#i know what she MEANS but im still imagining a gun that stays stationary

[jewishsuperfam]

very funny kid grammar moment where my niece, telling a story about her stuffed animal she’s dressing up, says “and this can be a gun he shoots enemies at”

[velvetsehun]

Born To Die| OSH | 08

pairing: Oh Sehun x Reader genre: Mafia!Sehun rating: 18+ warnings: violence, gun use, mature language, smut (in future chapters), slow burn. words: 17k summary: a collusions of worlds is supposed to kill, but what if it can do something else?

A/N: Im going to let chapter 8 do the talking for itself ;) remember feedback is important, like AND reblog,  so drop into my askbox once you’re done, lets chat hehe 

TW// Warning this part contains some material that might be sensitive to readers as it depicts scenes of blood, mentions of gun use and violence, readers discretion is advised.

sehun this chapter [x]

Masterlist

“We split up; cover what needs to be covered then regroup to scope the basement? Sound good?” Baekhyun told him just after breaking down the door to the rather drab building, their flashlights illuminating the foyer in wide circles; the light dancing with the dust in the air.

“Sounds good to me,” Chanyeol gruffed back, tapping his back pocket to make sure he had a spare magazine, “Boss find out why we’re here?”

“Nope,” Baekhyun hummed, checking his gun, “Kyungsoo tried to follow through with Jongin’s lead, didn’t get us anywhere.” He sighed softly

“Lovely,” Chanyeol was keeping it short, something Baekhyun noticed.

“You good?” Baekhyun asked nonchalantly, eyebrow quirked, “You were quiet the whole ride here.” Chanyeol shook his head.

“I’m fine,” He grumbled, “Just don’t see the point in this that’s all.” Baekhyun tried to not roll his eyes at that one.

“I don’t just mean today,” Baekhyun clicked his tongue, “You’ve been in a bad mood all week,”

“I have not.” Chanyeol snapped slightly, but Baekhyun merely smirked.

“My point exactly, save it for someone else,” Baekhyun chuckled, “You can pull that shit with anyone else but not with me, got it? So, spill.”

“We don’t have time for this,” Chanyeol tried to walk away, shaking his head, “We’ve got a job.” But Baekhyun caught his arm, making the taller male look at him.

“You can stomp around the compound till your heart's content, Yeol,” Baekhyun started with a look, “But when something eating at you, it hinders your ability to think – and we can’t have that, not now.”

“So, you’re not asking me cause you care?” Chanyeol’s eyebrow flicked up as he looked down at the man, “You just don’t want me shot.”

“I do care, you wouldn’t be here if I didn’t,” Baekhyun’s hands raised in a calm down gesture, placating the man for a brief couple seconds, “You’re showing that you’re upset over something so I’m asking you as a friend, what’s wrong.”

“We’ll talk about it later,” Chanyeol sighed, looking around the area, “Not worth discussing now okay?”

“You promise?” Baekhyun smirked softly, but there was a friendliness to it.

“I don’t make promises, as you told me to,” Chanyeol smirked back at him, “Now do your job.”

“Sehun’s rubbing off on you,” Baekhyun laughed while walking towards the stairs, “I’ll meet you in the middle, sound good?”

“Sound good,” Chanyeol nodded before walking towards the corner that led to the ground floor apartments.

“Stay safe,” Baekhyun sang slightly which Chanyeol shook his head at.  

The apartment building was disgusting, meaningless graffiti slew across desolate walls that were barely holding on – the musty smell had Chanyeol’s nose turning up slightly as he flashed his light down the hallway that held the apartments; the dust dancing in the bright light.

“Where did Jongin get this place…” Chanyeol mumbled to himself, flashing his light up at the first door.

Apartment G1

He took as deep a breath as he could before he tried the doorknob, the old piece of wood falling open as Chanyeol applied a bit force – a cloud of dust kicking up with it, Chanyeol’s hands swatting the particles away with a cough.

“And why are we doing it at night,” He mumbled on from his point earlier, readying his gun as he stepped into the apartment.

It was a pretty basic layout, open plan kitchen living room that probably reversed in each home with a small hallway that led to the only bedroom and bathroom in the place; it wasn’t as light as what the apartments up on the floors would be but Chanyeol merely just prepared himself for the dark before fully walking into the place. The place looked like it hadn’t been touched in years, aside from the small graffiti that was littered it seemed no one ever stuck down here.

“They probably all slept in one room for safety,” He spoke to himself quietly, thinking of the fact that this area was rife with homelessness and there were rumours of numerous break in’s here – not that the pace showed it.

Chanyeol was careful when he opened door to the only bedroom, coughing softly at the stench of mould that filled the room; a breeze whistling in from a left open window. It was strange for a window to be open in an apartment that looked like it handed been touched in a while, but at the same time; Chanyeol didn’t know how long it had been open for. A small sigh passed his lips as approached the thing, shining his light into the ground outside; a fat lot of nothing.

“Note to self,” Chanyeol mumbled while giving the bathroom the same treatment, “Talk to Jongin about the validity of his tip-offs,”

There were sixteen different apartments in the one stretch of hallway, all categorised by the same peeling green door and faded gold numbers – something that grew monotonous to Chanyeol after the 4th apartment as they were all as empty as the last.

Apartment G5

“Here goes nothing,” He faintly whispered to himself as he went to open the door but stopping slightly as he looked down at the ground; the door just barely open.

Unnoticeable to some, a patch of dust that had been clinging to the old wooden floors had been recently disturbed; Chanyeol remembering how his boots left marks in the settling dust and how easy the dust could settle again. Placing his hand on his gun that was tucked into his pants, he opened the door; letting the wood bounce off the wall behind it.

The apartment looked as untouched as the last but faintly on the floor near the hallway, there was a scuff that alerted Chanyeol that he wasn’t alone; drawing his gun up in front of him, he took a careful step into the apartment; wary of any loose floorboards that might alert anyone straight away that he was entering.

Planting his shoulder to the adjacent wall that led down the hallway, Chanyeol took a small breath before swinging himself around; the butt of his gun connecting with flesh making him grit his teeth.

Dressed completely in black with a covered voice, he heard a modulated gasp come from the mouth of his assailants mask; Chanyeol wasting no time in gripping the man by the scruff of his neck to toss him into the open plan – dust springing up everywhere as the body landed with a thud.

“Who are you,” Chanyeol demanded, aiming his gun at the person, switching the safety off.

A modulated laugh siphoned out of the mask the man was wearing, his shoulders jumping slightly as he laid back on the ground, arms folded over his stomach like nothing was happening. Just as Chanyeol was losing his patients with the idiot, the man held up a remote shaking it slightly just at the same time Chanyeol felt something cold pressing into the back of his skull. The cackling man still laughed, taking a breath before speaking again.

“Wouldn’t you like to know, Park Chanyeol?”

Baekhyun liked to imagine that the precious few hours before Electric Kiss opened its doors were supposed to be his quiet time; a small amount of time that he dedicated to ignoring everyone that tried to talk to him unless it was of the utmost importance, one where he could sit at his cushy desk and imagine that he was a regular guy that worked a regular job. But Baekhyun was not a regular guy – something that was becoming more and more evident as he found himself slammed in the chest with a foreign object on the way to get a meagre drink from the bar.

“How are you today, Baekhyun?” He mimicked his newest workers voice whilst glaring down at her, before answering himself in a conversation that wasn’t happening, “I was fine, almost peaceful until someone decided to get in my way.” He snapped softly, brushing the hand that was holding something to his chest away with an annoyed tsk.

“My composure is now wearing thin,” He plunked an eyebrow at the girl in front of him, his eyes flicking between Y/N and Joohyun, the later who was wearing a wince behind the bar, “What do you want.”

“What’s this?” She waved a crème envelope in front of his eyes, his eyes narrowing slightly at this thing.

“If I say a piece of paper can I go?” He asked with a raised brow, but she merely glared at him.

“Baekhyun,” She snapped slightly, but he merely rolled his eyes and plucked the thing out of her fingers – his eyes narrowing at the silver insignia on the wax seal, the tree of life staring him in the face.

“Unless I’ve been leaving my stationary around then I’m curious to where you got this,” He frowned, opening the envelope quickly – the familiar cursive written across the thick crème paper, the feeling of a look passing over his eyes.

“You are warmly invited to a night of festivities, courtesy of Exodus.

It would be with great pleasure if you would honour us with your presence at the Byun City Estate this coming Friday for a black-tie event.  

We look forward to your attendance.”

“Night of festivities my ass,” He spoke to himself as he watched the women in front of him look utterly confused, a small roll of irritation passing down his spine before he thrust the paper back to her.

“Joohyun,” Baekhyun smiled rather tensely at his other bartender, “Be a peach and let me borrow her for a bit, we’ve got some things we need to discuss.”

“Is everything okay, Byun?” Her eyebrow quirked slightly, a glimmer of something in her eyes as she flicked between himself and Y/N.

Baekhyun merely gritted his teeth in a rather tense smile before parting without a word, the scurry of feet behind him signifying that the woman in question was indeed following him. The walk to his office was brief but it felt like an eternity at the same time as the two went without words, and well he was without a drink and a little irritated to the point he flinched himself when he opened the door to his office with a little more aggression than what was needed.

“Sit.” His gestured to the plush seat in front of his desk lazily, while rounding the magnificent piece of dark wood himself.

He let out a rather stressed sigh as he sunk down into his leather desk chair, the cushions hugging his tense back muscles in a warm embrace – Baekhyun’s eyes fluttered shut for a moment to savour the feeling.

“What is this all about?” Your voice broke his silence, a puff of air passing through his lips as he opened his eyes to look at you; probably the vision of a tired man. “Why am I being invited to your house?

“Where did you get that invitation?” He countered with a slightly raised brow.

“I asked first,” He rolled his eyes as you snapped back.

“Watch the tone,” Baekhyun huffed at you, “Just answer the damn question, you’re not in trouble here.”

“I came home from work two days ago and it was laying on the floor of my entryway,” You huffed back at him, laying back on his leather chair as you did, “You’re the only Byun I know so I figured you could tell me.”

“What does he see in you, I’m still yet to work that out” Baekhyun eyes rolled, lounging carefully back into the plush chair, “I can’t tell you why you got one because I didn’t see it off, so if anyone’s going to do something without my knowledge, well... I think I can hazard a guess who it is.” You frowned.

“But what is it.” You stressed, tossing the envelope onto his desk.

Baekhyun took a second to compose himself, rubbing his eyes with his pointer finger and thumb to relieve some of the tension before speaking.

“It’s an invite to a very exclusive party,” Baekhyun began with a look on his face, “Factions of Exodus will congregate together for one night under some elusive reason, we haven’t had one in a while, but…” He gestured to the invite.

“I guess that’s changing,” He tutted, “Obviously I knew about the party, but I was not informed of who was going...”

“Wait,” You said confused, rightly so, “Then why did I get this? I’m not part of any of your…Factions?”

“That’s the million-dollar question,” Baekhyun hummed before he lulled his head to look you in the eyes, “You're taking this rather calmly.”

“It’s just party, right?” You naively asked, “I don’t have to go do I?” Baekhyun let out a rather low laugh at that.

“You have no idea about this world, do you?” He asked honestly, “It isn’t as easy as just declining an invitation.”

“Well, what happens if I do?” She asked, eyes a bit wider, “Am I fucked?” Baekhyun chuckled at that but it was short-lived.

“Listen, something you need to know is that every “immediate family” to the Oh’s gets a number of invitations they can hand out,” He gestured to the papers slew across his desk, “It’s only for high ranking members and they’re limited, so whoever gave you that was a higher member.”

“So, who was it?” He watched her rightly frown, something he started tapping his finger on his desk at.

“See that’s where this gets even funnier,” Baekhyun hummed with an annoyed look on his face, “That’s mine but that’s not my handwriting.” He watched her mouth open to dispute him and, in his annoyance, he was quick to refute her with a finger being held up.

“Sehun may like being interrupted by you but I don’t so shut it.” He snipped, “I didn’t write the damn thing.” He watched her deflate back into his chair.

“I only wrote out a few,” Baekhyun defended, “And you were not on that list.” There was a small beat of silence as the two of you tried to think of something to explain the invitation; the two of your minds clearly off to completely other directions. 

It took Baekhyun only a few seconds to put the pieces together, nothing his brothers like the back of his hands; but if you received one of these stupid things that to him meant that whatever higher power involved wanted you there – something you were not catching up with.

“Chanyeol?” You asked with a sigh, “He could have, he got a weird...” Baekhyun smirked as he watched you struggled with the feelings of the taller man but also at the hilarity of it.

“A weird attachment? Nice theory but laughable at best.” Baekhyun kept smirking.

“How so?” You huffed, glaring at him slightly – ignoring the previous jab.

“Chanyeol isn’t even high enough ranked to send out any invitations,” Baekhyun stated as he watched you frown, a sigh passing his lips at something else you clearly knew nothing about.

Shaking his head, Baekhyun snatched a piece of paper from the tray on his desk before gesturing you forwards; scribbling something down.

“Oh the things I do for this man…” He thought to himself.

“I’m doing you a favour, so if anything of this leaves this room, even a peep to some who isn’t us; I’ll know,” He glared at you, “And I’ll make sure you pay for it, do I make myself clear?” He asked plainly, watching as you mouth glued itself shut for a second.

“Don’t make me repeat myself,” Baekhyun told you, “Am I clear?”

“Crystal,” You huffed at him, an air of attitude passing over your face for a second, “What is it with you all threatening my life, I’m of no importance.”

“A match is of no importance to a piece of wood until it’s up in flames,” He retorted like he normally did, quick-witted, “Now pay attention.”

“Yes sir…” You curled your lip up in annoyance slightly before giving the paper your attention, something which Baekhyun opted to ignore for now.

‘Oh’ was written very clearly at the top, Baekhyun’s scripture something you didn’t expect as you looked at the nearly perfect cursive.

“I’m guessing you know who this is?” Baekhyun gestured to the name, “Oh is Sehun’s family name and ergo, the leader of this all.” He watched you nod.

“Okay, I could guess he was the boss…” You bit down on your lip slightly, “He made that message clear.”

“Good,” Baekhyun ticked at you before writing a series of three names directly in a line under the Oh’s, connecting them with lines to their leader.

Byun. Kim. Zhang.

“These three are the three main families directly under the Oh’s,” He explained to you, “Do you know who these are?”

“Well, you’re Byun.” She affirmed to him, “But the other two I don’t know.” He sighed softly.

“I’m from the Byun’s, yes,” He started, “Kim is the family that Junmyeon is from, he is Sehun’s right-hand man.” He looked at you to check you understood before continuing.

“Zhang is Yixing’s family, you’ve met him very briefly,” You nodded to him, “He typically does our more…Out of area stuff – not for your ears.”

“What do you do?” She interrupted him again, “Your family I mean…” Baekhyun tensed slightly but he guessed she’d be inquisitive – every time he met the woman, she was asking some form of a question.

“Don’t tell the others,” He tried to counter the feelings bubbling with a bit of sarcasm, “But its typically written in order of importance, arguably my family and the Oh’s are the closest, we sort out the nasty stuff they don’t want to – but if you’re asking about me? I do a bit of everything.” Your eyebrow raised at that.

“Shouldn’t that make you Sehun’s right-hand man?” His jaw ticked slightly as you mocked the way he spoke for a second.

“You’ve met Junmyeon?” Baekhyun tried to counter you, “I’d hate to be that uptight about everything.”

“But…” You tried to talk but he merely glared at you.

“Back to the task at hand,” He gestured to the paper with a snap, “I’m doing you a favour, as much as it would bring me no greater joy to see you get ripped apart by the wolves, I’d rather save myself the scolding since your name is on my invitation and guest-list.”

“You’re so hot and cold,” You quietly huffed but paid him attention again.

“There is one more connected to the Oh’s,” His eyebrow raised slightly while drawing a line that was straight across from the Oh’s, not beneath like the other three, “That’s the Parks.”

“The Parks?” You echoed him slightly with a small furrow of your brow.

“I believe you met their delightful heir,” He rolled his eyes, “Park Jeonghwa, the woman you met.”

“That’s her?” Your own nose scrunched at that as he hummed in agreement.

“Complicated family relationship between the two but she’s an only child and her father is a bigwig in the city; you probably know him.” Baekhyun explained, “Own’s a pharmaceutical company, that invests in the city hospitals, he’s the chairman of them basically.”

Legacy Pharmaceutical

“But he’s in the pocket of the gang…” You asked quietly, “Isn’t that…”

“Highly illegal?” Baekhyun said like it was nothing, “Yes, but he’s a big investor, helps us out when we need it – doesn’t do anything the grimy stuff that we do but his hands aren’t clean.”

“Come to think of it,” Baekhyun smirked looking at you with an act of slight revenge written in his eyes, “Doesn’t your precious boytoy work in the main hospital in the city?”

“For a man that turns his nose up at us, I’m sure he’d be just elated to know who his boss is…” Baekhyun kept talking because he knew it would rile you up.

“Paper?” You snapped at him slightly, a feeling of pure joy filled him knowing you had a small thread to pull on. “So, where do Chanyeol and such fit in.”

“I was getting there,” He rolled his eyes, “Chanyeol, along with Jongin, Kyungsoo, Minseok and Jongdae full under what we call ‘adopted brothers’.”

“Adopted?” You repeated clear confusion.

“Adopted,” He affirmed to you, “Every so often, the main families will take people under their wings I guess, it’s different to just… Joining us.”

“How?” You asked him, still clearly confused.

“Anyone can join us if you know the right people,” Baekhyun stated to you while placing his pen down, “But adopted brothers are someone we’ve asked to join our ranks, we’re responsible for them in a sense.”

“So like prodigies?” He watched you try to rationalise it all with a hint of amusement on his face.

“Sort of, we train them and are directly responsible for them, they’re often hand-picked and there isn’t that many of them.” He explained to you slowly, “It’s sort of a phenonium, you have to get approval from the head of your family and the head of the gang.”

“So, it’s like literal adoption in a sense? You induct them into the family, not just the gang.” You kept up with him.

In that moment of time, Baekhyun could understand the appeal in your that Sehun seemed to see; you rationalised quicker than most and especially for someone who literally is having the information they don’t want dumped on them.

“Yes, like that,” He nodded, “They don’t hold the same respect as blood children would, but they’re apart of the family in a sense, they can even take their names if they really want.”

“It’s complicated and not easy to understand, it’s also different for every family,” He hummed, “Some people, like my own father, don’t give a shit about adopted brother’s they’re just pawns to him, but Kim’s turn theirs into mini geniuses” His nose turned softly.

“What about Zhang’s?” You asked curiously.

“Negotiators, mini leaders, the best liars you’ll ever meet,” He smirked slightly, “Zhang’s don’t just take on anyone, it’s an honour to be selected.”

“So, who goes where? Who is what family?” You looked a bit more interested than the beginning of the conversation, something Baekhyun wasn’t sure was a good or a bad thing.

“Jongin and Kyungsoo are part of the Kim’s, but only Jongin carried the name.” He sighed softly, writing their names under Kim’s

“Minseok and Jongdae are Zhang’s, neither took the name for safety reasons.” He smirked softly as you let a little noise.

“So that leaves…” You trailed off slightly.

“Chanyeol is a Byun, didn’t take the name though,” Baekhyun hummed, “Park Chanyeol sounds better.”

“Park?” You quizzed as he laughed softly.

“Not related, don’t worry about that,” He chuckled, “Byun didn’t have a ring to it so he stuck to his actual name, but I doubt my father would let him use it anyway…” He trailed off himself.

“Why only one for you?” You asked honestly, “I guessed you and Chanyeol were close, but why only one?”

“Short story; My father is a bastard,” Baekhyun shrugged, tossing his pen back into the pot, “He’s all about being a pure Byun – no adoptive business.”

“But Chanyeol?” You frowned.

“Chanyeol is lucky I like him,” Baekhyun sighed, “Listen it’s a lot more complicated when you look into the families, back to the task at hand.”

“Does Sehun have anyone?” You asked, a glint in your eye.

“No,” Baekhyun didn’t waste time in shutting you down, “He doesn’t bother with that business, he’s got his hands full with us.”  

“I’m still confused to why you’re telling me this though, I appreciate it but…” Baekhyun sighed again for what felt like the umpteenth time.

“Friday, you’re going.” He stated to her, “Your invitation is under the Byun name and I will not have you disgracing it by rejecting it.”

“But I don’t want to go?” Your voice heightened slightly.

“I don’t care.” Baekhyun said simply, “You’re were asked to go by a high-rank family, and you will attend – I’m not skinning myself to save you from whatever nonsense my father will conjure up as punishment.”

“But I’m not a part of this.” You snapped at him, a fire in your eyes, “You’re dancing around everything, who sent the invitation, Baekhyun – you can explain all you want but I know you know.”

“Wow, you do not catch on quick.” He hummed, “Of course I know, you idiot – it’s as clear as day to me, but you do not, so what you’re doing going to do is turn up like you’re asked and smile prettily at the boss or whatever ever it is you do with him.”

“You can’t force me,” Your jaw was tense.

“Yes, I can.” He smirked, “I know where you live and I’m not above coming to your place and dragging you myself.”

“I’ll get-,” He cut you off.

“The police?” He leered, “You forget how we got here”

“I hate you; I hate all of you.” You spat at him, “There was supposed to be no meddling, I told you what I know.”

“I’m not Chanyeol,” Baekhyun laughed with a drawl, “I don’t care if you hate me.”  You were fuming in your seat, Baekhyun could read that very easily, so to bring the situation back down to what it was before, he took a deep breath before speaking again.

“Friday evening; a car will pick you up at 6:45 pm,” He began sharply while looking at you, “You will be dressed in something appropriate, I will provide it if you need it, and you will pretend that you are going to a perfectly normal party.” His eyes ticked softly.

“You don’t need to stay the whole time, but you need to turn up – do I make myself clear?” He asked you, without a bit to his words. “Everything I just told you will keep you in check, no talking to anyone that doesn’t talk to you – people will be watching you”

“What do I get out of it…” You asked quietly, simmering down from your earlier burst.

“Well, what do you want?” His mouth was tense, “I’m not Sehun, I don’t hand out favours.”

“I want to not go.” You bit at him, “Or you tell me why I’m going in the first place.”

“Not an option, pick something else.” He responded.

“Pay rise and a promise,” You asked plainly, not giving it much thought, something that his eyebrows flicked up to, “I want a pay raise for working here, and I want you to promise that I will not be involved in any pathetic schemes like this again.”

“Not even any diabolical plans?” He smirked softly.

“Baekhyun,” You warned him, something he raised his hands to.

“Pay rise I can do,” He explained, “The other thing I’ll see about, I’m not a man who makes promises.”

“Talk to your boss or something, I don’t care” You snipped, “I’m tired of this, it’s bad enough that I work here.”

“So, you won’t attend a party, but you’ll take our money,” He pulled an amused face, “Some moral high ground you have, completely solid.”

He looked at you quite amused as you stood up, snatching the papers off his desk before pointing a finger at him.

“This is the last time I do anything for any of you, whoever wrote the damn invitation…” You started with a stressed look, “Tell them I will personally make their life hell if they don’t stop, I’m tired and want no part in any of this.”

“Don’t shoot the messenger before the message can be sent,” Baekhyun tutted with a raised eyebrow, “Don’t worry Cinderella, we’ll make you a real belle of the ball.”

“Oh, fuck you, Baekhyun,” You snapped at him before storming to his office door, practically tearing it off the hinges more than he did, before speaking again, “Get me a dress.” Was the last thing you said before you slammed the door – Baekhyun jumping slightly at the force of it.

As soon as you left, he felt the mask melt off for a brief second – his body sinking back into the chair as the stress of the last hour left a funny taste in house mouth.

“What are you thinking, you idiot…” He spoke quietly to himself, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

“Do you normally have that effect on women?” Baekhyun practically leapt in his seat as a new voice joined his own.

“Fucking hell… Joohyun,” Baekhyun snapped, glaring at the woman now standing in front of his desk, “What have I told you about sneaking up on me.”

“She’s in a mood, practically shook down the whole place,” Joohyun asked with a raised brow, “Why is that?”

“Not anything you’d be interested in,” Baekhyun leaned back in his chair to continue rubbing his eyes, the familiar burn seeping into his retinas, “Gang stuff and such.”

“Gang stuff,” She whistled lowly, trailing around his desk to lean on it, looking down at him, “A soft thing like that, what did she do to you all?” He glanced up at her with a sigh.

“Nothing,” Baekhyun pulled his mouth tight, “Surprisingly, she was just in the wrong place at the very wrong time”

“Which means?” She pushed slightly, a slight smirk curling on her lips.

“Bar shoot up, Sehun spared her,” Baekhyun crossed his arms loosely over his chest, “Ridiculous move, but here we are.”

“My my…” She laughed softly, “I can tell that’s not even the full story”

“You have no idea…” He sighed softly.

“That heartless bastard actually has a heart, wow.” Joohyun chuckled, “Who would have thought?”

“That heartless bastard,” Baekhyun repeated, “Is the most powerful man in the city, remember that he’s got ears everywhere.” He looked up at her with an amused look.

“You’d never rat me out would you, Baekhyun?” She asked sweetly, a smirk painted on her lovely mouth.

“Do me a favour and I won’t have to,” He smirked back, “Get her a dress for a black-tie event.”

“Now,” Joohyun tutted, “You don’t even pay me enough for that,”

Baekhyun gave her a look before fishing into his pocket, pulling out his wallet quickly and handing her a credit card, swiping it back before she could fully grab it.

“You’re not just buying her a dress, are you?” He gave her a look, to which Joohyun merely laughed back in response, swiping his card.

“The son of a very rich man hands you a credit card asking for a favour? of course I’m not just getting her a dress…” She teased looking at the black card with an impressed look, “Oh a black card as well…I have a couple of things on my wishlist too.”

“You’re a cruel woman, Irene” He gave her a fake sad look, using her work name to tick her off slightly, “If you wanted the house, I could have got it for you”

“And have to be indebted to you?” She smirked before nodding at the door, “I’m not one of your lackeys, I owe you a lot but not a ‘5-bedroom house with walk-in closet’ lot.”

“You’re my best employee, buy what you want,” He smirked slightly, “You deserve it.” He nodded, as she went to open her mouth, he cut her off.

“You would deserve it more if you accompanied me on Friday,” He raised an eyebrow at her, “Like I asked.”

“I do recall you complaining to me that you didn’t want to go because your family would be there,” She mocked a frown, “Also that, and I quote…”

“Chanyeol is being a miserable bastard, Sehun is a lovesick puppy, and no one wants to have fun,” She mocked his voice and his stature, before going back to her tune, “Did I get that right?”

“Actually, I change my mind, I’ll ask someone else,” He tried to swipe the card back but Joohyun looked elated as she jumped from his desk, waving the thing in front of her.

“Ah, no take-backs,” She smirked, walking towards the door in what Baekhyun could only call a strut of pure jubilation, “I want that new coat and bag, it’s getting cold outside,”

“Just get her the dress, Joo…” He called out to her as she walked out the door, “And is that a yes to Friday?”

“I’ll get her the dress, Baekhyun”

Sehun’s eyes refused to leave the pieces of papers splayed out in front of him, but his hands told a different story and he fished in his suit jacket to pull out a familiar black and silver box; his nimble fingers deftly pulling out a cigarette before an elegant black gas lighter was lighting the extension of his stress. It wasn’t long before curls of smoke crawled out of his lips, a relaxed sigh leaving his chest as they did – he paid, even more, no mind as his fingers plucked the thing from his mouth to ash it in the crystal ashtray that always sat on his desk.

“That’s going to kill you one day, you know?” Junmyeon tutted disapprovingly, looking at the younger man with a slight grimace; the smell of smoke filling the room.

“Ah yes, the cigarette is going to kill me,” Sehun spoke back without looking at the man, continuing to take draws from his cigarette, “Not the countless threats on my life, the guns, running a gang, or even the countless enemies.” He had a sarcastic edge to his voice as he spoke, tapping the ash off again into the tray.

Junmyeon was silenced at that.

“But yes, let's worry about my nicotine addiction – this pack of Marlboros is just pressing a gun to my temple waiting to pull the trigger at any moment,” Sehun flicked to the next page still not bothered to glance at his brother, “Truly terrifying.”

Another beat of silence passed between them to which Sehun sighed to fill.

“You’ve clearly got something to say, so say it.” He tutted.

“Why can’t you ever take anything seriously?” Jun sighed, tossing his pen down.

“I do take things seriously, insufferably so” Sehun countered ashing off his cigarette again before tossing his papers down, “Actually I think I might be the only one here taking anything seriously.”

“Sehun…” Jun gave him a look, sitting a bit straighter but Sehun carried on talking.

“I do recall that it’s my head someone has a metaphorical, or probably more, in this case, literal gun to,” Sehun ranted while taking another draw of his cig, “It’s my business, my family, hell its what’s left of my livelihood that got a giant red marker over it.” He stood up pushing his chair back to look out the window keeping his back turned to his brother.

“And what have I got defending that, huh?” He countered himself quietly again.

“You have us,” Junmyeon sighed, putting his papers down to come to stand beside the man, “All of us…” He rested his hand on his shoulder while the latter pressed his cancer stick back to his lips.

“You know Baekhyun said he’d be proud of me…” Sehun spoke quietly, his face almost reminding the older man that he wasn’t as far from a child as he liked to think he was, “Very proud…” His voice took an edge to it.

“But you don’t believe that.” Junmyeon opposed quietly.

“Why should I?” Sehun asked him honestly, turning to face the man while he flicked the bug of his cigarette out the window, “I’ve lost thousands in weapons, I’ve had a drug laundering bar go bust and detained by police, I've had shipments stolen and tampered with before being redistributed under someone else’s name…” He looked at his watch briefly.

“All within… Nearly two weeks.” He tutted, “I think that’s a track record, considering the man that’s supposedly proud of me handled everything with the utmost ease…”

“Your father was…” Junmyeon trailed off for a second before Sehun cut in.

“A horrible man, a narcissist, a murderer, a criminal,” Sehun’s eyes danced with mirth that wasn’t pleasant to look at, the sarcastic yet jovial stance didn’t settle well with Junmyeon’s stomach in the slightest.

“He was your father, he raised you,” Junmyeon concurred, “We may not have the most settling of up bringing’s, but this is our world – you know that.”

“Actually, nannies raised me,” Sehun retorted sarcastically. “Stop spending so much time with Baekhyun,” Junmyeon rolled his eyes, “You know what I meant.”

“I’m going to be very plain with you, Jun,” Sehun spoke honestly, sliding his hands into his pockets while he gazed out at the fields in front of the compound, “Your world and mine and very different…”

“How so?” Junmyeon asked, his eyebrow raised, “We grew up in the same circles.”

“The difference is that you were your father’s golden boy…” Sehun started with a sigh, “He wanted you to better yourself, be a part of this world – you belong here because you want to be.”

“And you don’t?” Jun wasn’t mad, “Is it that insufferable to be here doing this?”

“I didn’t get a choice,” Sehun chewed on his lip, “From the moment I was even conceptualised I had everything laid out for me, not a say otherwise… It’s heavy guilt to carry.”

“You’re hardly worse off because of it,” Junmyeon shrugged, “It’s a heavy guilt that reaps rewards that only some men can dream of, that has to count for something.”

“Do you know why you have the job you do?” Sehun asked off-topic.

“Because Baekhyun said no?” Jun frowned slightly.

“That…” Sehun chuckled faintly, “And because you’re the only man who can do the job; otherwise I would have run off years ago, and you know fine well Baekhyun would have let me.”

“Baekhyun would let you burn the city if it meant he could fight off a chill,” Junmyeon hummed, “Byun’s good at what he does, but I still don’t get where you’re going with this.”

“Where I’m going with this is that I have a very horrible feeling,” Sehun sighed.

“About tomorrow…?” Jun asked, leaving the man to leave against his desk.

“Not just about tomorrow,” Sehun sighed, telling a lie that not even his closest brother needed to know, “That’s just another showboat to get the families back on my side; I mean in general.”

“Check my top drawer…” Sehun nodded to his desk.

There was a passage of silence between the two while Junmyeon plucked a thick envelope out of Sehun’s desk; the usual matte black being replaced with a crisp crème, the silver tree of life taunting the man with its presence.

“Is this…” Junmyeon said in disbelief.

“It’s not a will…” Sehun sighed, “Think of it as the next course of action in case of an untimely demise of any kind.”

“Sehun…” Junmyeon started, “You can’t be serious.”

“I am, very…” He sighed “It’s just a precaution that’s all,”

“Listen,” Junmyeon sighed, tossing the documents back into the drawer, “I get it's hard; things aren’t ideal right now and we’re all running with our heads off but even Rome wasn’t built in a day, there’s going to be mishaps.”

Sehun hummed with a smirk on his lips.

“But it burned in one.”

After your spat with Baekhyun in his office, you assumed that your next day off would be spent finally relaxing into your couch while the world passed around you – but as you occupied yourself early Wednesday morning, you felt a wash of confusion bathe over you at the sound of a knocking door. A sigh passing out your lips as you tossed your dishtowel down to investigate.  Taking a breath before opening the door your smile felt like it dropped as you caught glimpse of who was on the other side.

“Joohyun,” You asked, shocked at the women who was giving you a dazzling smile on the other side of the wood frame, “What are you doing here?” You stuttered softly looking at her.

Dressed in woollen coat, black turtleneck, and grey slacks - she looked like a million dollars, especially considering it was 9 in the morning.

“We’re going out,” She grinned, pushing herself into your apartment; looking around with a look of approval, “Homely, very you.” It took you a second to process what she said while you closed the door.

“Out?” You echoed, “Where, or more so, why?”

“Well…” She smirked softly, “A little birdie, told me you need a dress, don’t you?” You deflated slightly.

“He was being serious about it wasn’t he,” You sighed turning to look at the woman who made herself very at home looking at everything you had on display; more so the pictures that sat on your bookcase. “Listen Joohyun, I appreciate the help but-.”

“Handsome guy, your boyfriend?” She cut you off completely, changing the topic to what she wanted to talk about; she was holding up an old photo that you knew was your old friends, or more so yours and Jeonghan’s old friends. “The two of you look cosy,” She smiled.

Rushing over slightly you plucked the frame out of her hand to rest back on the shelf, a look passing over your face at your boss; her easy smile giving you a sense that she wasn’t being completely honest.

“Ex. Now, what are you doing here really?” She quizzed, looking at the woman who huffed slightly.

“Ex hmm…Like I said, you need a dress and I’m here to help.” She coolly breezed past you to keep looking around, “No offence but you don’t exactly scream that you’re knowledgeable on black tie events.” She laughed softly.

“Baekhyun said he’d provide the dress, he didn’t mention shopping,” You sighed, looking at her as she smiled softly at an old stuffed toy you kept on the couch as a makeshift cushion.

“Baekhyun doesn’t mention much,” Joohyun turned from what she was looking at to beam at you, “Again, hence why I am here and I’m not leaving this apartment without you.”

“Joo…” You started but she shushed you.

“You’re going, Baekhyun even offered to pay if you’re unsure about prices,” She smirked softly, plucking a card from her coat pocket, “Piece of cake.”

“Do I not get a choice?” You asked defeatedly.

“Let me think,” She smiled, “No.” A tinkering laugh spilt from her lips, looking at her, she painted herself with the vision of an angel; a halo practically glowing from the crown of her perfect hair.  

“Give me five minutes,” You rolled your tongue in your cheek slightly, shaking your head as you beelined for your room.

“You have two!” She cackled softly, clearly going back to her snooping.

“Of course, I do…”

After being rushed out the house by the excitable Joohyun, you couldn’t help by smile at her softly as she linked her arm with yours; the two of your taking public transport like two friends who had known each other for years, it was wholesome to an extent, but there was an underlying feeling behind it all.

Joohyun had rightfully taken you to the richer part of town, the one that was lined with designer shops that had a price tag worth a year of your rent; her ecstatic voice talking your ears off as you two strolled down the pristine street.

“We’re here for your dress, but I have a few things I want to get!” She grinned, “We’re gonna get you the whole package; dress, shoes, jewellery, the works!”

“Is Baekhyun okay with this?” You quizzed slightly, looking around at the people who were looking at the two of you, “I mean this is a lot of money,”

“Between you and me,” She mumbled with a smirk, stopping in front of a very fancy looking store, ‘The Kingdom’ written across a crème signage in beautiful modern letters, “Baekhyun’s more than good for it, the card he gave me probably doesn’t max out until into the millions…”

“He really has that much?” You frowned softly.

“He’s a gang member, silly, and the son of one of the richest men in the world,” She smirked at you widely, “Of course he has that much, now come on…” She tugged your hand with a smile, watching at the security guard opened the door for the two of you with a polite smile.

“Ladies.” He nodded, while the two of you strolled in.

Clothing of all sorts lined the racks in a spacey fashion, giving the customer room to glance at the garments without having to struggle with anything else; but Joo didn’t give you enough time to look at anything before she was tugging you to the back of the store, an array of dresses picking up in your peripherals.

“This is where the money is,” Joohyun smile brightly, gesturing to the dresses, “Let’s get looking…”

After talking briefly the two of you concurred that due to the fact you didn’t want to be there, it was probably best to stick to a black dress; something to blend in with but something that wasn’t a gaudy colour at the same time, minimalist yet sophisticated. The store attendant had bothered you both a few times to ask if you needed help but each time Joohyun shooed her away with a smile, telling the sour-faced woman that she had it handled; and that she did.

It took merely 15 minutes before Joohyun was shoving you into a fancy fitting room; one the size of a small bedroom while she talked to the woman in charge about getting your size for other dresses that had caught her eye. The room had a podium in the centre of it that directly looked at a series of huge mirrors, while a silk curtains off to the side hide where you were supposed to change; yours and Joohyun bags swung unceremoniously over the chairs for the waiting husbands. There was an air of discomfort in your chest you ran your fingers over the lux fabrics of all the dresses, a small pang in your heart feeling disgusting just being here. This wasn’t your world, and to some degree, you couldn’t understand how it could be anyone’s but as you picked up the first dress, you figured you had to live with it for a while.  

By the time you’d managed to get into the first dress, Joohyun and all her tyrannic dress tendencies were back in the room, her nose turning up slightly at the first dress you tried on. It was a beautiful sheer cream with a colourful shift to it that glinted softly in the light, the airiness of the tulle looking ethereal as the modest bust line squared off into spaghetti straps – it was a lovely dress but.

“It looks like a prom dress,” Joohyun giggled softly, cutting off your inner thoughts, “A very expensive prom dress…”  

“I thought so too,” You tried to smile softly, but it looked more like a grimace in the mirrors, your eyes catching your companions as she came up behind you in the mirror.

“Smile,” She tugged softly at your cheek, “We’re having fun.”

“This just isn’t me,” You said honestly, looking yourself up and down in the mirror, “I don’t do fancy dresses and cocktails with associates,” She jokingly rolled her eyes at the word associates.

“Honestly,” She adjusted the dress slightly, “Neither do I, this is a favour to Baekhyun…”

“So, you’re telling me you don’t want to be in an overpriced store with me on a Wednesday morning?” You hummed softly with a smile.

“No,” she stage whispered to you, “I like you but I’d rather hang out doing something a bit more productive than shopping with snobs, but hey – I really wanted that new coat” She winked.

“Will you be there?” You asked her, catching her eye.

“Where,” She hummed not looking at you, and instead, rearranging the skirt to the dress you both agreed was ugly.

“Friday,” You raised a brow, “Will you be there?” She held her breath slightly before she sighed.

“I won’t lie to you,” She nodded, “I won’t be there Friday, I don’t…” She struggled with the words for a second before continuing.

“I don’t belong there, it’s not my world and I’m not welcomed,” She smiled softly, but it wasn’t real, “I’m a bartender, not a socialite.”

“I’m not either,” You frowned, “I just thought you and Baekhyun seemed close…”

“We are,” She smiled sadly, “I owe that man more than I can ever thank him for, but his world isn’t mine – I don’t fool myself into believing I could be part of it either.” She placed her hands on your shoulders, the warmth radiating into your bones; much like her personality.

“But how?” You were still frowning, “He’s so…”

“Crass? Sarcastic? Pig headed?” She smiled, “That’s just him, we have an understanding…”

“You on the other hand,” She hummed softly looking at your shoulders, “I saw some security tapes the other day – Oh Sehun?” Her eyebrow raised while you flushed softly.

“He drove me home, I had to ask him some stuff…” You breathed softly, “It’s not like that, I don’t know him.”

“But he knows you?” She clicked her tongue softly, looking much like an older sister would, “I won’t tell you what to do, it’s your life but you need to be careful.”

“I know that,” You trailed slightly, but she didn’t give you time to explain as she spun you around to face her, your eyes looking down at her own.

“No, I don’t think you do,” She was frowning, “This isn’t some cheap book plot where a dangerous man falls for an innocent girl and the world does another rotation like nothing is wrong,” She stressed softly.

“He is a very dangerous man who is a part of a very dangerous gang, y/n…” She pursed her lips together, hands tightening on your shoulders, “They’re all dangerous, one wrong move and police are finding your body in a back ally with no clue who did it.”

“He shot up the bar you worked in,” She stressed to you, “Stop and think about that for a second before you get all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at the man, there is no way that this ends well for anyone, especially not you…” Her voice trailed off slightly, cracking almost at the end.

“Speaking from experience?” Your own voice cracked softly as you took in her words, a sad smile passing over her face.

“Go to the party, do as Baekhyun says…” She said softly, stroking your shoulder now instead of gripping it, “But you can’t let your heads get in the clouds about this, you’re being blind-sighted… You can’t fall for Sehun.” It was the first time she had said his name and you wanted to flinch hearing it.

“You work for them though?” You asked her truthfully.

“I work for Baekhyun, he’s no better… But I owe him,” She smiled sadly again, “I’m telling you this as your friend,”

“I know…” You smiled delicately at her, “I know you are; I’ll be careful – things right now… They’re complicated.”

“Promise me.” She demanded softly, “Anything goes wrong, you come to me.”

“I promise you, Joohyun,” You touched her hands softly, “Anything wrong, I’ll come straight to you.”

“Good,” She smiled, pushing a stray hair from your face like a mother would, “Let’s find you a dress huh?”

“I think I have the perfect thing…”

TRANSACTION: $10,000

Baekhyun grimaced as he looked at the notification that popped up on his phone during the meeting, the device buzzing with his bank app loudly on the table as Sehun; the grumpy man he was, was explaining the plans for Friday evening.

“Important?” Sehun’s brow ticked softly from the head of the table while Minseok stifled a laugh from beside him, “Or would you like us to pause while you take a message?”

“Sorry dad,” Baekhyun smirked slightly, sliding the device off the table and into his pocket – or he would have if Minseok didn’t decide it was a wonderful idea to pinch it out of his hand before he could.

“$10k, how are you spending money while you’re here?” He whistled lowly, before the device buzzed again, “Oh look at that, another one for $5k, what are you up to Byun.” He tossed the device back at the man who barely managed to catch it over the knock to his fiscal funds.

“I gave Joohyun my credit card,” He stuffed the offending device in his pocket before looking at his brothers, “I believe we were in a meeting or is it break time” He gestured to the papers over the table with a look, while the rest of them looked at him quizzically.

“I’ll bite,” Sehun smirked softly, “$15k in mere seconds, is she preparing to rob you dry?” Baekhyun rolled his eyes.

“I don’t know, you tell me, Oh?” Baekhyun tightened his mouth slightly, “Or was forging my invitations and paying for your little friend to come to this god-awful party not enough for you?” Baekhyun smirked softly as Sehun’s face tightened a bit, only something he would notice.

“I have no reason to forge anything of yours, Byun.” Sehun chuckled with an easy smirk while Junmyeon sighed slightly tossing his pen down, “And I certainly didn’t invite her, have you tried our resident stab wound victim?” He gestured to Chanyeol’s empty seat.

“Can’t we just have a nice family meeting? Just once?” Junmyeon rubbed his temple slightly, “Or is your own security measures beneath all of you?”

“He started it,” Baekhyun smirked, “Sorry Dad number 2,” Minseok chuckled beside him again while Jongdae did the same from across him.

“If you’re up to something, just don’t let me hear it,” He spoke out but everyone knew who it was directed at, “It’s bad enough we’re all gathering on Friday if anyone of you fucks that up then it's directly on you.”

“Oh, he said a swear,” Baekhyun chuckled, while Yixing cut in – the man relaxing like he was the one that one the place on the other end of the table.

“Do we still have that swear jar?” Yixing teased, sipping on his coffee.

“No,” Jongin hummed, “We got rid of that after Baekhyun’s last trip home, you can only deposit so much into it before it becomes another bank account,” The man had an easy smirk on his face.

The bantering stopped for a second while the double doors opened again, Taeyong and Johnny letting in a very haggard looking Chanyeol – the evidence that the man just woke up still on his face.

“That’s a record,” Sehun hummed with a tone that wasn’t biting for once, “Only 2 hours late,”

“Slept in,” Chanyeol grumbled while Jongdae slid the man a coffee.

“No, we thought you were off running to be the cities next murder victim again,” Baekhyun grinned at the man who merely passed him a glare, whatever had been eating at him wasn’t as bad but Baekhyun couldn’t tell if the stab wound was just worse.

“No threatening doctor and cute nurse to patch you up this time,” Jongin laughed softly.

“How are you feeling, Yeol?” Yixing asked him with a slight smile, to try and ease the teasing but Chanyeol wasn’t having any of that.

“Like I’ve been stabbed, Yixing.” He spoke with a dead look on his face.

“That’s great,” Minseok chuckled, “We’d worry if you felt like anything else,” Chanyeol rolled his eyes, before looking at Sehun.

“Sorry I’m late,” He nodded while Sehun looked confused, Chanyeol seldomly apologised for… anything.

“It’s fine…” Sehun looked at his brothers, “Did stabbing you give you manners or something?”

“If that’s the case, I get to stab Baekhyun,” Kyungsoo smile slightly at the man in question, “Lord knows he could use it”

“I think my attitude is character building,” Baekhyun was offended for a second while Junmyeon cut in.

“Are you okay?” He asked Chanyeol.

“Yes,” Yeol sighed, “Just in a bit of pain that’s all, it’s nothing really”

“Well if that’s the case…” Junmyeon nodded to Sehun to continue.

“We’re discussing Friday,” Sehun confirmed, “That’s if you’re still coming,”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Chanyeol smile tensely, “Is it on my schedule to get verbally abused by Mr Byun and his wife? Or do I just get jumped with that again,” Baekhyun pulled a face.

“Could be worse,” Jongdae hummed, “You could have to listen to Mr Kim’s all inspiring speeches again, solidarity is key remember?” Junmyeon chuckled faintly at that.

“Will your mother be there?” Baekhyun asked Sehun, who flicked is brows up faintly before answering, “Please say no,”

“Sadly, yes – She has things to discuss with me” He hummed.

The boys all pulled a face at that, the ex-gang mother wasn’t the most pleasant to be around; especially after her husband died, the hidden verbal lashing that Sehun got every time he saw her was enough to make any of the boys want to stay away. Mrs Oh had a clear vision from her husband how they wanted things in Exodus to run, and the current line-up of boys wasn’t exactly the best on delivering that, she lived about 4 hours away from the city which made their lives easier to deal with, but when she was here, lord, was she here.

“She’s not going to make us scrub this place again, is she?” Minseok flinched, “I don’t know if I can live with the smell of chemicals ingrained in my nose again.”

“My mother won’t be here this time, relax,” Sehun rolled his eyes, the woman had an affinity to use his brothers to the bone – especially the “adopted” ones, “She’s staying with the Byun’s for a few days, told her that it wasn’t worth travelling into the woods to stay here when she’d only have to travel back out.” He waved his hand slightly.

“Back to the matter at hand,” He sighed slightly, “Rooftop looks directly onto the ballroom, someone has to post up there otherwise whoever wants could take a clear aim in,”

“Post up two of my father’s security,” Baekhyun waved his hand slightly, “He owns that building so I doubt an attacker would try to break into that, considering its rife with security anyway.” “Two of your dad’s men then,” Sehun mumbled slightly, writing it down, “I think it goes without saying that I expect you all on your best behaviour, right?” He said again not looking up from the paper yet.

“This is an important night, and I expect the 6 of you to understand that,” Sehun said casually, “One mess up and its trouble, am I clear?”

“Just 6? Why not 8,” Baekhyun asked as the rest of his brothers sighed at once, telling him to shut up.

“Two of you don’t get on my nerves, I asked If I’m understood?” Sehun asked again.

“Crystal clear, sir.”

Walking around the nicer side of town might not have been your forte exactly, but you had to admit that Joohyun, regardless of the earlier talk, had made the day very enjoyable, even if she wouldn’t let you see the receipt of it all. The outfit and such were eventually forgotten as soon as it was bagged, the woman on a mission not very intent on spending her boss’s money to fulfil whatever need she had now. It had started with lunch at an upscale restaurant that you’d only seen businessmen and rich girls eating at, yourself and your newfound friend making fun of the menu whenever you could, making sure that Baekhyun fed you two the best- regardless of price.

It was fun, it was even fun when Joohyun decided it was now time to drag you around the stores she wanted to, her tiny body bursting with excitement as she found the things she wanted and tried them on in turn – her stature fitting into the world more than she gave it credit for, something you noted as you watched her try on a very expensive jacket that she just insisted on having.

She made the area seem normal to you, that the people here could have personalities beyond their bank accounts – while you understood clearly, she wasn’t from around here, if someone told for a second, that she was, you’d believe them wholeheartedly. Someone that like doesn’t just stumble into things like this.

Eventually, the day had to come to an end, when evening struck after getting dinner at a slightly less upscale restaurant in freight to spare Baekhyun his bank account, the two of you parted ways – thousands in bag expenditure in toll. It was a nice evening, especially considering it was now the end of October, the chill settling into the air as it belonged once again. It wasn’t exactly the easiest thing on your small apartment, considering the heating system tanked itself every winter without a fail – but it was something to live with, all the smalls things you noted as you hiked up the 5 floors to your apartment.

However, what you weren’t expecting was the shape of a hooded body standing outside your door; a male figure leaning up against the old wood like he was waiting for someone. Approaching closer, you let out a small breath as you managed to see a small tuff of blonde sticking out from under the black hoodie, a small smile passing your lips.

“Do you make a habit of camping outside of doors now?” You teased slightly as the figure jumped into action, spilling to face you in slight shock, “Or does being a doctor not give you enough gratification?”

“Maybe if you learned to answer your phone, you’d know I was here,” Jeonghan smiled slightly, holding up a bag and a few bottles, “I brought food,”

“I was out with a friend,” You chuckled softly nudging past him to open the door, the warmth from his body comforting as you wrestled with the wood to get open, “You’re dressed comfortable, day off?” You shoved the door open with a smile, nodding for him to go in before following.

“It’s not one of your… Criminal friends is it?” He frowned softly placing the stuff he brought on the coffee table, glancing at the bags in your hand with curiosity, “Yeah, it was my day off today…What are those?” He gestured to your bags.

“I didn’t peg you as a designer person,” You rolled your eyes as you walked to place them just in the entryway of your door, out of his sight.

“Someone from work, a girl named Joohyun,” You shook your head softly, flicking on the lights to your living room while he made himself comfortable, “And I’m not, it’s for… work,” You nodded rolling with your lie.  

“Work requires a heavy price tag dress?” He raised his eyebrow at you while passing you various food items; Chinese food and booze, just want you needed after today, “I know you work at a nice club but I didn’t think it required 3k dresses,” He chuckled faintly passing you chopsticks.

“How do you know how much dresses there are,” You smirked faintly, breaking the chopsticks to tuck into the food he got you, “Or is that doctor perks? Attract some rich girls and have to hear all about it,” If he wanted to talk about it more, he decided to drop it instead.

“I don’t do rich girls,” He smirked softly leaning back into your couch with a small sigh, the tiredness of his job written on his face, “And I certainly don’t have time to date,” You laughed softly, tucking into your food.

“Don’t let them hear that, imagine the heartbreak?” You stifled a laugh, “The good doctor Yoon Jeonghan not on the market? The outcry,”

“I do not have the affect women that you think I have,” He laughed easily back at you, eating his food at your pace.

“Relatively tall, blonde, even if it's fake,” You winked, “Career, well mannered, funny, I’d say you were a steal,” He smiled faintly

“You’d know,” He hummed, looking at the table before tossing you a fortune cookie, “Open it” He nodded at it while you looked at him.

“Really, you force me to eat now you want to know my fortune too?” You smirked teasingly at him, “Admit it, sleeping all day doesn’t do it for you anymore,”

“Just open it,” He rolled his eyes, “And for your information, sleeping all day works fine but I’m a doctor, we don’t get that pleasure anymore.”

“Romance follows you if you can only see it,” You repeated to him while looking at the small slip of paper, “Oh and lottery numbers, think we can strike gold this time?” You went to smile at him, but he was already looking at you.

“Jeonghan?” You frowned softly, “What’s wrong.”

“There’s a reason I’m here,” He sighed softly, placing down his food, “It’s about the other day with… them.”

“Jeonghan we’ve been over this,” You sighed, “You were right in acting how you did, regardless if it was stupid – I sprung this on you and lied about who you were treating…”

“It’s not that,” He waved his hand and reached into his pocket, placing something on the table as your frown grew, “I found this in my locker at work.”

“I think someone is following me.”

Joohyun had managed to keep her word and found you the perfect outfit for the night, the dress you were being forced to wear fitting you like it was made for your as the black fabric caressed your body like a whisper of velvet. It was a picturesque floor-length gown clung beautifully to your torso and upper hips before falling naturally around your legs and to the grown; no pleating or draping was needed as the fabric fell and swayed with your natural shape – accentuated by a lower back and a bold silver exposed zipper, the shape and the thin straps at the shoulders spoke of its modernity while also holding strong to the type of event.

“Wow…” You breathed to yourself in the mirror, running your hands over the soft velvet that made your hips look goddess-like, your feet pushing into insanely high heels picked the end of the dress up just enough that only a small pool of fabric trailed as you walked, it was a work of modern art being worn.

Your décolleté was kept open, letting the skin being shown doing the taking - a thin diamond choker adorning your neck instead of chunky jewellery; the jewels so small that they glinted in the lights like glitter, with a thin matching bracelet and ring, you looked like you were worth more than the apartment you were standing it. A heavy wool coat was to be your small protection from the chill that was spilling outside, the item clutched in your hands along with your clutch as you waited by the door for your ride.

As promised, Baekhyun had a messaged passed onto you earlier reminding you that the car would be there at exactly 6:45 pm and no later, and while you stood looking at the clock in your entryway; that was confirmed as your door rattled softly at exactly 6:45 pm. It was hard to stop your hand shaking a little as you opened the wood, but you let out a small breath as the man on the other side.

“Your ride,” The man greeted you with a smile, his black hair looking much like the material of your dress as it fell over his forehead softly, “I’m Doyoung, I’ll be your chauffeur for tonight.” He nodded while gesturing to the hallway to get a move on.

“Pleasure,” You nodded softly, stepping out into the cold open balcony, quickly shuffling your coat on as you locked the door behind you, checking a few times to make sure it was closed before following the man – who was now waiting right next to the elevator, a small grimace passing on your face.

“Not a fan?” He asked, when you caught up to him, shuffling into the old thing with a sigh, his finger quick on pressing the button for the ground floor.

“Not exactly,” You hummed, the two of you looking extremely out of place in the rundown elevator; you in your dress and him in his suit, contrasting with the poverty of the place immensely.

The conversation between you was few and far between as he led you out to the car, your throat seizing slightly as you registered it as one of the cars that they kept in the compound; your brain remembering your escape with the gun that led you to blow out a few windows.

Doyoung was ever the gentleman as he opened the back door up for you, gesturing for you to get in; the leather of the seating warming to your body as he’d left the heating on to keep you comfortable. Night had settled onto the city early, with winter approaching fast, it was almost night to see the lights dance on the skylight by 5 pm, but you couldn’t appreciate them as the car started to take off, your fingers deftly buckling yourself in as you tried your best to relax.

“You’re nervous,” Doyoung commented after a few minutes of driving, glancing at you in the rear-view mirror.

“A bit,” You sighed looking out the window, watching the city get more and more expensive with each mile taken, “This isn’t exactly my scene,”

“You don’t say,” He hummed stopping at a light, “Well, when I left they were inviting the more important members in for pre-drinks, there’s gonna be a lot of people there – I’m sure you can blend into the background.” He assured you.

“But,” He continued before you could say anything, “It’s not every day Baekhyun asks me to pick someone up.” He smirked faintly, but there was no ill intent behind it.

“Guess this isn’t just your usual day then,” You gulped, swallowing the stomach bile that was threatening to creep out of your oesophagus any second.

“Guess it’s not,” He echoed to you.

The car went silent after that, the hum of the engine filling the void for a while – at least until you noticed that you were creeping closer and closer to the houses in the city that cost more than you could even imagine; their large yet still old detached building making a home in the bustle of lights and decay of a usual city. They were the diamonds in the rough, their millions coating the walls like paint and pebbles on their driveways.

“Byun City estate,” Doyoung confirmed as he began to pull up to the only house that had its gates open, the lights from the place causing a gentle yellow hue in the night sky.

The driveway was a bit extensive as Doyoung slowly followed a car that was in front of yours, but it still felt like time was moving faster than light at the door to the establishment crept closer and closer. Two very heavily armed guards standing at the old double doors, ready to weed the ones who weren’t supposed to be here out in seconds.

Your heart seized in your chest as the car came to a stop in front of the stairs, Doyoung quickly getting out to open your door for you; holding his hand out for you to take as your feel footing into the unknown began.

“Breathe,” He said quietly, hoisting you out the car as the stones underneath you created unstable ground.

The air felt crisp against your lungs as you took a moment to look around, the hair settling your stomach as the white curls spilling from your lips at your warmth met the cold air – it as a short-lived moment of peace however as Doyoung nudged you slightly to the door, another gulped passing down your throat as you ascended the stairs; the man who drove you falling back into the car to park it somewhere else.

The guards were sizing you up as you approached them, a glance at the foyer inside bustling with people and more of them were behind you getting out of their respective vehicles; this was a legit event. The guard closest to you was about to ask for your name when it was called out instead. The man of the untimely hour, walking closer to the doors to get a look at you as a stressed look settled into his eyes.

Byun Baekhyun. He was dressed a lot more formal than you’d seen him previously; his usual garb traded for a dark suit and tie, the black making the fact his hair was a shade of light brown looking all the nicer. It fitted him well, he wasn’t the tallest in the world, but the suit gave him an air that said regardless of height he was dangerous; something the guards noted at the broke formation slightly to let the man past. A sigh passing his lips as he approached you, his hand instantly resting on your back you were ushered into the place. He was quick in giving your jacket to a coat attendant while he was rushing you in.

“You’re late,” He grumbled, looking at his watch accusingly, “Its 7:02,” He looked down at you while he walked you in.

It wasn’t a fairy tale moment that people often made these things out to be, no one stopped to stare and no one gave a shit who walked in and you appreciated that more than anything; people stopped to star at Baekhyun but that’s only because they probably have the information that this was his family home.

“I wasn’t aware that it was dire time?” You frowned softly while looking at everything you could. The black, white, and cream decorations looking fantastic in the grand foyer; the checkboard floor one of the key pieces while Baekhyun led you around to another set of double doors, “You look nice,” You grudgingly added on.

“I saved you the issue of listening to pointless speeches,” He flicked his eyebrows up slightly, “You could at least make it here a bit quicker.”

The doors opened into what you could only describe as a grand ballroom, the checkerboard pattered from the foyer carrying into the room beautifully; it was lined with numerous windows that let the nigh time in like a dream, the warm lights glinting off of every polish surface. Holding the room together was a series of roman pillars that kept the up the stairs in its places; the only way to get there is a grand staircase that was off to the side of the room. You would have caught a glimpse at the people on the stairs if Baekhyun hadn’t tugged you to the furthest away he could manage.

“I know what you’re doing,” He fake smiled at someone the two of you passed, his hand still firmly on your lower back, “He’s busy, look later.”

“Where are you taking me,” You hissed back, glancing up at him.

“To your babysitter for the night,” He said collectedly, “I refuse to let you embarrass yourself under my name,”

“I am 22, I know social cues,” You huffed quietly at him.

“Knowing social cues is not gawking at the décor like you’ve never seen it before,” Baekhyun mumbled back, before grinning at someone in passing again.

“Then who the hell is my babysitter?” You asked him quietly, trying to smile at the people looking at the two of you.

Wrapping his arm around you to pull you up next to him, Baekhyun grinned briefly before gesturing.

Chanyeol.

“He is,” Baekhyun smiled tensely, “Now we know this isn’t his first job at this.”

“Baekhyun?” Chanyeol rolled his eyes, suited up much like the man her was referring to was.

“Hi, Chanyeol,” You smiled at him, looking a lot better than the last time you saw him, “You clean up nice, even if you have a fire truck on your head.” You chuckled softly while a ghost of a smile came on his mouth.

“Great, now that we know this is going to work lovely,” Baekhyun pushed you into Chanyeol, your feet barely stumping before you were caught by the taller man, “I’ve got a meltdown to avoid, go dance with her while I do that.” Looking up you noticed Chanyeol rolling his eyes.

“He is…” You watched his quick walk away, ducking away from a man that looked scarily like him before turning back to Chanyeol, “Is he okay?”

“Is he ever?” Chanyeol straightened you out, watching where the man was walking before turning to you with a slight smile, “You look good, you clean up well.”

“Can’t exactly look like a measly bartender here, can I?” You smirked softly, something he chuckled at.

“Don’t think that would go down with anyone here,” He gestured to the servers that were handing out flutes of champagne, “Or you’d be in a doing that.”

“Rich people,” You mumbled slightly, passing a smile at one of the workers, “This doesn’t seem as bad as I thought,”

“You’ve not been here that long,” Chanyeol rolled his eyes, “You missed the boring speeches, and having to deal with the families,”

“That bad?” You frowned softly, something he took your arm to and turned you around to look at all the people; a mixture of them dancing to the music that was playing and a mixture of them conversing, turning you slightly you watched as Chanyeol leaned down as whispered to you.

“Stairs at 2 o’clock,” He mumbled as your eyes flicked to them, getting the shape of Sehun standing on the stairs with a much older woman beside him; her face familiar.

“Mrs Oh,” Chanyeol confirmed, “Has kicked off 3 times since she got here, has been in the office all day ranting about things.” Adjusting you again, he pointed to where Baekhyun had headed; the man in question standing with two other men and woman, only two of them looking scarily like him.

“Baekhyun’s family,” Chanyeol confirmed, “I don’t bother myself with them, none of them like me, but they do love to berate him…”

“Things aren’t always what you hear, you need to take time to look around sometimes,” Chanyeol confirmed slightly.

“That’s poetic coming from you,” You hummed, looking around before pointing at Jeonghwa and Yixing, “Who pissed her off?” You asked.

“Who do you think?” Chanyeol’s chest rumbled from behind you, “He’s standing on the stairs looking like he’s ready to throw himself off them.” You shook your head slightly.

“And how are you feeling?” You asked, “My eyes tell me one thing, but I’ve heard something else”

“Dance with me first,” You could hear a smile in his voice, “And then maybe I’ll feel inclined to talk about myself.”

“Lead the way”, Turning around instantly you held your hand out to him with a nod and a smile.

He merely just faintly smiled before he tugged you towards the space that was meant for dancing – couples of all sorts dancing to the music that was gently playing from the speakers, orchestral but with somewhat of a modern flair. Chanyeol wasted no time, grabbing your other hand he settled the two of you into position, just off the main throng of people; Your hand was delicately placed on his shoulder while he grasped the other one in his hand, his sliding onto your waist – it was intimate enough for conversation but there was still a respectful distance.

“Will you tell me now?” You looked up at him to ask, while he looked over your head, taking everything in, “Or were you just respecting Baekhyun’s orders.”

“What’s a party if you stay in a corner all night?” He asked, “But to answer your question, I’m fine – the wound is healing nicely, thanks to you.”

“Thanks to Jeonghan,” You corrected him, “He done the stitching I merely just gave you some blankets,” He shrugged softly at the two of you danced slowly around the area you permitted yourself to.

“It’s the thought that counts,” He hummed.

“Would it kill you to just thank someone for once?” You raised an eyebrow at him, as he looked down at you briefly before looking away.

“I don’t like him,” Chanyeol stated, “Am I not allowed to do that?” You chuckled in disbelief.

“You don’t know him,” You smiled incredulously, “He done you a favour.”

“Do you like everyone you meet?” He asked you simply, “Is that part of the peppy package?”

“I’m not peppy,” You stated with a huff, looking around at the people around you, “I just give people chances.”

“But how many?” He countered you, “How many chances?”

“Enough to prove their worth,” You frowned at him, “God knows I’ve given you too many.” He smirked at that.

“And I gave your little boy toy a chance, he blew it,” Chanyeol announced, “I only do one, too many and well… You’re asking to get hurt.”

“He’d never hurt me, or you,” You raised an eyebrow at him, “He’s a doctor for god’s sake” He has an amused look on his face as the dance took you both into turning around, his head gesturing faintly to an older man who was by one of the pillars; his cheeks already reddened with the drink.

“Anyone can hurt anyone,” Chanyeol shrugged while there was a beat of silence.

“That man over there is a doctor,” Chanyeol stated, “Do you think he’d ever hurt someone?”

“I’d hope not,” You frowned, “But we’re also at a gang party,” You lowered your voice slightly.

“Ding, we have a winner,” He chuckled, “Profession doesn’t equal good, also doesn’t always equal bad, from what I know that man loves to get his hands dirty.”

“What’s your point,” You rolled your eyes, “What has this got to do with you not trusting Jeonghan?”

“What I’m saying, is that because you know someone doesn’t mean you know them, anyone can hurt you,” He chuckled faintly, “I gave your doctor a chance and saw something you don’t see,”

“Well, what did you see,” You frowned again.

“Something you’ll see in due time,” He nodded at someone who passed him.

“What is it will all of you and being fucking cryptic,” You mumbled, “Why can’t you just say what you mean.”

“There’s no fun in that,” Chanyeol snickered, “Then everyone knows what you’re talking about.”

“Fine, I have another question,” You threw your eyes back, “Who’s Yoora?”

“Oh, that’s how she’s playing,” He hummed, “Why do you want to know?”

“You called me that,” His jaw tensed slightly, “That night after you were stabbed before you passed out - so who is she?”

“My sister,” He licked his lips glancing down at you briefly, “Older.”

“Hmm...” You hummed, “So if I’m right, taking into consideration what Baekhyun said about you being miserable – you’re upset about more than a stab wound.”

“Me calling you her doesn’t mean anything,” He deflected with an eye-roll, “Blood loss makes us do funny things.”

“But you were thinking about her,” You countered.

“Is it a crime to think about your family?” He frowned slightly, “God imagine the prisons if that was the case,”

“It’s not a crime to think about your family, but adding onto everything else,” You thought carefully, “And the fact you haven’t seen her for nearly ten years, I’d page a guess something’s happened, am I wrong?” You smiled up at him, his own eyes giving you an unamused look.

“I believe that’s none of your business,” He said while spinning you around. “Just why are you here exactly?”

“I was invited,” You grinned.

“Whose smart idea was that?” He rolled his eyes but before he could pull you back in, you saw a hand rest over Chanyeol’s bicep stopping the movement.

“Mine,” Baekhyun said with a tense smile, “Mind if I cut in?” Chanyeol frowned slightly but stepped away, gesturing for him to take his spot.

“Nice dancing with you,” Chanyeol smile slightly at you, moving away to give his brother room.

“This isn’t over,” You countered while he walked away with a slight chuckle, but the jovial nature didn’t last long as Baekhyun tugged you towards him – the dancing style very different considering he was closer to your height.

“I thought Chanyeol was my babysitter,” You asked quietly noticing the tense air of the man, “Or is something wrong.”

“You’re good at reading people,” He spoke just as quiet as you, tugging you a bit closer to hear you, “Let’s just say I needed a small escape plan.”

“Family issues?” You asked, locking eyes with him.

“Something like that,” He sighed.

“Well…Do you want to talk about it?” You asked carefully, “You did come over here to me,”

“Not particularly,” Baekhyun’s mouth tightened slightly.

Sighing, you let the dance move into silence as he led you around, he was quite the dancer but your eyes were too busy drifting to be able to pay too much attention to it – instead of focusing on the pair dancing a few feet away; Sehun and Jeonghwa.

“I thought they were mad at each other,” You nodded slightly to them as Baekhyun’s head turned with a slight smirk.

“They’re always mad at each other,” He said, “It’s just part of their relationship.”

“Relationship,” You echoed slightly, “Some relationship.”

“Is the green-eyed monster knocking at your door?” He smirked again to which you rolled your eyes at.

“I don’t know him enough to be jealous,” You sighed, “Why does everyone keep assuming that.”

“Because no one looks at Oh Sehun with puppy eyes,” Baekhyun retorted, “People look at him with respect, fear, hate – but not lovesick puppy eyes.”

“But Jeonghwa-,” He cut you off.

“Jeonghwa looks at him like a task she needs to accomplish,” He stated looking over you, “I don’t think that woman has a romantic bone in her body.”

“But…” He started with a sarcastic edge, “I don’t often know people that fall for their kidnappers, is Stockholm Syndrome all the rage?”

“It’s not-,” He cut you off again, pulling you closer with a wicked smirk.

“In another world, I imagine the two of you would make quite the couple...” Baekhyun hummed, an air of severity dripping into the word, “But sadly this is our reality, and frankly... the future of it is being switched from a promise to a threat with you around.”

“So whatever idea’s you stored in your little head about how this all ends? It needs to stop,” He hissed softly, making it look like the two of you were just having a polite conversation. “This won’t end well for you.”

“Do you often lash out at people to deflect from your own problems?” You raised an eyebrow a him, “Does cutting someone else down for a second make you feel a fraction better about everything around you.”

“I enjoy watching the light in people’s eyes die,” He said sarcastically, “What can I say.”

“I don’t have any ideas about anything, Baekhyun,” You stated firmly, “I am here like you asked me to be, that’s it – after today it’ll never see any of you again besides work, sound good?”

“Sound’s perfect.” He hummed straightening back up.

The dance and the conversation trailed off to a finish the song started to die back down, a few people clapping slightly as the orchestra finished their piece; only a brief second passing before they started back up – Baekhyun being quick to release you, the people around you started to part, a figure emerging from the crowds.

Parting the crowds like the red sea was Sehun, fitted in a suit much more formal than his usual ones; the black fabric clinging to him in a way that let your mouth feeling a lot drier than it had done before; his hair that was usually pushed away from his face was parted off to the side with the front section only being slightly pushed away, the inky tresses falling around his forehead like ribbons of silk.

“Boss,” Baekhyun nodded slightly, glancing between you two, “What do I owe the pleasure.”

“Your brother is asking for you,” Sehun announced, nodding at you with a smile, “Taking care of our guest well?”

“Quite well,” Baekhyun edgily smiled, “If you’ll excuse me.”

“Excused,” Sehun smirked softly, making room for the walking man before turning to you, “Everything to your standard?”

“I don’t think my standard matters all that much,” You nodded slightly.

“Nonsense,” He chuckled faintly, “You’re probably one of the few people here that’s never seen this before, I’d like to know if we’re doing a good job.”

“It’s very nice, Sehun,” His name felt like sand in your mouth, “If you’ll excuse me, I do believe I had a conversation with someone to finished.” You said as you attempted to walk past him, but you jumped slightly as his hand caught your arm in a loose grip, tugged you back.

“Dance with me,” He stated, as you opened your mouth in slight shock.

“I think I’ve had enough, for now, you’re probably busy,” You explained as people started looking at the two of you.

“I wouldn’t ask otherwise,” He smiled easily at you, it was faint, but it was there. Sighing deeply, you nodded. Letting him take your hand and drag you back to him to get into position, only this time you were aware of where he was touching you as the two of you took off.

He was gazing down at you now, a vague sense of amusement dancing in his eyes; your own eyes barely managing to keep focused at the warm of his hand sitting casually on your waist; it was beautifully distracting. The moment felt more surreal than it was, the music feeling like it caressed one ear and went straight back out the other as the two of you moved calmly to it, your heart in time with your steps magically; gliding across the floor with no care.

“You’re better at this than I thought” He hummed, plucking his eyes away from yours to peer over your head, the warmth of his breath hitting your forehead softly, he was closer than the other two, as he spoke, “Maybe you’re made for these sorts of things.” You scoffed at that.

“You don’t know me that well,” He was close enough to the point his aftershave was making a home in your senses, “I actually can think of a million other things I’d rather be doing right now.” He chuckled at that.

“I don’t know you that well,” He repeated with a smirk, “But I can tell you’re an excellent liar,” His eye’s flicked down at yours again briefly as his voice lowered to a tone only, you’d hear.

“We need those sorts of people around here.” He tutted softly.

“I’m not a liar,” You pursed your lips softly, “And I’m not joining your little… club” You raised an eyebrow at him as you looked up at him, his face very much looking down at you as your forehead brushed his nose.

“See that’s where you’re wrong, you are a liar, and a bold-faced one at that,” He smirked softly, “And I don’t think you’re cut out for my little…club” He mimicked you.

“How am I the liar?” You sniped at him while he chuckled, "When you're right here?"

“It’s in your eyes,” He stated, “You’re lying about something, and a part of me wants to know what that is.”

“You don’t need to know everything,” You countered him, “I’m nothing to do with you.”

“You’re at my party,” He hummed, “You also work at my bar, I’d say that’s pretty involved.”

“But why is that?” You caught his eye as you stared him down, “Why do I work for you? why am I here? I have just as many questions as you.” He tittered at that.

“Why do you think I’m the only one involved? And I told you why you’re working for me, or did you forget our little car ride?” He chuckled pulling you a bit closer, “You’re so full of questions but you don’t have the backbone to ask them.”

“I do have a backbone,” You looked away from him, “For normal people things, like making sure I get an order right or getting a refund – not dealing with people like you.”

“Am I not a normal person?” He asked, “I thought the term normal was relative?”

“You’re insufferable,” You scoffed, “Why does everyone here dance around their words?”

“Because if anyone tells you what they mean, they’ll have to kill you,” He stated simply.

“See, that’s not normal,” You gulped softly, “None of this is.”

“To you,” Sehun countered, “I think this is perfectly normal,”

“The world doesn’t revolve around you,” You rolled your eyes at him.

“My world does,” He smirked at you as he held your gaze, looking around your face for a second while it softened.

His eyes were like barrels of warm whiskey if you caught them in the right light, but the intensity came from the fact that Sehun had a knack for looking at you like he was trying to peel back every layer of you in mere seconds and without words. It was charming to see someone want to figure out something they couldn’t understand, to have that attention on you for long enough to know that they were really looking at you.

“You look beautiful,” He said quietly, “I haven’t said that to you yet.”

“You look good yourself,” you gulped softly as you looked back at him, remembering every little thing that made him…Him.

“I wasn’t lying,” He said quietly, “You do fit in here – even if it doesn’t feel like it, most people would have bailed at the door.”

“I was asked to be here so I am,” You nodded slightly, “Least I could do I guess…”

“Baekhyun talked to me about the meddling,” He hummed slightly, “Apologies, I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again, I said that to you before…”

“Who sent the invitation?” You frowned softly, his eyes flicking to the small crease on your eyebrows as you did.

“Faintest clue…” He sighed, his eyes a bit more unreadable, “But does it matter now? You’re here”

“Yes, I am…” You said quietly, focusing back on the dance.

The two of you went back to dancing quietly as you mentally evaluated the situation, it was comfortable to be this close to him surprisingly – it almost felt right to be the person dancing with him, and that was dangerous. His chest was directly in your eyesight as you tried to focus on anything else but your dance partner, but he was insistent on talking.  

“You don’t make a lot of eye contact, do you?” He asked casually, releasing your waist slightly to tip your eyes up to meet his, his fingers holding your chin, “I’m no formal dancer but eye contact is a given”

“You’re tall,” You weakly said to try and simmer the conversation down, but he merely frowned using that same hand to move your hair away from your neck slightly – his warm palm resting on your neck as your eyes widened.

“What are you doing-,” You started.

“Shit.” He cut you off with a swear

The world around you blurred for a second, the feeling of his hand on your neck tossing you off to the side with him sending your mind into a spin as the sound of shattering glass suddenly filled the ballroom – the music cutting out fast. You could feel your face forced against Sehun’s as the man let out a pained grunt after the sound of something thudding into flesh filled your ears as well.

The cool feeling of marble against your back sent a chill down your spine as the sound of another thud landed close to you again, the shattering of windows and screams echoing around the room as a replacement for the music. It felt like a lifetime before Sehun peeled back from you, his breath a bit more haggard than before while your eyes adjusted to the sudden light, you neck barely making it to look up at him. He was gritting his teeth, his left arm placed above your head to brace himself on the wall while the other was still around your waist in a tight fashion. The sounds of bullets hitting marble floors sending awful pangs into the air.

“You need to leave.” He hissed out, glancing down at you while you looked around his torso to see what was causing him discomfort, pushing his jacket back on his left shoulder - you gasped, your hand leaving wet as a giant red stain formed around his pectoral.

“Sehun you’re-,” You gasped out, but he moved his chest away with a slight wheeze.

“I said you need to go,” He snapped looking down at you, the fire and pain clear in his eyes – He gulped slightly before pushing himself off you, a hiss passing through his teeth as he ducked again from a bullet that hit the pillar, a dusting of marble raining down on your head as you both ducked.

“But you…” You stuttered softly, frightened out your mind.

“Taeyong.” Sehun snapped as someone came skidding over, a small mind with intense eyes stopping next to you.

You didn’t even get to hear what he said before you were shoved into the man’s arms his lithe body catching you with a grunt as Sehun barked orders at him.

“Get her and anyone else out of here, now.” Taeyong merely nodded as you shrugged in his grip – the sounds of bullets still echoing with the constant yells of men barking orders.

“Wait, you idiot.” You yelled slightly, “You’re the one bleeding.”

“Taeyong.” Sehun snapped ducking again, “Do your job, now.”

“Yes boss,” His voice was surprisingly level while he took you away, your heels scraping on the floor as you tried to escape on your own.

For once in your life, you called out the name you never thought you would.

“Sehun.”