hostage || jaeyong

four,

The old building downtown had been renovated to accommodate new offices.

Taeyong was pretty sure that he hadn't seen that happening, but he hadn't been downtown for a while.

He feared he and his brother looked like total punks dressed in their regular t-shirts, jeans, and sneakers.

As they stopped at the third floor and walked inside a large hallway, his feeling of inadequacy only deepened.

He stole a glance in Jooheon's direction.

His brother didn't seem to care, although the tension in his shoulders could tell him that Jooheon was apprehensive of the surroundings as well.

A woman in her late 20's with impeccable hair, wearing thin-rimmed glasses looked at them as they stopped by her desk.

Taeyong felt ready for the floor to open up, swallow him and his brother, although the woman did not seem to judge them, but just observe them.

She rose gracefully from her desk and greeted them.

"I will let my boss know you are here," she spoke and walked away.

The woman was attired in a white blouse and a black pencil skirt, cut right above the knee.

Her heels were just the right height to be both sexy and business-like, without going over the top in either direction.

Jooheon stared after her.

"Do you see that, Taeyong?" he whispered. "Right there, if you score with someone like her, you can just die and go to heaven," he added. "Not that you would notice. I sometimes doubt you have a dick, although I saw it. You just don't know how to use it, do you?"

Taeyong knew he was now expected to comment on the secretary's charms.

"I do know how to use it," he said in his defense. "And yeah, she is very..."

As the woman walked back with a tall man in tow, Taeyong felt his breath hitching in his chest.

"...beautiful."

Again, he was fucked.

What was with this guy appearing in all the places he happened to be?

"Hello, I am Jaehyun Jung," the man shook Jooheon's hand, then Taeyong's. "Please, follow me to the meeting room. Irene, would you be so kind to bring some coffee and some pastries? Just to sweeten our deal."

"Yes, sir."

Taeyong heard the woman's voice.

He threaded behind Jaehyun and his brother, feeling like walking the plank in a bad pirates' movie.

Jaehyun didn't show any other sign that he was recognizing Taeyong, which was good.

For now, at least.

They were invited to take a seat at a round table.

"So, what's this all about?" Jooheon questioned.

"Mister Lee, I believe that you agree with me that gang wars are not a good thing for the city," Jaehyun began, as Irene moved in and about gracefully while placing cups of coffee in front of them and a plate filled with something that looked delicious.

Taeyong took one cookie in his mouth and had to hold back a sound of pure delight.

He was so nervous that he was sure he could eat the entire plate then puke at home.

"You want us out?" Jooheon asked aggressively.

"Not at all. What I really want is for us to work as partners. The city is located in an area favorable to trade and tourism, and it is quite a shame that street crime is taking such a toll on its inhabitants."

Jaehyun stood up and went to take something from a drawer.

He unfolded a map in front of Jooheon and started to explain.

Not that Taeyong could pay much attention to the conversation.

He was too engrossed with looking at Jaehyun, taking in the man's moves.

Even Jooheon seemed to be taken with the guy. Of course, not for the same reasons, Taeyong thought.

Jaehyun was apparently offering his brother an opportunity.

"This smells fishy to me," Jooheon laid back in his chair. "Are you willing to help us with money? Money you don't want back with interest?"

"Exactly. It is in my best interest to have peace of the streets. Of course, some of my supervisors will be sent to see if you all follow up with the plan. What are you saying?"

"What makes you think that we are not just going to take the money and throw a big party on your plans?" Jooheon said with a sneer.

Don't be an idiot, don't anger him, Taeyong thought, staring at his brother, in pure fear.

Jooheon had no idea who the man was.

He was wearing a suit, but he knew more about street wars than Jooheon could imagine.

"Well, I am asking everyone for collateral," Jaehyun explained with a small smile.

"Collateral?" Jooheon frowned, not knowing what to make of the word.

"Warranties," Jaehyun added.

"Alright, that's more like it," Jooheon shifted in his chair. "What kind of collateral do you want?"

"Is he your only brother?" Jaehyun gestured in Taeyong's direction.

Taeyong froze in place.

"Yeah, my only family," Jooheon glanced at Taeyong, fortunately not aware of how scared his brother was.

"I want him."