Taming Them (Sample)

Chapter 2

"We were just talking about that," Min said as he chopped up carrots. "None of us want more than an apartment, but the safest thing we can get is a house. So...What if we built one of those big ass houses, but instead of a bunch of useless rooms we have six apartments?"

"You want to live together again?" Han asked, raising an eyebrow at him around Joe's shoulder.

"I mean, yes and no." Min shrugged. "More like being neighbors in a complex. You, Joe, and Ky, and the four of us already do that anyway, so what's the difference?"

"Much closer proximity," Jude said from where he sat on the floor with his son, Andrew, playing with blocks. "I'm cool living next door to Jay, but do we really all want to be that close again? Sure, you and Levi live two floors up, but we hardly ever see each other outside of work. If we live in the same house, no matter how we swing it, we'll be under each other's feet and in each other's business all the time."

"He's got a point, Min," Jay said. "Yeah, we can construct the rooms like apartments, but we still gotta share a garage...bills...yard...Do we really want to do that again?"

"Let's just finish making brunch, and we can talk it over after we eat," Joe said. "It's a big decision."

"Okay," Jay said, raising his hands in the air. "Okay. We'll eat, then talk."

There was a rumble of agreement, and the three in the kitchen continued to work. Min and Han's smaller, slighter frames zipped around Joe's hulking one as the three of them worked together like a well-oiled machine. While they cooked, the other four chatted quietly and played with Andrew until brunch was ready. After they'd all settled in and started eating, Han cleared his throat. "So...About Min's idea..."

"You like it, don't you?" Joe said with a sigh.

"Kinda, yeah." He shrugged. "The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. We aren't going to find a complex with enough security, we don't want gigantic houses, and it's less of a logistical nightmare for security details when we travel."

"When you put it that way..." Jude sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Fuck I hate it when you're right, Min."

"What do the rest of you think?" Han asked, looking around the table.

"I mean...I don't technically have to move," Ky said. "But if you guys are serious I guess I can go in on it. I just want to make sure we have a gym and a pool."

"And a dance studio," Jay chimed in.

"And enough space for the cars and bikes," Joe added.

"We'll work with an architect," Min said. "I did a little research earlier and there's some that specialize in this kind of stuff."

"Alright," Jude sighed. "I guess we're moving back in together."

"Kim's gonna do a happy dance," Joe said with a chuckle. "I thought he was gonna cry when we split."

"Speaking of Mr. Kim," Jay said, looking at his watch. "We should probably go into the office soon before the old man has a heart attack." There was a rumble of agreement, and the seven of them finished their meal before packing up Andrew and heading for their cars.

They reached the record label, Splash Entertainment, just a little after noon, and headed straight for the owner's office, saying hello to various colleagues and staff as they went. Han headed the group as they approached Daesung Kim's office, and he paused just outside the double oak doors. "Ready?" he asked without turning around. He heard several grunts in response and took a deep breath before opening the door. "Mr. Kim," he said, with a polite bow to the older gentleman behind the massive oak desk.