to close it. “When do we meet?”
“We don’t need an official meeting for a few days. We all need time to wrap our heads around all this. Time for San to come home and my father to sort things out on his end. Once San is out, we'll stay at the loft for a bit.” Hongjoong replied. He walked around to the driver’s side, leaning through the window to kiss Wooyoung. “I’m sorry, my little fox. Go straight to the loft, okay? You know the code, and Hwa and I will be right behind you.” He pressed another kiss to Wooyoung’s lips before stepping back and letting the two leave, running a hand through his hair again. “Alright, let’s go.” he said, going to get in the front passenger seat, Seonghwa in the driver’s seat while Yunho and Mingi got in the back. Once everyone was in, Seonghwa started the car and they headed towards the loft Hongjoong owned away from the family view.
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Sheer relief that San was alive had finally settled in for Yeosang and despite the uncomfortable setting, he was determined to stay at the other male’s side. He fell asleep in the chair by the bed, hunched over to rest his head on the mattress near San’s hand. The sensation of his hair being played with broke his conscious and he groaned, trying to stay asleep a little longer.
“You can’t sleep forever, beautiful…”
It’s obvious when San’s voice registers in Yeosang’s mind, because he breaches awareness almost instantly, sitting up with eyes wide as he finds San is awake, one hand petting through his hair. “San…”
The grin on San’s face when Yeosang wakes up is relieved. “Why didn’t you go home when you were tired?” he asked, his hand reaching to take Yeosang’s. “I’m sure your bed is much more comfortable than this.” he motions at where Yeosang is perched, head tilting.
“I couldn’t leave you.”
“I would have been fine.”
“You would have woken up alone.” Yeosang amends quickly, the hand San was holding tightening his grip. “I couldn’t let that happen. Not when Jongho said you were so worried about me, even though you shouldn’t have been.”
“Kang Yeosang, look at me.” San’s voice is firm, and although the other fights it, he waits until his eyes lock with Yeosang’s before speaking. “Stop. Blaming. Yourself. Right now.” Yeosang opens his mouth, but he tugs at his hand to silence him. “No, no excuses. Stop it. I am alive.”
“San, you were shot.”
“And we have a lot worse that comes with the territory of our lives. Worse that, simply put, comes simply from being who we are.” San argued, never looking away from Yeosang as he spoke. “I need you to hear me, really hear me. Okay?” He waits until Yeosang nods before he continues. “I love you, more than anything, Yeosang. But there is no guarantee that we will always be safe in this life. We’ll be shot at, kidnapped, we’ll probably face a lot of bad simply for who our parents are. I can do that, though. I can handle whatever this life is going to hit us with as long as you’re there.” He looks down, thumb brushing over the back of Yeosang’s hand. “None of us are ever going to have that kind of control over a situation like that. We all did what we could with what information we had. It sucked, yes, but we all came out okay. I’m right here, if only a little sore.”
“They had to pull one of the bullets out.” Yeosang explained, voice thick with emotion as he looked at their hands. “I was terrified you would bleed out. I didn’t want to lose you, because honestly, I don’t know if I could handle that kind of pain.”
“Yeosang-”
“I know this whole life we’ve been born into is dangerous, deadly, tragic even. I just…I can’t help the need to keep you safe, San. I can’t lose you.” He looks up as San moves to lay on his side, protesting. “Don’t move too much, you’ll pull your stitches.”
“Just come up here.”
“San, there is no way both of us-”
“Damn it, Yeosang, just get in the bed with me.” San rolled his eyes, patting his hand on the bed while being mindful of the IVs attached to his arm. He waits until Yeosang concedes and settles on the bed with him before reaching to run his hand through dark tresses. “I love you, and right now, I just want you close.”
The words finally register, catching Yeosang off guard and he blinks, confusion crossing his face before a blush snakes prettily up his face. “You do?”
“I’ve loved you a long time, silly.” San chuckled, moving to curl into Yeosang. “I’m sorry it took so long to say it out loud.”
“I love you, too.” Yeosang answered quietly, resting his forehead against San’s. “I’m sorry it took you almost dying before I told you.”
“Oh, come on, now you’re just being overly dramatic.” San teased.
“You were shot multiple times and lost a lot of blood, I think I’m allowed to exaggerate a little.” Yeosang huffed, which only made San giggle and lean to kiss him. He relaxed immediately into the gentle contact, arm moving so he could cup San’s cheek as he returned the kiss. Despite the uncertainty, there was a desperation in the kiss that made him cling to San, pulling back after a moment to look at him. “Please don’t tempt me. You’re literally in a hospital bed, San.”
San chuckled, pecking his lips again before leaning back. “Fine, but I expect a lot of kisses when I’m out of here.”
“You’ll get a lot more than kisses,” Yeosang promised with a soft laugh of his own, arm laying at San’s waist.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way, we’ve waited a long time.” San agreed, relaxing into the mattress and petting his fingers through Yeosang’s hair. “Let’s get some sleep, okay? You need it, and I will be right here when you wake up.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too, my prince.”
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As Hongjoong had predicted, Haneul was denied a ceremony of any kind and only allowed to be cremated. A meeting between his father’s lieutenants was held, with Hongjoong and his brother attending. The others waited at the loft, in various places around the living room and den as they waited for their leader to return. Mingi was sitting on the floor in front of Yunho, leaning his head on the other’s knee as Yunho and Jongho played a video game together. Seonghwa sat with Wooyoung straddling his lap and facing him, fingers petting through the other’s hair as the two murmured to each other. San, still sore from his surgery, was laying across one of the couches with his head in Yeosang’s lap - the two had been mostly inseparable for the week since the incident in the warehouse district. All of them were trying to stay distracted, watching Yunho and Jongho as they played, commenting and occasionally laughing. While everyone seemed relaxed, there was an obvious anxiety in the air. The sound of a key in the door caught Wooyoung’s attention first, looking up towards the door. Hongjoong entered, letting the door close as he pulled his jacket off and draped it over a nearby kitchen barstool.
“What happened?” Wooyoung immediately asked, sitting upright as he watched the male.
“Father made it very clear that he would be keeping a sharper eye on any potential affairs or outsiders trying to make a play like Haneul did. That betrayal like that will not be tolerated.” Hongjoong began. “He’s personally looking through and anyone with any kind of connections to her will be interrogated. If they're part of her attempted coup, they will be handled harshly.”
“What was said about her death?” Mingi asked. The responding silence and uncertain look on Hongjoong’s face made him frown. “Captain, what did he say about it?”
“He didn't disclose exact details, but he did reveal that in her attempt at bribery, she revealed that she was the one responsible for Lady Haerang's death. He also let it be known that she attempted to kill not only Mingi, but San and Yunho as well. Needless to say, it shook a lot of people. I was actually surprised at the outrage.” It's quiet, except for the lobby music of the game, before Hongjoong looked over at Wooyoung and then Yunho. “Your father took that news especially hard, so please be mindful when you go back to Jung Manor.”
Yunho nodded, fingers finding the now black tresses of Mingi's hair and petting through it. “I can't say I'm surprised. We'll need to keep an eye on him.”
“On him?” Wooyoung sounds disgusted as he speaks, pulling himself from Seonghwa’s lap to stand. “What we need to do is keep an eye on our brothers, Yunho. Kyungmin and Seoyun? You know, the literal children? Dad is a grown fucking man, he can deal on his own.”
“Woo-” Yunho's voice is almost exasperated as he sighs his brother's name, but is cut off when Wooyoung finally unleashes what he's held under the surface since the day Mingi had been kidnapped.
“No, I'm not going to sympathize with Dad over Haneul. Fuck that. She does not deserve any tears or being missed by anybody. She murdered mom, Yunho. Because she wanted money? Because power was all she cared about? Maybe that was part of it, sure. But what if dad was involved, huh?” Seonghwa reached for Wooyoung, but the younger pulled away harshly, finding his way to the stools at the breakfast bar, closer to Hongjoong. He's quiet for a moment, but so is everyone else, stunned at his angry outburst.
“Wooyoung, my little fox..” Hongjoong stepped closer, and the moment he's within reach, Wooyoung collapsed towards the floor and Hongjoong barely managed to catch him.
“What are you saying, Wooyoung?” Jongho asked, setting his controller aside so he could lean forward, arms at his knees as he watched.
“I wasn't supposed to know, but I did. They'd been arguing for weeks before mom died, Yunho and I knew that much, we just didn't say anything because it made Mom sad and Dad would just act like he didn't hear us. But one night, I snuck out to watch the stars for a while, and they came out into the garden, I guess trying not to wake us all up. I got scared about being caught out of bed, so I hid behind the big oak.” Wooyoung admitted, letting Hongjoong guide him to the floor so they could sit and he could lean into his leader. “I remember mom yelling at him that one time was enough to never be trusted. She told Dad she would never touch him again, that we were her only reason to stay. That we needed a parent, even if it was just one, because dad didn't know anything about any of us, let alone his new heir apparent since Jaeseong was gone.” Wooyoung doesn't look at anyone, instead reaching to lace his fingers through Hongjoong's. “I didn't think about it for a long time, especially after Mom died, ‘cause dad shut himself off from us and Kyungmin and Seoyun needed someone there to help them through it. Especially Seoyun, he was seven when Mom died, for crying out loud. Kyungmin was at least small enough to not understand everything.”
“Dad wouldn't do something like that, Woo.” Yunho seems to have been hit by the revelation, unable to look at his brother.
“We don't know that! Not anymore.” Wooyoung yelled again, although the sound cracked with the emotion coursing through his system, the sobbing returning and making it difficult to speak fluidly. He's shaking as he clings to Hongjoong's hand like a lifeline. “We ne-never thought Haneul would hurt us, either. But she…she was going to kill Mingi, kill you. Hell, she t-tried to murder San!”
“Wooyoung, I need you to breathe, precious.” Hongjoong coos, free hand holding Wooyoung against him when Wooyoung begins to stutter from his uneven breathing.
“B-but-”
“No, you've clearly said what you need to say the most. Right now, I need you to relax for me, okay? You need to breathe, little fox.” Hongjoong pays little mind to the others as he soothes Wooyoung down, Seonghwa soon joining so that Wooyoung was cradled between them.
“He has a point that makes sense.” Yeosang suddenly speaks up. “Haneul doesn't seem smart enough to have pulled the murder off without help. This second round she already had connections established. I can try to look into it-”
“No.” Seonghwa interjects, leveling Yeosang with a stare that stops Yeosang mid sentence. “Our primary focus for now is the recovery of our team and keeping each other safe.”
“Hwa, we deserve to know.” Yunho argued.
“And you will, but now is not the time. Haneul has caused a lot of damage, and everyone is reeling.” Seonghwa countered. “We all need time to process it all, to get ourselves back on track, before we go looking for what could possibly bring more pain.” He turns back to Hongjoong and Wooyoung, petting his fingers through Wooyoung's hair. “We will find the answers, but right now, we all need each other more. Okay?”
“Seonghwa is right. We survived an attack from the inside. If it showed us anything, it's that my father's people cannot be trusted to keep us safe. We take our time with this, we keep each other and all our siblings safe, and we continue preparing for the hand-off of power.” Hongjoong speaks, transferring Wooyoung into Seonghwa's arms and getting up. “We sharpen our skill sets to perfection. Jongho, you'll need more hand to hand training, so you'll work with your brother when he's better. Mingi, you need target practice, work with Yeosang.” He receives nods and murmured ascents, taking a breath and sighing. “I know this is a lot for everyone, especially for you, Yunho and Wooyoung. But we will get through this, as a team.”
“We're Horizon Boys, after all.” San smirks from where he's sat up next to Yeosang. “We aren't going anywhere. I say tonight we all stay here, have a team night.”
“Wooyoung, would you like to choose dinner?” Hongjoong offered.
“Can Hwa and I cook?” Wooyoung half whimpered.
“Of course you can, precious. The kitchen is stocked, you two go ahead and start.” Hongjoong replied. “If you need anything, we can get it delivered.” He helped Seonghwa and Wooyoung stand, letting them go to the kitchen. Wooyoung begins looking through the fridge at his options, Seonghwa patiently waiting for Wooyoung to decide. Hongjoong turned and walked to the living room. “What are you guys playing, anyway?”
“Mario Kart.” Yunho replied.
“Jongho kicked everyone's ass, of course.” San teased.
“Utilize your power ups better.” Jongho smirked.
“How about we all play while Hwa and Woo cook?” Hongjoong offered. “I think it'll help everyone out to get their minds off everything for a bit.”
“I'm in!” San stands and pulls out one of the cloth drawers under the TV, pulling out two more controllers and going back, handing one to Yeosang. “I call Toad.”
“I'll play baby Bowser.” Yeosang offered.
“Alright then, let's play.” Jongho grinned. “I'm still gonna win, though.” The ensuing challenges from the others eased the tension and pain they had been almost drowning in just a few minutes prior, relief that they were all alive coming to the forefront as, for one night, they put the crisis to the side.
FANDOM: Ateez
PAIRING: Yeosang/San, Hongjoong/Seonghwa/Wooyoung, Yunho/Mingi
WORD COUNT: 5102
RATING: M
POTENTIAL TRIGGERS: Descriptions of torture, mentions of blood and violence, implied self harm
SUMMARY: After three years of watching two of his best friends dance around their obvious affections for each other, Wooyoung is going to need the help of all of the Horizon Boys and some close friends to get the words spoken between Yeosang and San. However, plans go on hold when one of their own goes missing.
TAGLIST: @ashxx0707
Part Two || Saga Masterlist
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Years of watching two of his closest friends dance around their emotions for each other had worn Wooyoung down. Unable to spend another year watching the pair, he sat on the veranda of his family's home, staring out at the large garden, plotting how to give the push that Yeosang and San needed.
"Wooyoung, don't think too hard. You'll give yourself a headache."
The voice is gentle, but it snaps the young man out of his thoughts, startling. Blonde hair sways just the slightest as he turns and lays eyes on a pink haired boy walking towards him. "Yeonjun!" He half squeals, hopping up and rushing to go hug his friend. "When did your family get in? We didn't know you were coming."
"I didn't either." Yeonjun answered, laughing as he hugged the other male. "We left last night, arrived this morning. Something important, no doubt." He moved to start towards the table. "So do tell, what is it that has you so keen on giving yourself a migraine, hm?"
"Planning." Wooyoung said defiantly, moving to sit across from Yeonjun and picking up his cup to sip from the cup.
"That can't be good. Do Yeosang and Hongjoong know?"
"Excuse you, asshat, I don't need permission every time I put schemes together." Wooyoung counters sassily, watching as Yeonjun pours a glass of lemonade from the pitcher and settles into a chair across from him.
"Not every time, but whether you do or not depends on the circumstances." Yeonjun arches a brow at Wooyoung as he sips at his glass, earning a huff as Wooyoung leans back in his chair and crosses his arms.
"I need to get Yeosang and San to get their feelings out." Wooyoung groaned. “It’s not like everyone else doesn’t already see it.”
"You mean they're actually that oblivious?" Yeonjun asked, clearly surprised.
"Only with each other." Wooyoung barks out a laugh at the words, head falling back a little as he does so. "Most everything else they're really keen on."
"No kidding." Yeonjun laughed as well, shaking his head. "So what ideas do you have so far?"
"That's just it, I have exactly nothing."
"Well, now. That’s a change. Maybe you should talk to Hongjoong or Seonghwa?"
"Joong and Hwa don’t need to get involved in this, Yeonny. They have enough going on right now with keeping on top of things for our parents."
"Did someone say my name?" A voice asked, and the two turned to lay eyes on Seonghwa, black hair framing his face as he leaned against the doorway. Tall frame accented by dark jeans and a near skin tight white t-shirt. "What are you up to, Jung Wooyoung?"
“Nothing, Hwa.” Wooyoung replies at the exact same time Yeonjun opens his mouth.
“Our favorite chaos boy here is trying to get Yeosang and San to admit they-”
“Are ridiculously in love with each other?” Seonghwa finishes with a knowing smirk, moving to take a seat between the younger men, one leg crossing daintily over the other as he reaches to turn over one of the cups and pour himself a cup of the lemonade as well. "Are you tired of watching them be a mix of happy and miserable, too?"
"They are so terrible at reading each other." Yeonjun laughed with a shake of his head, leaning back. "So what are we gonna do?"
"Hongjoong suggested we try a setup of sorts." Seonghwa mused, dropping a sugar cube into the tea.
“Hongjoong is on board with my scheming without supervision?”
“Only in this instance, Wooyoung.” Seonghwa countered with an arched brow.
“And it isn’t like you won’t have any supervision.” Yeonjun countered. “I’m sure everyone is going to be on board with this. It’s only been what, two years?”
“Three, at the very least on San’s part. That’s the first time he slipped.” Wooyoung answered. “So…a setup? How do we manage that?”
“What about at one of the gatherings? We never stay for the full event, anyway.” Yeonjun mused.
“We stay longer than you, normally.” Wooyoung teased. “You run off with Changbin as soon as you lay eyes on him.” The blush that rushes up his friend’s face makes him smirk.
“Yeah, because you wouldn’t find the chance to sneak off with someone if they could-”
“Boys, enough, or I will ground you both.” Seonghwa’s tone is authoritative as he lifts his glass again, eyes leveled on the pair. Both of the younger males quiet their banter, looking away like scolded children and he nods, satisfied they’re both back on track. “Our purpose is to bring the two of them together, we can’t do that if you two are just going to bicker like a married couple the entire time.”
“That’s what they do best, of course.”
Three heads turn at the sudden voice to find Hongjoong coming out to join them on the veranda, looking worse for wear and clearly exhausted.
“Hongjoong…” Yeonjun and Wooyoung speak at the same time, looking between each other, then to Seonghwa and finally Hongjoong with concern. The future leader makes his way to the table, pulling out the chair between Yeonjun and Seonghwa before all but collapsing into it.
“You need rest.” Seonghwa urges, one hand moving to rest at the younger’s shoulder.
“I need time with my people.” Hongjoong counters. “Rest can come later.” Despite his words, though, he leans until his body is resting gently against Seonghwa’s shoulder. “Hello, Yeonjun. I wasn’t aware your family would be here.”
Yeonjun shrugged. “I’m used to never knowing what plans my mother makes until I’m ordered to do something,” he replied. “You look like shit, though.”
Hongjoong manages to smirk as he scoffs out a laugh. “You should see the other guy. He’s much worse off, I promise.” he sassed, forcing himself up from Seonghwa’s shoulder to look at the three men. “What are we discussing, exactly?”
“Yeosang and San.” Seonghwa is the first to answer, keeping an eye on Hongjoong.
“Ah, the oblivious lovebirds.” Hongjoong chuckles, tone almost singsong, as he leaned forward to get the final cup, stopping when he finds Wooyoung has poured a fresh glass and is handing it to him so he doesn’t have to move as much. “Thank you, Wooyoung.”
“Don’t thank me yet. I’d honestly rather you rest a little. You look like you had a hell of a fight, after all. But you’re too stubborn, so I’ll settle with you not moving a whole lot.”
“Good boy.” Hongjoong praises, and if he notices the tint rising up Wooyoung’s neck, he doesn’t mention it. “Our next gathering is in a few weeks, we have some time to figure something out if we want to do it then.” He sips his drink and it lowers it from his lips when a commotion from within the manor makes all four of them turn. “What on earth?” As the words leave his mouth, a pair of servants rush out onto the veranda, anxiously looking around. The female of the pair gives a clear sigh of relief before rushing back inside, shoes clicking on the marble of the den area. The young man who had accompanied her seems to be taking note of the four before turning to follow. Hongjoong stops the male with a simple ‘stop’, the man turning back to face the table.
“Yes, Master Hongjoong?”
“What is going on, Taehui?” Hongjoong asks, dark eyes never leaving the other male.
“We’re not entirely sure as of yet, sir.” the servant, Taehui replies. “Young Master Wooyoung’s father received news there was a kidnapping, and his first order was for us to check how many of you were here so we could report back.” He’s honest and obviously uncertain of what to do in the situation, his eyes unable to lift from the ground. The previously relaxed atmosphere of the table has changed drastically in a few moments time, and he’s clearly uncomfortable giving bad news to the group.
“Kidnapping? Of one of ours?” Seonghwa frowns, eyes immediately finding Hongjoong’s, and the pair have a moment before the elder stands and walks out towards the garden. “I’ll start making calls.”
“Thank you, Taehui. We’ll be inside shortly. Go report to my dad, okay?” Wooyoung dismissed the male, waiting until they were alone again before speaking. “What do you need me to do, Joong?”
“Call your brother and Mingi. Mingi’s supposed to be arriving soon, but we have to be sure. Seonghwa is already calling for follow ups as well.”
“I’ll find my mother. She should have some intel and I can gather my boys to start a search party if need be.” Yeonjun replies, standing. “All of you stay safe, and keep us updated.”
“Keep your heads level, Yeonny.” Wooyoung replies, giving a worried smile as his friend lays a hand on his shoulder before heading inside. His eyes are focused on the commotion he can hear inside, one hand tightening on the tablecloth. This is par for the course - they’re children of powerful mafia families, after all - but no one has ever been stupid enough to try and kidnap any of them. The worry for his pseudo brothers courses through him and has him frozen as his mind starts to reel with possible scenarios.
“Wooyoung-ah.”
Dark eyes blink as Wooyoung tears his gaze from the doors to look at his leader, returning to the moment in front of him. “Sorry, Joong, this is just…new territory. No one’s ever tried to kidnap any of us before.” He’s working on dialing Yunho’s number as he speaks, moving to stand.
“Right now, all I care about is that it isn’t one of the eight of us. Once we know that, I’ll worry about what needs to happen.” Hongjoong replied, and while his demeanor is calm, Wooyoung knows the leader’s mannerisms well enough to hear the mixed emotions behind the words. The younger male is loath to leave Hongjoong alone, but forces himself to step aside as the phone rings, silently begging the phone to pick up.
“San and Jongho are fine. They stopped to get some things, but they’re on their way again, no more stops.” Seonghwa says as he walks back, though his eyes are on his phone as he dials again.
“Yeosang?”
“I’ve tried him twice, but no answer.” Seonghwa is already hanging up and preparing to dial again when Hongjoong lifts a hand.
“I’ll call him. Go check on Wooyoung, he’s trying to call Mingi and Yunho.” Hongjoong commands, scrolling to dial Yeosang’s number. His eyes stay on Seonghwa as the eldest checks in with Wooyoung, free hand clenching hard enough that his mind vaguely registers the pain of his nails digging into his palm. If any of his brothers have been taken, he isn’t going to just stand aside. He’ll bring the wrath of hell itself on whoever was stupid enough.
“Hongjoong? Who’s hurt?”
The deep timbre sends a wave of relief through Hongjoong despite the urgency in the man’s tone when Yeosang answers. The younger had clearly been dozed off, which explains the initial missed calls. He lets out a breath, which only further alerts the man on the other end. He and Seonghwa don’t continuously call like this, and there’s no doubt it’s put the black haired male on high alert.
“Captain?” Yeosang asks again, worry much more prominent in his voice now.
“We don’t know if anyone is hurt yet. There was apparently news of a kidnapping and the staff here are losing their minds.” Hongjoong answers. “San is okay.” he adds when he hears the sharp intake of breath, knowing the next question that’s about to come from Yeosang’s mouth and beating him to the punch. “Seonghwa just talked to him, he’s with Jongho and they’re finishing the trip out here.”
“Okay,” the one word shows the instant relief before Yeosang speaks again. “What about the others?”
“Yunho is accounted for. Wooyoung is here with Hwa and I, he’s trying-” he cuts off when he spots Wooyoung neary throwing his phone before he’s stopped by Seonghwa grabbing his wrist. Wooyoung doesn’t lash out like that, and it’s enough to send ice through Hongjoong’s body. “Yeosang, have you seen or heard from Mingi today?”
“Not seen, but he did message and say he and his dad were leaving this morning. Is he not answering?”
“I don’t know.” Hongjoong is up and moving even as he speaks, nearing where Seonghwa is holding tight to Wooyoung with one arm while he tries to hide the frantic energy of his dialing. “What’s wrong?”
“Mingi’s phone is going straight to voicemail.” Seoghwa replied, lifting his phone to his ear. “Wooyoung tried him seven times.”
“Damnit.” Hongjoong replies, the sound almost a hiss.
“I’m not near any of my gear, Joong. I can’t trace him until I get to the manor with all of you.” Yeosang speeds through the words, a panic setting into him as well despite the calm in his tone.
“Just stay calm, Yeosang. You worry about getting here in one piece. Hwa and I will worry about calming Wooyoung down and filling in the rest of the guys.”
“I’m like half an hour out, but I can cut time if I make them stop and get on my bike.”
“Do whatever you need to.” Hongjoong replied. “For gods’ sake just be careful.”
“Copy that, Captain.” The line dies as Yeosang ends the call, and Hongjoong has to take a slow breath to calm the anger in his body. Wooyoung’s entire body trembles just enough to make it noticeable, the younger male gripping at Seonghwa’s arm like a scared child, though what emotions he’s going through is unclear.
“First thing’s first.” Hongjoong began, back straightening. “We’re gathering in Wooyoung’s study, away from parents and staff. This is Horizon Boy business; we handle it our way.” His tone is level, forcing all other emotions down as he looks at the two men before him. Eyes lift to meet his second in command, and he nods at the man as he speaks. “Seonghwa, catch up with Yeonjun, tell him that he and the boys are on standby so we can cover more ground.”
“Yes sir.” Seonghwa says, gently prying his arm from Wooyoung’s grip. Wooyoung fights for a moment, but gives up when Seonghwa is able to pull him from his mind with a few quiet words.
“Wooyoung.” Hongjoong says gently, reaching to touch the back of Wooyoung’s hand. “He will be okay.”
“But…why? Why would they come after us?”
“We’re the heirs, remember? Even if we aren’t an emotional weakness, enemies would perceive us as such because we’re set to take our respective parents’ places.” Hongjoong replied, curling his hand into Wooyoung’s. “Wooyoung, I need your head to stay in the moment, okay?”
“In the moment?” Wooyoung mirrors, confusion twisting his features.
“You and Yeosang are our techs, and you two are the best at it. You can go over what gear you need and get it ready so that when he gets here, the two of you can jump on the trace together.” Hongjoong replied. “We can’t let our emotions get the better of us right now. Not until we find Mingi and know he’s safe. I need you to turn everything else off for now. Can you do that?”
Wooyoung wants to lie and say he can’t, that he needs to step away. However, he knows better, he knows that Hongjoong knows better. Turning off their feelings has been ingrained in them by their parents, a way to do what needs to be done in the moment. Mafia life has little time for emotions in critical situations. The main difference is that Wooyoung is one of the few of them who have never had to utilize it in the field of their lives, and it shows in his struggle to find that calm that Hongjoong currently displays. Closing his eyes, he grips his leader’s hand tighter for a moment, taking a shaky breath and holding it while he counts to five in his head before letting it out slowly. When he opened his eyes, he made sure to lock them on Hongjoong and nod. “I’ve got it, I promise.”
“Are you sure?”
It takes a moment before Wooyoung can answer, but he manages to hold eye contact, searching Hongjoong’s eyes as he gathers the strength he needs from his leader. “Yes. Just give me twenty minutes to get the system set up.”
“Do you need me with you?”
Wooyoung starts to shake his head for a moment, but finds himself unable to do so. “I’ve never had to do this before, Joong.”
“I know. And I’m right here. We’ll all be here.” Hongjoong assured, squeezing Wooyung’s hand gently. “Let me help you get the stuff, huh? That way you have one of us with you to help keep you level headed.”
“What about Jongho and Yunho?”
“That’s why we’re doing it all together. None of you have ever needed to do this, and I need you to know you aren’t alone.”
“We’re never alone, Hongjoong. We know that. We have you, and you’re a better leader than your father could ever hope to be.” Wooyoung forces himself to take another breath and releases it, letting go of Hongjoong’s hand. “Let’s go. I have to get the computers moved around in the study.” He steps away and makes his way inside, ignoring the confusion and chaos of staff around them.
“Hongjoong! Wooyoung!”
The raised voice stops the pair, and Wooyoung turns to find Yunho, the taller male obviously distraught. “Yunho, you’re okay.” he breathes as his brother rushes over to them.
“Yeah, I was only out to get snacks for us later. Mom called me and I immediately headed home.” Yunho speaks hurriedly. “Do we have anything on Mingi yet? Seonghwa said you guys couldn’t get him to answer either?”
“You tried calling him already?” Hongjoong asked, and seeing Yunho nod put more stock into their growing concern. Mingi would never ignore his boyfriend calling him, especially not when Yunho wasn’t the only one dialing him. “Alright, you’re going to help Wooyoung and I get his study set up so he and Yeosang can run a trace.”
“Where are San and Jongho?”
“Still en route, but safe.” Wooyoung answered with a nod.
“And what about Yeosang?”
“He likely made the driver stop so he could get his bike unhitched, but he’s on the way. He shouldn’t be too far behind you.” Hongjoong said. “Come on, let’s get going. The sooner we get set up, the quicker we can make a plan of action.”
“We aren’t going to ask our parents for anything?” Yunho clarified.
“This is Horizon Boy business.” Wooyoung chimes as he mirrors their leader's words. It seems to be enough to help Yunho calm a little.
“And we handle it our own way.” Yunho finishes, giving a nod. “Alright, let’s go. I need to get Mingi home safe.”
“We all do.” Hongjoong replied, motioning for the two to start up the stairs. He stays behind them, keeping an eye on the two. This is not how he wanted to introduce them into the more dangerous side of their world. He and Seonghwa have carefully brought each of the others in one at a time, so there’s a support system as they learn the ropes. And as each member got comfortable, the next to be brought in would have a bigger blanket of adjustment. Wooyoung and Jongho were supposed to be the last ones, but this event ruined that plan. His head is bouncing over ideas as he blindly walks, knowing the manor as well as he does means he can be allowed some time in his mind. He stops when he finds himself in the large study, moving to the floor to ceiling window that doubles as a door to a large balcony. “Once we get the system up, we need to follow any movements from the last text Mingi sent.” he thought aloud, taking a moment to take in the sky before turning to the large table and gathering the papers strewn about. He stacked them neatly, tapping them on the dark stained oak wood to align them and set them aside.
“At the very least the last one that was sent to one of us.” Wooyoung replied, moving two laptops onto the table and opening them at two different chairs. “Yunho, I need the holoscreen on while I hook these up to my system.” He falls quiet as he begins focusing, nerves disappearing as he settles into his element. Yunho joined him by the laptops, double tapping the table in between the two that opened to reveal a screen. He laid his thumb over the little screen, and then nodded at his little brother.
“Alright, it just needs your scan.”
Wooyoung nodded even though he wasn't looking at the other men in the room. When the first screen kicked to life, he stepped to bend over and scan his index finger before turning his attention to the second laptop. “I can follow towers that the phone pinged off of. Yeosang should be able to check for any cloning or strange activity in the background that went unnoticed.”
“That's a thing?” Yunho asked, arching a brow as he pulled chairs out from the table.
“Trust me, there's a lot a good hacker can do and the user not realize it.” Wooyoung answered calmly.
“It's why Woo and I regularly update the security for our files in the manors. We should have thought about extending it to our personal phones before now, though.” A deep voice said as footsteps carried in a well built male with dark hair pinned back by a butterfly barrette. Eyes dart over the room, taking in the others before taking the riding jacket off and draping it over the back of a chair. “Where are we at?”
“We’ve never been targets, Yeo, it didn’t dawn on us to apply it to our phones.” Wooyoung countered, taking one of the chairs and nudging the other back. “I’ve got the system warming up, we should be able to hit the ground running.”
“Has anyone been able to get in touch with Mingi yet?”
“No,” Yunho says, pacing slightly along the wall of books with phone in hand. “As much as we’re calling, he should have answered by now.”
“The fact that he didn’t answer you is concerning enough.” Yeosang says, moving to take the seat next to Wooyoung. The two dove into working quietly, murmuring between themselves as they worked. Hongjoong turned to look at the pair, then moved to walk across the room to Yunho, reaching up to grab the taller man’s shoulder, making Yunho stop to look down at him.
“We’re going to find him, and he will be safe.” Hongjoong said calmly, seriously, eyes not leaving Yunho’s.
“It's not Mingi I'm worried about.” Yunho replied. “It's how dangerous we are as a team if he gets hurt.”
“If any of us get hurt.” Hongjoong corrected. “And whoever was stupid enough to cross the eight of us won't like the ending coming their way.”
“We always talk about outside enemies coming after us….but what about family?” Wooyoung asks, eyes still locked on the screen before him.
“What do you mean, Woo?” Yunho asks, attention going to his brother.
“Everyone working under Hongjoong’s father knows we're the ones next in line for power. He's always made that abundantly clear. Bumjoong gets control of the fronts and saving face, Hongjoong becomes head of the family.” Wooyoung explained. “So everyone is fully aware that means the other seven of us are direct underlings. So, y’know…what happens if someone decides they don't like that arrangement?”
“You mean an inside job.” Hongjoong’s voice is flat, and the tone is somehow a strange mix of skeptical and unphased. “What are you saying, Wooyoung?”
“Nothing, I just…it's something I thought about.” Wooyoung answers. “We're always ready for outside threats, but shouldn't we consider even our own families an outside threat?” It goes silent aside from the sound of him and Yeosang typing and working on their respective duties to track their friend, and he finds his lower lip tugging between his lips nervously.
“He has a point, Joong.” Yeosang says, finally breaking the silent tension in the room. “With what we're trying to do, even if no one is actually privy to our plans-”
“We'll cross that bridge later.” Hongjoong cuts the other off. “Right now, finding Mingi is our top priority.”
“And if we find out it was, actually, an inside job?” Yeosang asks back, unphased by his captain silencing his thought process so quickly, dark eyes locked on the screen as he goes through the data on Mingi’s device.
“Then we make sure everyone is aware of what happens when you cross the future leaders.” Hongjoong says coldly, and none of the others in the room need to question what he means. If Hongjoong's father makes a statement by brutal punishments, they have to take it further, make it known they have no room for mutinists.
Death is the only answer to crossing the next generation of leaders.
There's little more than a nod from his underlings, and his attention once more returns to Yunho. “Meet up with Hwa. He's gathering Yeonjun and his boys-”
“We're right here, Captain.” Seonghwa’s voice is a gentle timbre as he walks in, Yeonjun shortly behind as well as the rest of the bodyguards he leads. Behind the bodyguards are the achoi brothers, stepping inside and off to one side as they await orders. “What’s our current course?”
“Yeosang? Wooyoung?” Hongjoong asks, eyes turning to his hackers, tone giving them the floor.
“There aren’t any background programs or files running on his phone, at least thus far.” Yeosang answers matter of factly, though he doesn’t take his gaze from where he’s still scanning over files.
“I’m able to track the phone, though.” Wooyoung replied. “Either he has it on silent and hidden on him, it’s in whatever he’s being transported in, or it’s being used to hide where he actually is.”
“What were the last coordinates?” Seonghwa asks, walking over to stand behind the two younger men.
“It looks like it’s somewhere near the docks.” Wooyoung answered, finally letting his gaze move so he could tilt his head back to look at his lieutenant. “If that is where whoever took him has him, there’s all kinds of places that they could hide him until they get whatever it is they want.”
“The docks?” Yunho asks, looking at his younger brother with a tilt of his head, brown eyes worried. “There’s water there, too. Sharks once the boats start coming in from their night fishing.”
“Yunho, calm down.” Hongjoong said calmly, walking to look out the large balcony window. “Wooyoung, Yeosang. Where was the first ping between the last communication with him and the current ping?” His back stays to the rest of the room, but his posture reads that he’s very aware of everything and everyone.
The current display of behavior isn’t something Wooyoung has seen from Hongjoong before, and the young man watches his leader in a mix of awe and fear until a tap on his forearm draws his eyes to Yeosang, who nods once before going back to his screen. Wooyoung finds comfort in his first friend’s demeanor and it makes him take a deep breath in order to settle himself and return to his own screen.
“The last message to any of us was 2:28.” Yeosang provides, fingers clicking on the keys of his computer.
Wooyoung nods when the information is relayed, using his own program to configure the info he needed. “It looks like…” he pauses as the coordinates pop up, the text highlighting as he stops. “Wait, what?” he asks, confusion and dread mixing in his voice. “No. No, that can’t be right.” he pleaded more to himself, but his energy was enough to alert Hongjoong.
“What is it, Woo?” Seonghwa asks, head tilting.
“No, it can’t be.” Wooyoung hears nothing as he runs the program again, breath hitching when the location once more comes up the same. “Yunho…” his voice is weak as he speaks his brother’s name, unable to make an answer for Seonghwa come from his throat. It’s enough to drive his brother to his chair, looking over Wooyoung’s head.
“Wait, isn’t that-”
Wooyoung is frantically working on running the grid numbers again. “Tell me I’m wrong.” his voice is quiet, worried, as he bites his lip harder. “That’s not where I think it is, right?” He moves his head so he can look over his shoulder at his brother. “Tell me the program is wrong.”
“Wooyoung…” Yeosang starts, reaching to lay his hand on Wooyoung’s arm. “We designed these programs, there can’t be anything wrong with them. What’s going on?”
“That can’t…” Yunho shakes his head. “Why would there be any reason to go to the boutique?”
“What are you talking about, Yunho?” Hongjoong asks, only turning his head to look over his shoulder in the direction of the brothers.
“The coordinates that first register is the same address as our mom's shop.” Yunho says, frowning. “It doesn't make sense.”
“Then let's go ask questions, children.” Seonghwa states, moving forward to stand behind Hongjoong and brace a hand at Hongjoong's shoulder.
“All of us showing up would be bad, Hwa.” Yeosang muses, though he's focused on his screen.
“We aren't all going.” Seonghwa replies. “Yunho and San can come with me, Yeonjun and his boys can start on any tracking that needs done. The rest of you stay here with Joong and relay anything he needs to the rest of us in the field.” his eyes are on Hongjoong as he speaks, their leader nodding. Yeonjun motions his head towards the door and his team heads out, but he glanced worriedly at Wooyoung as he leaves.
“Go.” Hongjoong finally tells his second, eyes turning to look back at Seonghwa. “Be careful.” The please is unspoken, but evident in his eyes, and Seonghwa nods, squeezing the younger man's shoulder before lowering his head to kiss Hongjoong’s hair.
“We'll be back.” Stepping away, he motioned a hand, Yunho and San immediately moving towards the door. “Woo, Yeo, Jongho, stay here where it's safest.”
“Yes sir,” the underlings said just slightly out of sync as the trio left.
“Joong?” Wooyoung asked, his tone soft. It's barely audible, but it pulls Hongjoong’s attention to him. “Tell us what we need to do.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Author's Notes::
Hello, my multis! Kallin here with a new update to the Horizon Boys series. This work was originally only supposed to one chapter, but at 13 pages in my google docs for just this part, I made the choice to split it into at least two parts. This is set roughly seven years before In the Morning, so enjoy.
PAIRING: San x Yeosang, Hongjoong x Seonghwa x Wooyoung
WORD COUNT: 7,715
RATING: M
POTENTIAL TRIGGERS: Blood, torture, degradation/disrepect of elders,
SUMMARY: Just weeks after San's disappearance, Yeosang is found bloody and unconscious by an unknown assailant. After the incident with Mingi's kidnapping, Hongjoong decides it's time the Horizon Boys make a statement about hurting their own. As soon as the identity of the culprit is discovered, Hongjoong and Seonghwa set out to put their plan in motion.
TAGLIST: @no1likemybbgcharlie, @spookidema
Saga Masterlist
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The unnaturally clean scent is the first thing that registers, followed quickly by the steady beeping and the hushed voices around him before there's footsteps and the door closes. A groan escapes his throat as he opens his eyes, finding himself looking up at plain white tiles of a hospital room.
“Yeosang, hey.”
Dark hair falls into Yeosang’s face as he turns his head towards the source, managing a relieved smile when he lays eyes on Yunho. “Hey there, pup.” he jokes.
“Hongjoong and the others should be back soon. They went to get food.” Yunho replies. “Mingi just left to help them.”
“Who found me?” Yeosang asks immediately. The two watch each other for a moment before Yunho’s head tilts and he looks away. “Yunho, don't pretend. Who found me?”
“Jongho.” Yunho finally answers, watching his friend. He watches as Yeosang sighs, lifting a hand to cover his face despite the IV in his arm. “Sangie, what happened?”
Yeosang's arm falls back to lay on his chest, eyes at the ceiling, apparently contemplating how to answer. “Nothing happened.”
“You're literally in a fucking hospital bed , Kang Yeosang. I'd appreciate it if you didn't lie to my face.” Hongjoong interjects as he steps in; Wooyoung, Mingi and Seonghwa not far behind. The three carry bags from a local restaurant and drinks, and Yeosang can't help the flinch at the harsh tone his leader uses towards him. He's aware of Wooyoung perching next to his brother and handing Yunho a cup. His eyes remain on Hongjoong, though, as the older male sets a cup on the tray table by the bed, softening as he looks at Yeosang. “You terrified us, Yeosang.”
“Where's Jongho?” Yeosang asks. “I need to apologize to him.”
“You don't need to apologize to him for something that happened to you.” Seonghwa replied, setting bags on the window sill so he can divide the food up. “We just want to know what happened.” Yeosang is quiet in response, letting his eyes drift back up to the ceiling and close.
“Hwa, will you go with the boys to the lobby or back to the cafeteria?” Hongjoong speaks up suddenly, head tilting as he watches Yeosang's reaction.
“But Captain-” Yunho starts.
“Please, Yunho. You, Mingi and Wooyoung go with Hwa. I'll call or come get you in a few minutes.” Hongjoong says, and although the pleading tone is mostly hidden, it reverberates in his words enough to make Yunho nod, nudging Wooyoung up and keeping the younger between him and Seonghwa as they walk out with Mingi. Seonghwa gives a nod as he closes the door, and Hongjoong’s eyes return to Yeosang. “Yeosang, look at me.”
It takes a long moment, but when dark eyes open, the emotion is clear in Yeosang's eyes as he reaches his unhindered arm up to wipe at his face. “What?”
“Talk to me.” Hongjoong moves to sit on the edge of the bed, eyes taking in the younger man's appearance. “Is this about San?”
Yeosang is quiet again, swallowing back the emotion before his eyes go to the window. “Yes and no.”
“Explain it to me. What happened?”
“San’s dad wanted to see me.” Yeosang replied.
“His dad?”
“Yeah. Of course I went. I mean it's San’s dad , I didn't have a reason to worry, you know? I was hoping he'd had contact with San and wanted to let us know.”
“Alright, so you went to see him. That's reasonable, but it does not answer my question.”
“It's my fault, Joong.”
“I highly doubt that.”
“He told me San had left because of me. That I was the reason he'd abandoned the family.”
“Well, the seven of us know that isn't the case at all.” Hongjoong countered.
Yeosang nodded. “I demanded to know what he meant, and he said that he'd brought San in to let him know of a marriage he had in the works. San, being San of course, refused.” He chuckles a little, but the sound has an underlying sadness. “He fought his dad, apparently told him if he was going to marry anyone, it was me.”
“That shouldn't come as a surprise, Yeosang. He loves you more than anything.”
“I know that, Joong. His dad was just so adamant that I was the cause of him leaving, I finally lost my cool.” The answering silence from Hongjoong isn't surprising for Yeosang. He isn't one to lose his temper. “I told him about himself. About how terrible he is as a father, his power hungry bullshit and his lack of loyalty to his wife - the mother of his sons. I let him know that if San had any one person to choose as his reason to leave it was him. That he couldn't possibly hope to understand what love actually was.”
“And he attacked you?”
“He hit me once, but if there's one thing we've learned in this life, it's to finish a fight. Even if we didn't start it.” Yeosang replied, jaw clenched around his words.
“Yeo, he broke three of your ribs, gave you a concussion, a black eye and a lot more bruises.” Hongjoong countered, hand clenching at the blankets of the bed. “And I'll be damned if he just gets away with what damage you did to him. He should know better after the incident with Mingi.”
“Entitlement, Captain.” Yeosang replied. “He doesn't think your dad will let you hurt him.”
“My father has no bearing on the repercussions of attacking the eight of us.” Hongjoong answered, gaze level. “And he damn well knows that I will do what's necessary to make sure disloyalty is not tolerated.”
“Joong, our focus needs to be on finding San right now.” Yeosang please, brown eyes watching the older male.
“And what would San say if he were here, huh? Would he just let your attacker - even if it is his own father - go free?” Hongjoong counters. “We do not allow treachery, Yeosang.” He walks over to pet a hand through Yeosang's hair, much like a brother's comfort. “You worry about healing up.”
“What are you going to do, Captain?”
“My job.” Hongjoong replies. “I’ll send the others back up.” He headed towards the door, pausing to look back. “I really am glad you're okay, Yeosang.”
“I know.” Yeosang replies. “Just don’t do anything crazy, Hongjoong.”
“Me, crazy?” Hongjoong asks, a devilish smirk curving his lips. “Never.” Relief washes through him when Yeosang laughs softly, reaching over to tousle the younger’s hair before stepping from the room. He makes his way out to the lobby area first, demeanor calm despite the rage boiling under his skin. He’s not entirely surprised when he finds Yunho and Mingi sitting at one of the couches, Seonghwa at one of the lobby windows leaning against the wall. Immediately aware of Wooyoung’s absence, he joins Seonghwa at the window. “Where’s our little chaos child?” he teases in lieu of greeting.
“He went to give Yeonjun and the boys an update.” Seonghwa replied. “I think seeing Yeosang like that plus the quiet of the hospital was getting to him as well.” He’s quiet for a long moment as he keeps his eyes forward. “How is he?”
Hongjoong doesn’t need clarification, he is fully aware who his friend is asking about. “He isn’t one to break easily - it is Yeosang, after all. But he’s as close as I’ve ever seen him to it.” Eyes close as he sighs to himself, the sound quiet but carrying a mix of tones that Seonghwa hears, platinum tresses shifting as he looks at his leader.
“What happened?”
“I need to speak with my father. Then we have a mess to handle.”
“What do you mean?”
“San’s dad isn’t going to get a free pass.” Hongjoong replies, teeth clenched as he tries to contain the fire of anger that soaks his words.
“San’s dad?” Seonghwa’s tone is hushed, but the mix of anger and shock is evident. It takes mere moments before a fire of rage lights in him as well, eyes narrowing just slightly. “What possible reason could he have for hurting Yeosang of all people?”
“He blames Yeosang for San’s disappearance.”
“Then he’s a damn fool.”
“We all know it, Hwa. Most of all, Yeosang knows it.” Hongjoong’s arms move to cross, eyes moving to the window. “Regardless of that, I will not let that man put one of us in such a state and then just walk away without repercussions.”
Seonghwa’s head tilts, causing bangs to fall into his face as he watches Hongjoong curiously. “What are you planning, Captain?”
“First, we meet with my father.” Hongjoong began, eyes looking up at Seonghwa calmly. “Then, we simply do what we do best.” His lips curve into that near demonic smirk once more. “We make a statement.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Walking into the Kim mansion had given Hongjoong many feelings over the years. As a child, he had been awed by his family’s fortune and power. Once he and his brother had realized what it was that brought that power, fear had been prominent for a few years. Once he and his team began being handed off to nannies and cast aside, resentment had been held the longest. When the team had reached around sixteen, his father had chosen to divide the work between his sons. Bumjoong, his eldest, would take over manning the fronts and safe houses while his youngest, Hongjoong, would take over the nitty-gritty side of the business. Doing so gave deniability to one end of the business which would help keep the families in power. As soon as the brothers had been notified, Hongjoong had begun making plans to change the way things ran within the ranks and his determination had spawned in the others. Their resentment had swirled into fierce determination to create change and their loyalty was to Hongjoong and Hongjoong alone. Several servants had already sworn their loyalty as well, waiting for when Hongjoong was announced officially. Bumjoong was entirely on board with his little brother’s plan as well, and was even helping in planning things when he was able to.
Walking into the mansion with Seonghwa - or any of his team - at his side always gave Hongjoong a sense of pride. He’s very aware that he has his inner circle well before his father did, and his role as the future head of the family is one he takes very seriously. It wasn’t his father he was worried about; he wanted to make his brother and his team proud. So when he walks into the lobby area outside his father’s office, he isn’t surprised when the young woman at the desk smiled and stands to bow to him and Seonghwa.
“Prince Hongjoong, Prince Seonghwa.” she greeted, fiery red hair tied back in a braid over her shoulder. “How may I help you?”
“I’m here to speak with my father, Yeji.” Hongjoong announced. “It’s an urgent report he wanted immediately.”
The woman, Yeji, gives a smile and nods. “Of course.” She moves with ease to go over and knock on the door. She waits for the all clear before entering, leaving Hongjoong and Seonghwa alone for a moment.
“Are you sure he’ll accept our request?” Seonghwa asks.
“He won’t have another option.” Hongjoong replied. “Not once I’ve said my piece on the matter. He handled things after the incident with Mingi, and it clearly didn’t get the point across. It’s our turn.” His attention turns to the office door as Yeji reappears, leading a mousy looking woman with glasses into the lobby. As the secretary sits, the other woman walks over to greet the young men.
“Good afternoon, my princes.” she greets with a bow.
“Afternoon, Miss Yoo.” Hongjoong greets with a bow of his own. “I apologize for our interruption. I wasn’t aware my father was in a meeting.”
“Nonsense! I don’t mind postponing a meeting for whatever urgent situation you need to discuss. Please, take care and send warm wishes to Prince Yeosang from my company.” Another bow as Hongjoong agrees before she steps around them and finds her own way out. Hongjoong walks over to knock on the door and await the all clear to enter.
“How is our doberman?” Yeji asks Seonghwa, head tilting.
“Awake, but he's going to need time to recover, obviously.” Seonghwa answers.
“Send him well wishes from me and Ryu when you see him next?”
“Naturally. Thank you both for your concern.” Seonghwa gives her a nod before seeing Hongjoong motion for him to join, walking over to follow his captain inside. Hongjoong’s father sits at his desk, power exuding from him as he watches the two of them. Seonghwa moves to stand behind and just to Hongjoong’s right, the two bowing in unison to their elder.
“Hello, father.” Hongjoong greets.
“You two will make quite the pair in time.” his father answers proudly, head cocking ever so slightly. “How is our Kang Prince?”
“I am grateful to report he will be able to recover fully, but for now, he is still in the hospital.” Hongjoong answers confidently, head held high as he speaks to his father as an equal. “He has regained consciousness and we were able to get the identity of his attacker.”
“And who is it that I am after, my son?”
“Actually, sir,” Seonghwa interjects as Hongjoong opens his mouth, stepping up to stand beside the shorter male confidently. “My captain and I would like to personally request to lead this investigation.” He doesn’t back down even as Hongjoong’s father leans forward and bridges his fingers, unflinching under the man’s gaze as Hongjoong’s lips curl into a knowing smirk.
“Oh really now?” the man asks. “And why should I allow it?”
“You see, father, the culprit responsible for the vicious attack on our dear Yeosang,” Hongjoong begins, one hand shifting to touch Seonghwa’s wrist as he emphasizes the word ‘our’ in his sentence. “Is your leading subordinate in the Choi family; San and Jongho’s father.” He walks over and waves a hand at one of the chairs inquisitively. When his father nods in approval, he sits, one leg crossing over the other as he leans back and rests his arms on the arms of the chair. “Given that this is now the second attempt from someone with connections to the current inner circle to harm one of my boys, I feel it only appropriate that my second and I be allowed to handle the situation how we deem necessary.” He’s very aware of Seonghwa taking position on the right side of the chair, standing in a resting soldier stance as he speaks. “Clearly, how you handled things after the incident with my darling Mingi wasn’t enough of a point. People still seem to think that we’re ones to be toyed with and it’s time they discover they’re mistaken; that they learn exactly how far I am willing to go to protect not only this family, but my inner circle. Because if they’re willing to harm us now, before we’ve even taken over, they certainly cannot be trusted in the future when I am given the title, wouldn’t you agree?” His hands lift in unison with one of his eyebrows, his own fingers bridging as his elbows remain on the chair’s arms. It’s a dare more than anything, and Hongjoong is very aware of the danger the situation presents for him. Should his father see it as a coup, no doubt he and the others will be dealt with accordingly. He doesn’t move his gaze, though, and neither does his father, each looking for weakness in the other. Hongjoong’s head tilts in a movement akin to a stuck second hand of a clock; sharp and precise. It takes a few more moments before his father leans back, fingers unlacing as he watches the pair before him.
“It is very sound logic, Hongjoong.”
“Thank you, father.” Hongjoong answered. “I learned from the best, after all.”
“So you did.” His father drums his fingers for a moment before nodding. “Very well. I will allow you and Seonghwa to do as you must to handle the situation. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t mildly curious as to what you have in mind. Just bring me proof that the job is done and we will handle the rest after.”
“I am your son, father. Only wicked ruthlessness will do as punishment.” Hongjoong replied. “As soon as it’s done, we will notify you.”
“Wonderful. You’re both dismissed.”
“Thank you, sir.” Hongjoong and Seonghwa reply together, the taller stepping aside to allow Hongjoong to pass in front of him. As they near the door, they receive one final command from Hongjoong’s father.
“Prove to them why you boys are the heirs to our legacy.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Going to visit the Choi manor is a simple enough drive that Hongjoong has made countless times both before and after San went missing. Seonghwa sits perched in the passenger seat as they discuss their plan, the car taking them down the long driveway to the manor. Pulling in, the pair get out, Hongjoong closing his door and walking around the car to meet Seonghwa. “I can’t believe he thought he’d get away with this.” Rage is embedded in his tone as he looks up at the home. A hand between his shoulders makes him look up at Seonghwa.
“We’ll handle it, Jagiya.” Seonghwa says softly, thumb brushing gently over the fabric of Hongjoong’s shirt. It’s a word he doesn’t often say out loud in the open, but he knows it helps ground Hongjoong because the other takes a deep breath to relax and then rolls his shoulders to straighten his back again. “Let’s go check on Jongho, yeah?” He walks alongside Hongjoong as they approach the manor, the pair greeted by staff before being led to a large sunroom. He knocks and waits until they hear Jongho’s voice before entering.
Jongho sits in the window seat of the room, a book sitting on his lap open as he listens to what his leaders have to say. The stunned look on his face isn't an act when he learns the truth of what happened to the pseudo-brother he'd found unconscious and bloody a few days prior. “My father really should know better. Especially after San told him how he felt about Yeosang. He'll be out for blood when he returns.”
“Despite knowing better, he still decided to put Yeosang in the hospital.” Hongjoong half snarled. “But I promise, San won't need to worry about drawing blood. We're handling the situation ourselves.”
Jongho watches his leader for a moment before he nods, sliding a bookmark into the pages and closing the book before adjusting to stand from the window seat and look at the pair. “What do you need me to do?”
“Jongho, there's no need to-”
“Yeosang is my brother, too.” Jongho cuts Seonghwa off without a thought, eyes turning to Hongjoong when the taller goes quiet in surprise. “Before San loved him and wanted to marry him, he was already my brother. Just like the two of you, and the others. I can't just sit here, knowing what my father did and pretend I'm clueless.” He crosses his arms out of slight annoyance, head tilting minutely. “I'm not a child anymore, Captain. I'm quite capable of handling myself, and we both know that you know it.”
Hongjoong’s head tilts as the youngest speaks, taking in the determination and sheer will in Jongho's stance and eyes. Eyes close, a quiet chuckle escaping him. “I know, Jongho. You have no need to further prove yourself to us, let alone anyone else. But I must ask if you’re certain you are okay with aiding us? It is the take down of your own father, after all.”
“Hongjoong, he hurt my brother. Moreover, he hurt Yeosang, the one person my brother loves more than anything. Of course I’m certain.”
Hongjoong nods slowly, looking at Seonghwa. The two have a quiet moment, sharing a look before he turns in sync with his second to face Jongho again. “Very well. You may aid us in this mission, and I believe we have just the way you can do so.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Human nature dictates that those in power often find dead silence unnerving when they wake up in an unfamiliar setting. Couple that unease with a blindfold and bindings? It’s a quick way to instill at least a modicum of fear. It’s that moment Hongjoong waits for, twirling a kunai around his finger and occasionally catching the handle in his palm. He sits atop a table a mere feet from Choi Jaeseong, the man who attacked Yeosang and drove his own son away. He hums in a minor key, eyes not leaving the unconscious male until a noise to his left draws his attention to the sliding door of the warehouse his father has given them for their task. He set his kunai down on the table as Seonghwa enters with a small bag, carrying it over to the table and setting it down next to Hongjoong.
“How is our guest of honor?” Seonghwa inquires as he opens a bottle of water and holds it out to the younger.
“Still asleep for now. The valerian dose should be wearing off soon and he’ll wake up.” Hongjoong replies, reaching into the bag to find his favorite kind of candy in the bag. He chuckles and opens it, taking a moment to eat a few as he lets his eyes return to their victim. “You’re always taking care of me.”
“You get tunnel vision in these situations, Joong. Someone has to take care of you.” The first words are teasing, but the lieutenant shifts to a more serious note in his next sentence. “What are we delivering to your father?”
“I hadn’t decided on that yet, honestly.” Hongjoong answers as he takes the beverage, giving a nod of thanks and taking a slow drink. “I was thinking something subtle.”
“Something with a message?”
The words catch Hongjoong’s attention and he looks once more at Seonghwa. “Did you have something in mind?”
Seonghwa lifts a shoulder nonchalantly, reaching into the bag of candy to grab a piece for himself. “I may have thought of something while on my errand.”
Hongjoong practically purrs, a flash of a smirk on his lips as he watches Seonghwa. “Do tell, my dearest star.” he coos, fully aware of the effect the words have on his second even before the shiver cascades along Seonghwa’s spine.
“Jaeseong ran San off and attacked Yeosang because San refused to let him force a marriage on him.” Seonghwa began. “And everyone has always been aware of his…” he pauses to try and search for a good way to phrase his thoughts. “Lack of discretion when it comes to his own infidelity. Why not gift your father with his ring finger as both proof of death and a message?” He watches as Hongjoong hums thoughtfully, legs swinging just slightly as he detaches for a moment, lost in his head as he thinks. When the younger comes from his mind, he nods.
“Such a fitting end for one of the most unfit members of the family business.” Hongjoong agrees, looking once more up at Seonghwa and giving a grin. “What would I do without you, dearest?”
“I'm not going anywhere, so you’ll never have to figure it out.” Seonghwa returns with ease, moving to stand in front of where Hongjoong sits on the table. The mere proximity allows him to settle between Hongjoong’s legs as he reaches to run a hand through dark hair. They share a quiet laugh, Hongjoong leaning into the gesture before tilting his head to lay a kiss at Seonghwa’s wrist. “That is why you’re my second.”
“Really? And here I thought it was my ability to take you apart and put you back together again.” Seonghwa teased.
“Our sex life does not apply to this situation, Hwa.” Hongjoong countered as he rolled his eyes, but his lips still curved into a brief smile.
“While that may be true, I think it’s safe to say that if not for me, we’d have lost you by now.”
“When you put it like that, you make me sound like a sex maniac.”
“Not a maniac, jagiya.” Seonghwa shakes his head. “You put so much responsibility on yourself, you take on the role as our leader seriously and with no fear. But you can’t be in control at all times. It wears on your mind, Hongjoong. Wooyoung and I have seen firsthand how bad it can get when you’re left to your own devices, and it’s not something we ever want to see again.” He lowers his hand to rest at the side of Hongjoong’s neck, letting himself read the way Hongjoong’s pulse slows as he relaxes. “And it’s why we will always come when you call for us.” Their soft moment breaks when a groan sounds behind Seonghwa. He steps back from Hongjoong as his face becomes cold, stepping to one side so his leader can see. In similar fashion, Hongjoong straightens instantly, hand reaching to pick up his kunai; neither of them even remotely resembling how they had been a few moments prior.
There’s business to attend to, after all.
Jaeseong groans as he comes out from under the sway of the herbal concoction, and the realization that he's bound gives him pause. “Wonsik, sir?” He asks, confusion evident. “What's the meaning of this?”
“A lesson must be learned, of course.” Hongjoong replies, eyes locked on the blindfolded man before him. He takes a modicum of pleasure at the ripple of fear he sees blink through Jaeseong, a smirk curving his lips. Jaeseong is silent as he settles himself, rolling his shoulders in a guise of relaxation.
“Prince Hongjoong?” he asks.
“Hello.” Hongjoong greets, hopping from the table to walk a few steps closer.
“May I ask why you're here?”
“It shouldn't be hard to discern, Jaeseong.” Hongjoong addresses the man casually, and the indignant huff in Jaeseong’s chest is impossible to miss.
“How dare you talk to an elder in such a disrespectful manner. Especially to one of your father's lieutenants.” Jaeseong sneers, straining against the ropes holding him in place. “Wait until I tell your father about this, young man.” He's unaware of Seonghwa’s quiet reaction, an arched brow and near silent scoff. What he is very aware of, with only the sudden looming presence before him as the briefest warning, is the sharpened edge of a blade dangerously pressed at his throat.
“Who do you think sent me, Jaeseong? Hm?” Hongjoong sneers back, looking every bit a demon with the darkness in his tone and the body language he holds. “Let's not play dumb, shall we? You can't possibly be that dense. My father would have rid himself of you well before now were that the case.”
Jaeseong laughs sarcastically in Hongjoong's face. “You father would never send a child to do a task.”
“And I am not a child.” Hongjoong counters, the tilt of his head the only signal Seonghwa needs to walk over and stand behind Jaeseong.
The sound of steps makes Jaeseong pause again, but he pretends it doesn't effect him. “Who else is here?”
“That doesn't concern you. I should concern you. Because I am no child, nor was your son when you drove him away. Or Yeosang when you attempted to beat him to death.”
“Prince Hongjoong, I would never-” Jaeseong’s attempt to interrupt Hongjoong is stopped as the kunai presses harder against his skin. His vision is bombarded with light as the blindfold is removed, blinking until he can see.
“Don’t lie to my face, Choi Jaeseong.” Hongjoong warns, although that devilish smirk curls his lips. “It's childish, after all.” He waits a minute before letting the pressure up on the kunai, twirling the kunai on his finger and catching it in his hand.
“What can I do to appease your father?”
“See, Jaeseong, you say you're one of my father's lieutenants. And you were. But it's one of my lieutenants you attacked, one of my lieutenants you drove away trying to control.” Hongjoong countered, glancing at Seonghwa. “Why would it be my father you need to appease?”
“We're the ones you went after.” Seonghwa finally speaks, hands settling on Jaeseong’s shoulders as he leans over just slightly so he need not use his full voice. “You're certainly asking the wrong questions.” The sound of his voice alone has a visceral effect on the man, who practically turns to stone.
“Prince Seonghwa.”
“Hello, Jaeseong.” Seonghwa replies, though he doesn't move from his spot. “You haven't been very loyal to the family lately.”
“My princes, I swear, I am loyal. To the family.” Jaeseong says quickly, looking at Hongjoong. “I am loyal to your father . I swear it.”
Hongjoong tuts again, shaking his head as he does so. “I may be inclined to mercy if you bother to honor the aspirations your parents had when they named you.”
Seonghwa watches as Hongjoong appears to soften, but he knows his leader all too well. There's a game to play, and the soft demeanor Hongjoong displays as he kneels before their victim is something he sees through. Hongjoong learned very early in his life how to play this game with people he didn't trust. It's as terrifying as it is attractive, the danger Hongjoong can control so casually. He's aware when Jaeseong lets his guard down, relaxing under his hands.
“We know you were looking out for your son, Jaeseong, but you still attacked an heir.” Hongjoong mused. “And you have to understand…I can't simply let you off with a free pass. Not after the last incident.”
“Spare me death, and I will accept my fate.” Jaeseong pleads. “I will swear my allegiance to you both. I will do whatever it is you ask of me, my Prince.”
“Whatever I ask?” Hongjoong asks eerily, head cocking to one side.
“Don't make promises you can't keep, Jaeseong.” Seonghwa warns, devilish smirk on his lips as he watches down at Hongjoong. “It may not go as smoothly as you'd like to think.”
The words send a huff in indignation through Jaeseong. “Are you saying that I'm lying?” The fierce anger in him silences with the sound of his mouth audibly snapping shut when Hongjoong does little but raise an eyebrow at him.
“Given what it is we already know, it's not a far reach for you to lie to our faces.” Hongjoong muses with a thoughtful tone. He moved to lean over Jaeseong, eyes penetrating almost soul deep as he speaks. “But, since you claimed you'd do anything, I suppose we'll find out, won't we?” The hand holding his kunai swiped along the back of Jaeseong’s arm, just enough to get through the fabric and a little of the older man's skin, dark stain blooming into the fabric around the cut as Jaeseong hissed and ground his teeth.
“Y-you can't do this.”
“Oh, we can't?” Hongjoong mocks, free hand moving to rest on his chest in faux shock. “Would you like to speak with my father, then? Let him straighten out any misconception we may have?” Without waiting for Jaeseong to answer, he turned on his heel, went to the table and pulled his phone from his jacket. He hummed to himself as he returned, dialing his father's number and putting it on speaker for Jaeseong to hear.
“I didn't expect you to call me so soon, Hongjoong. Are you and Seonghwa finished already?”
Hongjoong smirked at the mixed emotions on Jaeseong's face. “Sir?”
“Ah, dear Jaeseong.” Wonsik spoke calmly. “I do hope you're enjoying your punishment.”
“What, punishment? No, sir, please-”
“Please don't try to beg me for your life. That's not something I have any control over.”
“But sir, if you just hear me out-”
“The only person who might hear you out is already there with you, you fool. Did you think I would deny my son and his right hand revenge for a second time?” There's a scoff from the phone as Wonsik pauses. “You dared to attack one of my son's lieutenants, Jaeseong. Not only that, but you were foolish enough to think he wouldn't discover the truth. That I wouldn't discover your betrayal.”
As his father speaks, Hongjoong's attention is on Jaeseong's reactions, finding a dark joy in the way Jaeseong was spiraling through emotions. His father was Jaeseong's ace in the hole, or so Jaeseong had thought. It certainly felt nice to pull the rug out from under the man.
“Hongjoong, dear boy?”
“Yes, father?”
“No one has a need for a person like this. Make a statement that we will not tolerate such treachery.”
“Of course, father. I'll notify you when it's done.”
“I'll send the clean up team as soon as you're ready.” Wonsik agreed. “Perhaps you'll do better in another life, Jaeseong. Goodbye.” The phone beeps, signaling the call’s end and Hongjoong tucked it back into his pocket.
“Now then,” Hongjoong mused. “Any other, mmm, complaints?” He crosses his arms, holding the kunai by the ring at the hilt of the blade. “I had thought, well…I suppose I had hoped, really, that my father handling things the last time would deter anymore ignorance. You just had to go and prove me wrong, though.”
“I will take whatever punishment I need to. Just please, my prince, do not leave my children without their father.” Jaeseong’s tone was soft, resigned as he spoke, eyes on the ground. He tenses as Seonghwa’s laughter echoes musically.
“You drove San away, you treat Jongho as little more than a nuisance, and yet you dare to use them in this way?” Seonghwa’s hand moves to warningly wrap around Jaeseong’s throat. “Is it truly so twisted in your deceptive mind that you think our bond with your sons will grant you our mercy? That it allows you the opportunity to hurt another of us? To betray us openly in the future?”
Jaeseong’s blood turns to ice as Seonghwa speaks, looking at Hongjoong. The venomous tone the second uses matches the dangerous look on Hongjoong’s face. It suddenly dawns on him to recall the praise Wonsik had for his son.
“‘ It’s similar to someone being possessed by a demon and still being complete control. Hongjoong will take the family to new heights with little more than dark grace and a wicked smile. ’”
It was always warned not to push Hongjoong and his team. The leaders of the Horizon boys were said to be equals in all ways, despite Hongjoong taking over the title of leader. Not once had Jaeseong ever thought he would see even an aftermath of it, but in this moment, he knew there was so much more to it than even Wonsik had praised. Hongjoong and Seonghwa weren’t just equals in tune with each other, they were synchronized - one person who had been split into two bodies. A sound draws him from his mind, a demonic mix of a giggle and a cackle that passes Hongjoong’s lips. It’s haunting and sends a shiver through Jaeseong’s spine. “I-I didn’t mean it that way, prince Seonghwa.” he stammered.
“Then how did you mean it, exactly?” Hongjoong spoke up, his words half snarled as he rest a foot on the bar between the chair’s legs to tilt his head.
“I only meant that my children still need their father. That I can do better if you’ll permit me.”
“No, I rather think they don’t. After all, San left because of you and our beloved Jongho? Well, he’s done very well without you being around.” Hongjoong countered.
“Please, I can be useful.”
“I’m sure you will be once we’re done with you.” Seonghwa laughed darkly, twirling a butterfly knife in his free hand. “However, it requires that you no longer need air.” He moves to tap the blade of his knife against Jaeseong’s cheek, chuckling as the older male closes his eyes. “Oh come on now, you’ll miss the best part.” he cooed, glancing down as Hongjoong moves to drag the edge of his kunai across JAeseong’s chest, pursing his lips when Jaeseong’s clenches his jaw to keep from screaming.
“Oh you’re gonna fight now?’ Hongjoong mocked. “Good, because I’m not done breaking you down.” His hand moved to drag the tip of the kunai over Jaeseong’s thigh. “You claim to love your boys so much, and yet you were okay with Jongho finding Yeosang that way? Bloody and broken?” When he received no answer, he lifted the blade to place it under his chin and lift Jaeseong’s head to look at him. “I asked you a question, Jaeseong.”
“I suggest you answer him.” Seonghwa warns, his own blade moving dangerously close to Jaeseong’s throat.
“Yes, I love my kids.”
Hongjoong nods, humming thoughtfully “Then explain the logic of it to me, hm? Why leave Yeosang beaten and bloody for your youngest son to find? What kind of love is that?” He watches as Jaeseong stares at him confused, head shaking a little in a mocking manner.
“Wait, what are you talking about?” Jaeseong asked.
“Oh, don’t go playing dumb. You put your hands on Yeosang, then left him unconscious and bloody and Jongho is the one who found him. You love him so much, and yet you let him find one of his best friends in a state like that.”
“No, no, I didn’t-”
“Lie again and I’ll carve your tongue out.” Seonghwa’s voice is quiet, but the tone was like an eerie fog settling over them. “Hongjoong and I were Jongho’s first call after the ambulance.”
“Why don’t you just hurry up and kill me, huh?” Jaeseong isn’t sure how he wanted the words to come out, but regardless, the effect does little for him. Seonghwa’s hand encases his throat, sealing off his airway. He tries to pull away, but being tied to the chair leaves him little room to struggle. The sheer panic leads him to search for Hongjoong, doing his best to plead without air in his lungs. His attempted pleas are only met with that insane laugh, Hongjoong moving to get a better look.
“Why are you asking me for help? Didn't you just say you wanted us to finish this already?” Hongjoong rolls his eyes, free hand caressing his fingers along Seonghwa’s arms to the taller’s wrist. “Don’t kill him just yet, precious. We still have a little more fun to be had, even if I do like seeing him scramble for some modicum of power.” he waits a moment, thumb brushing over the place where Seonghwa’s pulse beats in his wrist when the other doesn’t let go. “Come now, my precious. We haven’t even gotten to the best part.” Whether it’s the words or the touch brushing over his pulse isn’t clear, but Seonghwa finally releases Jaeseong, a smirk on his lips as Jaeseong chokes in air. Hongjoong grins, turning to face Seonghwa and run his hand through his hair. “Such a good star.” The two have a brief moment, darkness soaking in darkness, that makes Jaeseong gag.
“You’re both sick.”
“Us, sick? Hardly.” Hongjoong scoffs, moving to pull the kunai out of the thigh holster he’d previously tucked it away in. “If that were the case, I wouldn't be the Captain, silly boy. It is a shame, though, that all you really needed was to open these-” he stops to tap the edge of the blade just under Jaeseong’s eye. “And maybe you wouldn’t be in this predicament. Maybe you’d still be in good standing with my father, with your sons. As it stands, you’re nothing but a pathetic, cowardly hypocrite.” He laughs in that unnerving way again when Jaeseong looks confused, tilting his head back to look at Seonghwa. “Given your lack of discretion, did you really think you could hide your partners from us? That we wouldn’t find out and get all your dirty little secrets?”
“All it took was a stack of money and a reminder of who it was they should actually fear.” Seonghwa chuckled. “It’s amusing in a way. The act of being so righteous and high and mighty when in reality you’re little more than a power bottom cum dumpster.” The words finally get a visceral reaction, Jaeseong suddenly finding the will to flail against his restraints. It’s enough to make Hongjoong smirk gleefully.
“Oh-ho, there we go!” he cheers, though there’s no joy in his voice. “Is that really all we needed for you to make this fun for us? Huh? Spilling your wicked, filthy little secret?” He moves to stand behind the chair, ghosting his hands over Jaeseong’s shoulder and down to the bend in his arms. “Were you a good boy, Jaeseong? Did you take whatever your daddies gave you?”
“Shut the fuck up, boy.” Jaeseong growled.
Hongjoong laughed maniacally, practically skipping back to the table. “Oh, I don’t think so. You’re finally participating, Jaeseong.” he giggled, the sound making Jaeseong shiver in a mix of emotions. “My favorite was the one you see the most. What was his name, Hwa?”
“The only one he’d tell us was Viper.” Seonghwa’s words make Jaeseong freeze for a moment, eyes going wide. “Oh, familiar to you? I hope so. He said you were always so eager for him, you’d answer the hotel door naked.”
“Naked and collared.” Hongjoong corrected, appearing around Seonghwa’s side, dangling a furry pink collar on one finger, a diamond shaped ring on the front. The scream of rage that echoes in the warehouse seems to only feed that darkness that ripples from he and Seonghwa’s auras. Seonghwa moves to grasp Jaeseong’s hair, forcing the man still. “And now, dear Jaeseong,” Hongjoong mocks the phrase from his father as he moves to put the collar around Jaeseong’s throat. “ Now we can really begin.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The hospital is quiet as the door to the room opens with a faint creak, the only sound in the room the beeping of the monitors connected to Yeosang. The room itself was dimly lit by a lamp in the corner near the couch, where a pull out bed was open. Hongjoong moves towards the guest bed, glancing over as Seonghwa moves to check on Yeosang. “How is he?”
“I can still hear a slight rasp, so his ribs are likely still painful, but at least he’s sleeping.” Seonghwa assures, petting a hand over ebony hair. “What about that one?”
Hongjoong had moved to sit on the edge of the bed, his hand moving to pet through purple tresses. “Oh, my little fox.” he coos softly, taking in the way Wooyoung sleeps clinging to his phone. “He’s out. I know we had to have worried him.”
“We’re here now, as long as he knows that, he’ll forgive us.” Seonghwa chuckled, adjusting the blankets over Yeosang and brushing hair from the younger male’s face before going over to the bed, kneeling in the space between the hideaway bed and the hospital bed so he could kiss Wooyoung’s forehead. The action is enough to stir the male, who groggily blinks before it registers who’s looking at him.
“Hwa, Joong!” Wooyoung says in a wash of relief, sitting up to bury himself into Hongjoong’s chest.
Hongjoong chuckles tenderly, fingers petting through Wooyoung’s hair as he gently shushes his younger lover, kissing at his head. “I’m sorry we worried you, my darling. We just had important business to handle. We’re okay, I promise. We’ll always come back to you.”
“Any word on Yeosang?” Seonghwa asks as they all move to settle on the bed.
“Doctors say he should only be here a few more days. They want to make sure nothing gets infected and that sort of thing.” Wooyoung replies sleepily.
“Such a sweet little fox we have, Joong.” Seonghwa murmured. “Making sure Yeosang isn't alone right now.”
Wooyoung opened his mouth initially for a rebuttal, but stopped himself. “Wait, why are you guys wet?”
“We couldn't come back being all dirty, Woo. It was just a quick shower.” Hongjoong said softly.
“No fair, you guys know I love taking a shower with you.” Wooyoung pouted.
“We'll take one with you tomorrow, how about that?” Seonghwa offers in exchange.
“Fine,” Wooyoung huffed. “But only because you guys owe me for dealing with the hospital alone.”
“You weren't alone, Woo, you just needed to be distracted.” The deep timbre of Yeosang’s voice grabs everyone’s attention, having turned over to look at the trio. “It’s about time you two showed up, I thought Woo was going to crawl out of his skin.”
“Oh shut up, you.” Wooyoung countered, head already tucked under Seonghwa’s chin as he settled between his lovers. “I’m just happy everyone is okay.”
“We know, little fox.” Hongjoong mused. “We all need rest, though. We've had a very long day.”
“Don't have to tell me twice,” Yeosang managed, obviously already almost back to sleep. “Good night, guys.” He was already unconscious again within moments, leaving Hongjoong, Seonghwa and Wooyoung somewhat alone.
“Are you two really okay?” Wooyoung asked drowsily.
“Of course we are, Woo.” Hongjoong said, pressing a kiss to Wooyoung’s shoulder. “Get some sleep, my little fox. We love you.” He chuckled as Wooyoung adjusted to ask for a kiss, giving one easily. Wooyoung then coaxed a kiss from Seonghwa, who in turn brought a kiss to Hongjoong.
“I love you both. So much.” Wooyoung meant to say, though he was so far gone into sleep that it sounded like mumbles, and he barely registered the soft replies as his body stilled between his leaders.
Seonghwa pet his fingers over Hongjoong's arm as they tried to fall asleep themselves. “How is my Captain?” He asks gently.
“Tired,” Hongjoong said. “You'll be here when I wake up?” He smiles when Seonghwa nods, and the pair drift off as they hold their lover between them, knowing their message was already in place. A black box with a rose gold ribbon, a hand scrawled message taped to the lid while a bed of shredded cotton held a severed ring finger complete with wedding band. The note is short and sweet, both a confession and a warning.
I love my Horizon Boys AU (aka: Mafia!Teez) cuz the range of emotions I find myself in while writing is gorgeous. Other times, I just love the pure sassy savageness these boys serve up without a blink.
PAIRING: Wooyoung x Seonghwa x Hongjoong, Yeosang x San, Yunho x Mingi, Jongho x OC
SERIES: Horizon Boys Saga
WORD COUNT: 1,408
RATING: PG-13
POTENTIAL TRIGGERS: Parental death, visiting gravesite, loss of family
SUMMARY: The death of the Jung Queen, Haerang, sends a shockwave through her sons and his friends among the mafia families. The eight eldest of the new generation - named the Horizon Boys by Haerang - make a promise over her fresh grave. Fourteen years later, her middle son returns to talk to his mom after the truth is revealed in regards to his mother's murder.
TAGLIST: @no1likemybbgcharlie, @spookidema
☼ ☽ ☆ ⁑ ☼ ☽ ☆ ⁑ ☼ ☽ ☆ ⁑ ☼ ☽ ☆ ⁑ ☼ ☽ ☆ ⁑
It’s a rainy day when the funeral procession drives through the streets, an array of luxury cars lined behind the hearse as it made its way to the Paradigm Cemetery. The attendees filed from their cars, and though the elders opened umbrellas to go to the open plot, a group of teenagers gathered to the side of the hearse.
“Who would cross your dad like this?” Seonghwa asked, bangs angled over part of his face as he held an umbrella over himself and Hongjoong.
“Not now, Hwa.” Hongjoong’s voice was tight with emotion, but the next leader of the Kim family held his composure as he held Wooyoung’s hand, the younger’s knuckles white as Wooyoung clung to him the only way he was allowed in the moment.
“Why mom?” Wooyoung asked, face a mess as he held his toddler brother’s hand; the seven year old Jung clinging to his hyung’s leg. “She was just a face in our life, she had no impact on business.”
“I’m sorry, Woo.” Hongjoong whispered as they watched the elegant coffin slowly roll from the back of the hearse. “But we’re all right here, I swear.” He watched as the fox-like male nodded, taking in a ragged breath before lifting their linked hands to place a kiss on the back of Hongjoong’s hand before pretending to wipe at his face.
“Boys!”
Hongjoong couldn’t hide the sneer of disgust as his friend’s father yelled at them for waiting on the coffin carrying his lover’s mom to be taken to the shrine. Of all those attending Jung Haerang’s funeral, only her children, the children from the other leading families, Hongjoong’s father and Haerang’s siblings followed behind the casket. They all walked to the grave where the Jung Queen would be interred, the Horizon Boys and the connected siblings all solemn. Yeosang’s sister cried as Wooyoung and Yunho’s little brother Kyungmin managed to sleep; the two year old had cried himself out during the service and only quieted when Yunho, Yeosang or Yeosang’s sister held him. Standing beneath the umbrellas, the group filled with the next generation watched in horrified sadness as Yunho and Wooyoung’s mom was laid to rest, and no tears were enough for them to fully display the way they were all broken.
Hongjoong’s father had sent everyone to the Kim mansion for the wake, but Hongjoong and his team had lingered at the site. The rain had slowed enough that it wasn’t as troublesome, and the umbrellas were hardly thought of as they hung from a few arms. The drizzle had begun to sink into the fabric of everyone’s clothes, but none of them seemed to notice as they all let themselves cry in the rain.
“What are we going to do?” Wooyoung asked, sitting on his knees in front of the tombstone.
“Keep going, like your mom wanted us to.” San stated, reaching to lay a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “We’re going to make our world better.”
“Yes, we are.” Hongjoong stated, holding out a hand for the younger. “We’re going to change a lot; especially once my brother and I take over.”
“Your broth- Hongjoong, is your father naming you?” Mingi asked, eyes wide behind his glasses.
“Not yet, but he’s already informed us.” Hongjoong replied. “Hyung gets to be the face of the family to the public. I am to be the true family head behind the scenes.”
“Deniability.” Yeosang mused with a faint smirk. “Seems a reasonable decision.”
Hongjoong nodded. “Hyung is on board with my current choices, and he’s going to help us when he’s able to. For now, though, let’s just focus on getting through this dark period. We support and defend each other and our siblings first, always in honor of Miss Haerang. And when the time is right, we run this family our way. Understood?” When the seven teens around him nodded, he reached to cup Wooyoung’s cheek. “We are the Horizon Boys, and nothing is going to stop us.”
*.✧.*.✧.* Fourteen Years Later *.✧.*.✧.*
Wooyoung sat cross legged in front of the tombstone, having finished arranging the new set of fake flowers to brighten up his mother’s resting place. Yeosang and San had offered to give him some alone time, and were visiting the Choi plot, where San’s grandparents rested. The sky wasn’t cloudy, and although a few birds could be heard chirping, there was a chill in the wind.
“Hey Momma.” Wooyoung began, emotion welling in his throat and making his voice weak. His vision blurred and he blinked to try and clear it. “I uh…I know it’s been a while since any of us could visit like this, but Joong said he had someone come out to keep your spot clean and nice at least once a week. He doesn’t want you mad at any of us because of how busy things have gotten.” He laughed weakly, reaching up to wipe at his face. “We found something out recently, and I just…I’ve been having trouble processing it, I guess.”
There’s no reply from the tombstone, nothing except the birds.
“There was a recent attempted coup, which we expected to happen, y’know? We’re mafia after all, and I know you were always worried about what could happen to me and my brothers; especially after we lost-” his voice cut off as he leaned forward to put his face in his hands, unable to say his eldest brother’s name even after so long. “I know it’s been years, mom, but I miss you. I wish you were here; that you could see how much all of us have grown, the love we’ve found. I wish you could see that we’ve made it to the takeover we promised you over this grave.” He became lost in his rambles, eyes closed as tears soak his lashes and trail over his cheeks. “I wish you could be here to see how Seoyun and Kyungmin have grown. I wish they could have memories of you like Yun and I do.” Perhaps it was a weakness to cry, but Wooyoung had loved his mother dearly before she’d been taken away; all of the Horizon Boys and their siblings had. He cried and sobbed, letting himself feel the absence of the only true parent he had. It took time, but he managed to calm down enough to speak again. “San finally came home, so we’re all together again. And we’re making the changes we told you we would. You believed in our uniqueness, in what we could become as a team, and I think you’d be so proud of all of us.” Footsteps approaching made him look up, finding that not only were San and Yeosang returning to him, but that the other five members of the Horizon Boys were also walking towards him. Even through his sorrow and the tears staining his cheeks, Wooyoung smiled. “We made you a promise, mom, all those years ago.”
“That we did,” Yunho nodded as he spoke, he and Mingi both adding a white rose to the flowers. “We made a promise to each other, too.”
“We promised we would look after each other.” Mingi agreed.
“We vowed to protect our siblings,” San added, placing a yellow rose into the mix with his little brother.
“We promised we’d never change who we were.” Jongho assured.
“We promised we’d bring change to our world,” Yeosang included, holding out a pink rose to Wooyoung so they could add the blooms together.
“You named us the Horizon Boys, Miss Haerang,” Seonghwa moved to place a red rose, a sad smile curving his lips.
“And your Horizon Boys have come to tell you we’ve kept our promise, and that we still, and will always, love and miss you.” Hongjoong finished, adding his own red rose before holding out a hand to Wooyoung and helping the younger up. One hand reached to wipe at Wooyoung’s cheek, drying some of the streaks left by the tears Wooyoung had cried. Seonghwa moved to wrap an arm at Hongjoong’s waist, the other reaching so he could run a hand through Wooyoung’s hair.
One by one, each of them joined in until a little huddle stood in silence, all eight of them blurry eyed as they sought comfort in each other that they had fulfilled all they said they would, even if there were challenges ahead. “We are eight,” Hongjoong finally said softly.
