#minhyuk series | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

iibonniee · 6 months ago

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Meet Your Match - Chapter 3

Paring: Kihyun x reader x Minhyuk

Genre: Angst

Warnings: angst, arguing

Rating: 18+

Word Count: 5.8k

Masterlist

Glancing down at her phone, she let out an irritated sigh. As much as she loved her husband and brother, they were enough to drive her crazy. Across from her sat Minhyuk, who seemed absorbed in what his phone offered him.

Her soft smile wasn’t noticed by her company. Minhyuk took another languid sip of his drink, the ice cubes clinking against the glass like a gentle chime. His eyes, a warm combination of curiosity and distraction, remained glued to the luminous screen of his phone, consuming the cascade of information with an almost reverent focus. Yet, amidst the silent symphony of scrolling and sipping, he felt the subtle shift in the air—the unspoken words hanging between them—prompting him to look up.

His gaze met hers, and Minhyuk’s lips parted into a soft smile in that brief exchange. It was a fleeting gesture but profound enough to stir an effervescent flurry in her stomach, her heart dancing to the rhythm of nervous anticipation. She wrestled with the sensation, pushing it away like an unwanted whisper in the wind.

Clearing her throat, she broke the silence that had settled between them. “Kihyun... he messaged me,” she said, her voice stronger than expected. The words were an anchor, drawing Minhyuk back from his sea of thoughts. “He’s... apologizing for his actions.”

A peculiar silence enveloped the room as Minhyuk’s smile waned, his expression clouded by the mention of Kihyun’s name. His reaction was not dramatic, yet the falter in his usual composure was as telling as a shout in a library. His fingers paused their rhythmic tapping on the screen; an internal conflict washed over him, leaving a residue of discomfort she could almost feel hanging in the air.

Despite the storm brewing behind his eyes, Minhyuk chose silence. He shifted his gaze back to his phone as if seeking refuge in its glow, but his focus was no longer there, scattered by the tempest of thoughts that Kihyun’s message had stirred within him. She watched him, seeing the mask of tranquility he tried to maintain, knowing well the signs of his inner turmoil. Yet she respected his choice, offering him the space to navigate his feelings, even as her emotions churned with unsaid words and unasked questions.

“Are you planning on going home then?” He finally spoke, his words cutting through the silence that had settled heavily between them. His eyes were now back on her, and Minhyuk placed his phone down on the table, an evident sign of his attention fully turning towards her. His head was tilted slightly, a subtle cue signifying his concern’s gravity.

“Not right away,” she replied, steadying her tone. Her hands rested on the table, her fingers absently tracing the contour of her own glass. Her instinct was to remain nonchalant, to display an aura of calm despite the quickening pulse she felt within her chest. “But if I stay out too much longer, Nari will notice I’m gone. She’s… picked up on me, and Kihyun’s fighting much more. I know it’s getting to her. I don’t want to cause her more strain than our arguments already throw at her.”

Minhyuk nodded, acknowledging her words with a faint, wistful smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. The topic of Nari, her daughter, offered him a momentary diversion from the unrest brewing beneath the surface. But the question that genuinely gnawed at him refused to be pushed aside for long. “Does Kihyun know you’re here with me?” he asked, his voice holding a tinge of caution as if bracing for an answer he wasn’t sure he wanted to hear.

The question hung in the air, weighty and sincere. “Yes, he knows,” she responded after a moment, her voice a mix of pride and firm resolve. “I wouldn’t lie to my husband, even when things are tense.” She locked eyes with Minhyuk, conveying the depth of her conviction. “I love him, and when we married, we promised to always be honest with each other.”

The confession settled some of the tumult within Minhyuk, his posture relaxing ever so slightly. Yet, the mention of promises and love in marriage stirred an unfathomable emotion within him, leaving a bittersweet echo as a reminder of the complexities of their intertwined relationships.

“Do you want me to take you home?” Minhyuk asked her softly. She knew the look in his eye. She knew his relationship with her husband was a mix between strong and wavering. The on-and-off balance seemed to never want to fall on one end. Minhyuk had told her it was alright; it was like this: Kihyun was his best friend at the end of the day, and he respected their relationship. “I know your car is still at Hyungwon’s. I can’t imagine how pissed Kihyun would be if I let you take a cab home. Things… aren’t too great between us right now, either. I don’t think he was thrilled knowing you were with me, but if he cared about you enough, surely he would let this slide.”

Minhyuk’s offer, delivered in a tone gentle and laden with unspoken empathy, hung between them, both an olive branch and a veiled acknowledgment of the undercurrents in his relationship with Kihyun. The air was thick with unsaid words, and her mind couldn’t help but tread on the tender ground of curiosity, yearning to understand the fluctuating dynamics between the two men.

Yet, before she could voice her questions, Minhyuk subtly shifted the focus. He leaned back, a wry, almost resigned smile gracing his lips, betraying his intent to deflect further inquiry. “Let’s not worry about that now,” he said, a quiet undercurrent of finality lacing his words. “You’ve got enough on your plate.”

She hesitated, the taut string of her emotions fraying with each passing moment. The evident strain between Minhyuk and Kihyun pulled at her, adding weight to her already heavy heart. They were her family, yet they were cloaked in a mystery that seemed to grow deeper with every elusive glance and carefully chosen word.

Ultimately, it wasn’t the not knowing that convinced her, but the realization that Minhyuk offered a ride home and a sanctuary from the brewing storm. “Alright,” she agreed, her voice a soft concession borne of exhaustion and trust in Minhyuk’s caring nature. “Thank you, Minhyuk. I’d appreciate the ride.”

Minhyuk offered a slight nod, attempting to camouflage the relief that flickered in his eyes as he stood and moved to her side. The gesture was simple, a friend extending a helping hand, but it carried the weight of their shared history, the silent vows of protection and support that friends — that family — offered one another without a second thought.

The ride to her home was a silent journey, an unspoken agreement to let the evening quiet envelop them both. Minhyuk’s hands were steady on the wheel, his gaze fixed on the road that unwound in the dim glow of the streetlights. She sat beside him, wrapped in her own thoughts, feeling the fabric of her evening fray into contemplation and concern.

They arrived at her residence, the familiar outline of her home - their home. The same beautiful house Kihyun had promised her the night they got married. Her heart hitched at the sight of Kihyun, her husband, standing outside, his figure backlit by the porch light. His stance was patient, a quiet sentinel awaiting her return.

“This is you,” he said, the softness in his voice betraying the strength he projected. Minhyuk pulled the car to a gentle stop, the engine’s purr dwindling to silence. With a cautious glance at Kihyun, Minhyuk hit the switch to unlock the doors.

She reached for the door handle, fleeting gratitude brushing her lips as she murmured a subdued “Thank you” to Minhyuk. Stepping out of the car, she was immediately enveloped in the crisp night air, a prelude to the warmth she was about to face.

As she approached Kihyun, his expression shifted, a softening of features at the sight of his wife. It was an unguarded moment, a testament to their shared love that persisted through difficulties and strain. He pulled her into his embrace, and she melted into him, their troubles momentarily suspended in the cocoon of his arms. His lips found hers in a kiss that spoke of apology, forgiveness, and a promise to move forward together.

The door closed behind her, leaving Minhyuk alone after their departure. The silence that settled was abruptly punctuated by Kihyun’s piercing gaze. He had turned, offering Minhyuk a glance that was both a warning and a demand for understanding. It was the look of a man protecting what he layered with the complexity of friendship and the unspoken struggles only they knew.

Minhyuk acknowledged the unvoiced message with a nod, signaling respect and boundaries before Kihyun disappeared inside the home. As Minhyuk drove away, the night reclaimed its stillness, leaving him to navigate the roads and his thoughts, which were as twisted and intertwined as the streets that led him back into the loneliness of the city night.

The moment the door shut for the final time that night, Y/N turned to Kihyun, who let out a soft breath. His eyes didn’t meet hers, but she could tell by how his lips held a firm line that he was trying his hardest not to say something. His eyes finally flicked to her, his mouth holding a frown.

“Welcome home.” His voice quivered as he finally spoke, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. With a quick intake of breath, he straightened his posture, attempting to mask his vulnerability.

“Don’t, Kihyun. I’m not in the mood, so please don’t start,” she interjected sharply, sensing the tension thickening around them. She knew that pleading would only take her so far; her raw truth was bound to have consequences.

“Not in the mood?” he echoed, words laced with a sharp edge. Kihyun’s face darkened, the festering hurt bubbling to the surface as he stepped back, his embrace growing cold. “I’m left waiting, wondering if my wife will come home or spend her night confiding in my best friend and her brother — and I shouldn’t start?”

She felt the sting of his words, but her frustrations were brimming over, a tempest no less fierce than his own. “Yes, my brother,” she retorted, her voice raising in pitch, a blend of defiance and pain. “Because when I look for my husband, I find a man so entangled in his work that he can’t spare a glance for his own family!”

“You think I don’t see you? That I don’t care?” Kihyun’s voice cracked, his facade crumbling as his raw emotion spilled out. “I’m working for us — so we can have the life you deserve!”

“Deserve?” she spat back, her eyes flashing with an incendiary mix of sadness and anger. “I don’t deserve a husband so lost to his work that he becomes a stranger to me! I needed you, Kihyun. I needed my husband, not this distant... shadow that’s left in his place.”

Kihyun’s stance softened for a second, but she saw the realization, the understanding dawning on him. But it was quickly veiled by the resurgence of his defenses. Silence fell, a bitter cloak around their shoulders, and the depth of their struggle was evident in that pause. Two souls, intertwined by love and vows, were now caught in an emotional crossfire where pride and loneliness waged a relentless war.

“I don’t want an empty life filled with hollow successes and a home that feels like a waiting room,” she whispered, her words a serrated blade aimed at the heart of their issues. “I want us back, Kihyun, not this.”

“And you went to them?” Kihyun asked, voice hoarse from the struggle, a mix of accusation and hurt. He stepped towards her, a ghost of despair in his eyes.

“He’s my brother!” she reminded him fiercely. “And right now, he’s one of the few people who make me feel like I’m not alone in this — like I still matter!”

The room seemed to contract around them, the air thick with the weight of their shared sorrow, their love. What they once were falling apart around them.

Her fury rose, pain transforming into a forceful defense of her actions. “He is my blood, Kihyun! When I turn around and need someone, I find his support — not because I seek him out over you, but because he’s present and notices!” Her voice echoed through the room, fraught with her loneliness. “He’s the first person who notices when I’m down. That should be you, Kihyun! Not my brother. Not Minhyuk! You!”

Kihyun’s eyes flashed, a complex, dark glint revealing his internal struggle. “And that’s the problem, isn’t it?” he shot back, his voice cold. “That’s why Hyungwon looks at me the way he does now, with resentment, because he sees the distance between us and blames me — as if I don’t know I’m losing you both!”

“You think you’re losing us?” she fired back, incredulous, her brows knitting together as she shook her head. “We were never yours to lose, Kihyun — not possessions to be pushed aside until they better fit your schedule!” She took a shaky breath, a bitter laugh leaving her lips. “You’d know that if you weren’t so worried about numbers and figuring out when you can properly fit a vacation in your schedule.”

A bitter laugh escapes his lips, laced with desperation and a touch of madness. “And running to Minhyuk every time there’s a problem, too,” Kihyun spits out, his words like deadly arrows aimed straight for the heart. His gaze is piercing, a cold fire burning in his eyes as he accuses with venom in his voice. “What’s with that?”

She knew what he was insinuating without him having to spell it out, and the insinuation tore through her. “So, what? You think there’s something untoward going on between me and your best friend?” As if struck, she recoiled her voice a quiet tremor of hurt and outrage. “You’re so full of it, Kihyun.”

Kihyun’s stance shifted, a visible recoiling of his own, the accusation and doubts clashing tumultuously. “No,” he said, but the conviction was absent, replaced by a hollow, defeated tone, “I don’t know. I just... I don’t see. I don’t see anything anymore.”

“You’re right,” she said, her voice low, leveling her gaze at him. “You don’t see. You don’t see Nari’s longing for her daddy’s attention, for the man who promised her moons and stars but only delivers empty minutes. You don’t see that you’re not the center of my universe because you’ve chosen another galaxy to inhabit — your work.”

Her voice trembled with a mix of anger and sadness. “It’s not fair for me to carry the weight of her expectations while dealing with my heartache. You promised us, but now you’re saying that other things are more important than our life together.” She looked at him with tears in her eyes, torn between her feelings and the reality of their situation. “Kihyun, the day I married you, you promised me you’d go out of your way to get me the universe! Where is that?! If I knew that you’d be so lost in your work not even two years after being married, I would have said no.”

Kihyun’s jaw clenched, a vein throbbing in his neck as he battled emotions. “The universe?” he echoed, the words torn from somewhere deep, raw, and edged with fierce desperation. “You think I’ve forgotten? Every day, I wake up with the burden of that promise, knowing that I’m failing you, failing Nari. I’m trying to do right by us. Trying to have us not live the life we did as kids!”

His hands balled into fists at his sides, and she could almost see the walls he had built around himself as if to contain the tempest within. “Do you know how that feels? To toil and strain, to give every ounce of your being, and still fall short?”

Her expression softened momentarily, the anger giving way to the profound sorrow of seeing him so tormented. But the damage had been done, the dark whispers of doubt and fear sharpening her words again. “I never asked for the universe, Kihyun! Just a sliver of your time, your presence. That was my universe.”

“And I’m failing at that, too!” Kihyun’s voice cracked, and his soul laid bare. “But I’m trying, damn it! Can’t you see that? Everything I do, I do for you, for Nari. For our future.”

“The future is now,” she shot back, her voice heavy with the gravity of their present. “Nari is growing up now. I am living now. Our marriage is withering now. What future are you working for if it costs us our now?”

His face twisted with a heartbreaking conflict as if her words were arrows and he had no shield. “I thought it would be enough to build something lasting, something monumental. I could turn around, and there would be time to compensate for the lost moments.”

His breath shuddered, his eyes shimmering with a sheen of unshed tears. “But the sacrifice… it’s too much, isn’t it? I’ve sacrificed the wrong things.”

Their shared pain seemed to bridge the chasm between them for a heartbeat, a mournful realization of the missteps that had led them here. But the chasm was too wide, the damage too deep. The universe he had tried to deliver was collapsing, and their love struggled to survive amid the fallout. In that tumultuous space, amongst their anguished admissions, lay the true heart of their agony: the knowledge that love might not be enough to navigate through the void left by broken promises and shattered trust.

“And what of the life we have now?” she countered, her voice rising to match the pitch of her despair. “The one falling apart at the seams?”

In that heated moment, Kihyun glanced up, suddenly catching sight of a small figure on the stairway. Their daughter, Nari, stood transfixed by the scene unfolding before her. The innocence in her wide, tearful eyes struck him like a physical blow, and instantly, the defensive walls he built began to crumble as he watched as she held her stuffed rabbit close.

“Nari,” he breathed, his voice barely a thread as it reflected a new depth of his anguish.

At his exclamation, Y/N’s gaze swiftly turned to her daughter, the immediate shock freezing her in place. Nari’s eyes met hers for a heart-wrenching moment before the girl turned abruptly, a sob breaking from her as she fled back up the stairs.

Panic and parental guilt overtook the couple’s prior acrimony. They exchanged a look of shared horror, understanding that they had allowed their personal tempest to spill over onto their most precious.

Without another word, they followed in Nari’s wake, their own conflict now secondary to the need to console their child. The two of them raced up the stairs, the sound of their footsteps a stark, urgent drumming against the silence that had fallen after Nari's escape.

Reaching the top, they paused at the entrance to her room, each catching their breath from the exertion and the dire need to repair the inadvertent hurt they’d caused. Y/N’s hand hovered over the doorknob, her eyes meeting Kihyun’s — both slick with a film of regret.

She pushed the door open gently, the sight of Nari curled up on her bed, her small frame shaking with sobs, piercing their hearts like a dagger. The room, usually a sanctuary of laughter, now held a heavy air of something lost, something broken.

“Nari, baby,” Kihyun said, stepping forward, his voice strained yet tender as he reached for their daughter. But Nari recoiled, burrowing deeper into her pillows and stuffed animals fortress, her tear-streaked face turned away.

Y/N moved closer, sitting on the edge of the bed. She smoothed back Nari’s hair, whispering soothing words. “Honey, we’re so sorry. You shouldn’t have seen that or heard any of it.”

Nari’s cries began to subside, her parents’ presence a balm to her fright and confusion. Kihyun knelt beside the bed, his heart aching with the echo of each of Nari’s sniffles. “Your mom and I, we... we love you so much. More than anything in this, or any universe.”

The moment was delicately poised; the air seemed to hold its breath. Y/N reached out, intertwining her fingers with Kihyun’s, a silent act of solidarity in their shared purpose. She offered a wobbly smile to Nari, the gentle humor behind it a frail attempt to dispel the shadows.

“Look at us, sweetheart,” she said softly, the tremble in her tone belying her calm exterior. “We’re a bit of a mess, aren’t we?”

“Are you... are you going to get a divorce?” The question was a whisper but boomed like thunder in the room’s stillness. Nari sniffled, a faint hiccup breaking through as her gaze shifted between her parents, perhaps searching for the stability that had seemed so shaken.

Kihyun’s hand tightened around Y/N’s, grounding them both. “Oh, Nari,” he murmured, his voice a brush of sound, “No, that’s not what we want. We were just... We need to work through things, but we’re still a team. Your mom and I, we’re going to fix this. I love your mother very much. I even vowed to her the day we got married to cherish her through everything. Your old father… he’s made some mistakes. But I’m going to fix that.”

His eyes, dark and earnest, met Y/N’s, seeking unspoken forgiveness for the shared hurt they had caused their daughter. Y/N nodded, silently echoing his promise.

“Sometimes adults get upset, and we say things we don’t mean,” Y/N explained, her voice laced with sorrow for the innocence that had been momentarily blemished. “But we love you, and that love? It’s stronger than any argument or any problem. We just forgot for a little moment, that’s all.”

Nari hiccuped again, her eyes brimming with hope and lingering uncertainty. “Promise?” The single word was laden with the weight of a child’s entire world.

“We promise,” Kihyun and Y/N said in unison, their voices melding into a singular balm for Nari’s heart.

“Nari,” Y/N spoke up, her heart slightly heavy as she rubbed her daughter’s back, “Where did you hear that? That word shouldn’t be something you know.”

Nari’s little body stilled within the encircling fortress of her parents’ arms. She pulled back slightly, a brave face attempting to overshadow her quivering lip. With a tiny hand, she swept at the tears that triumphed over her lashes, an earnest effort to appear composed.

“I... I heard Lia talking about it,” Nari sniffled, the name of her close friend surfacing among the remnants of her tears. “Her parents argue a lot, too. She said they were getting a divorce, meaning she might have to move away.” Nari’s next breath shuddered. “And I got scared because what if—”

Y/N shared a heavy glance with Kihyun; the unspoken fear that their domestic storms might uproot their daughter’s sense of safety was now painfully spoken aloud. She pulled Nari close once again, cradling her daughter’s face in the warm sanctuary of her palms.

“Oh, honey,” Y/N murmured, her voice threaded with care and subtle strength. “What’s happening with Lia’s family — it’s sad, and it’s okay to be scared. But every family has their own story, and ours is different.”

Kihyun nodded, firm in his conviction, adding, “Just like Lia is your good friend, your mom and I are the best friends, too. And even though we argue sometimes, we always find our way back to each other. We will find our way through this. Together.”

Tiny fingers clung to Y/N’s sleeves, Nari’s wide eyes lifted towards her, a flicker of hope reigniting within their depths. “So... we’re not like Lia’s family?” she asked, seeking assurance more than anything else.

“No, baby, we’re not,” Y/N affirmed, her voice quiet but resolute. “We love each other too much, and we love you even more.” She exchanged a glance with Kihyun, whose presence was a silent oath to the truth in her words. “We have our challenges, but we’ll face them as a family and overcome them as one.”

The subtle wisdom in their words seemed to settle over the room. While the shadows of doubt might take time to dispel entirely, the love within their familial embrace was a testament to their commitment. This promise held more weight than any uncertainty could shake.

Nari’s eyes, still glistening from the remnants of her tears, searched Kihyun’s, seeking the comfort of words and the assurance of action. “Does this mean you’ll be home more?” she asked with a hopeful lilt, a hint of yearning betraying her wishful thinking. “I miss it when you’re home. When you tell me bedtime stories, when we eat dinner together... when we make pancakes on Sunday mornings.”

Kihyun felt the sting of her words; they were an innocent recounting of his absences, a tally of the small moments that made up a young life in which he had been a spectator more often than he preferred. “I miss that too, Nari, very much.”

He reached out, brushing away a stray tear with a thumb, his heart tightening at her soft vulnerability. “I know I’ve been away a lot. Work has kept me busy, but that’s no excuse. You’re my little girl, my star, and I want to be there for all those moments. I promise I’ll be there. For the stories, dinners, pancake mornings... For everything.”

Y/N watched the exchange, the healing words spoken by Kihyun weaving into the very fabric of their small family. She felt a warm glow inside her chest—a mix of love and tentative optimism. “And I’ll help make sure he sticks to that promise,” she added with a playful wink at Kihyun, eliciting a sniffled giggle from Nari.

In a movement brimming with tenderness, Kihyun scooped Nari into his arms, lifting her like the lightest feather. “How about I start tonight? We can pick out a book, and I’ll read until your eyes are heavy with sleep.”

Nari’s smile was a sunrise, brightening the dimmed room, her earlier fears dissipating like mist in the warmth of her father’s pledge and her mother’s love. “And tomorrow,” she said, excitement lacing her words, “can we make pancakes?”

“We can make enough pancakes to feed an army,” Kihyun laughed, the sound rich and full of life’s promise.

Y/N, a silent observer to the exchange, felt something stir within her — a cautious hope that perhaps they could turn a new leaf, one where the family came before all else. She gave her daughter a soft squeeze, her silent promise to ensure Kihyun kept his word.

Kihyun’s gaze lingered on Y/N for a moment longer, acknowledging her unspoken words before he turned his attention to Nari. “Let’s find that storybook, shall we?” he said, and Nari bobbed her head, her chestnut hair bouncing with the movement.

With Kihyun and Nari nestled under the duvet, their heads close together as they flipped through her favorite fairy tale pages, Y/N quietly exited the room. She made her way through the dimly lit hallway, allowing herself a moment to gather her thoughts and brave the swell of emotions that had threatened to engulf her throughout the day. She took deep breaths, steadying herself for the discussion she knew was yet to come.

Minutes slipped by, filled with the low, melodic cadence of Kihyun’s storytelling from the other room. Nari’s light and free laughter floated through the walls, a testament to a father’s love and the healing powers of time spent together.

Finally, the gentle creak of the bedroom door announced Kihyun’s return. He found Y/N seated on their bed, her silhouette framed by the soft lamplight. The air between them was thick, full with things unsaid and deeds yet undone.

“Her laughter—it’s the best sound,” Kihyun started, but Y/N cut him off, her voice firm but weary.

“Kihyun, you made promises tonight. To Nari, to me. Promises I expect you to keep.” Y/N’s eyes held a storm of emotions, a testament to the battles she’d been silently waging. “I’m struggling, Kihyun. Struggling to keep up this facade that everything is fine for Nari’s sake, and you... you’re pulling away when we need you most.”

The room, draped in shadows and the soft luminescence of the bedside lamp, seemed to shrink with the tension that those words carried. Kihyun stood there, the joy of Nari’s laughter from moments ago now replaced by a tightness in his chest. His love for Y/N was unwavering, but the fear of losing her — of losing this family he cherished — clawed at him, demanding to be confronted.

“I’m not pulling away,” he said, the edge in his voice betraying his defensiveness. “I’m trying, damn it, I’m trying. You think I don’t know how hard this has been on you?”

Y/N inhaled sharply, her composure fraying. “Trying isn’t enough! You have to be here, really be here with us, not just going through the motions. I feel alone in this, Kihyun,” her admission was soft-spoken yet held a weight that filled the entire space between them. “Your job has taken priority over us. I missed the man who would rather cut his day short to be with me. To spend time with me while our baby was still in my belly. I miss the partner who would prioritize our family over work. Kihyun, I need you.”

Silence fell upon the room as the words hung in the air, each syllable inflicting hurt. For a heartbeat, Kihyun was at a loss; the prospect of his wife’s loneliness — seeded by his own shortcomings — left him feeling both mad and worried. He was Mad at himself for letting it get this far and genuinely concerned that he could lose her if he didn’t make real changes.

Finally, Kihyun closed the distance between them. He reached for Y/N’s hands, taking them into his own as a gesture of reconciliation. “I... I can’t bear the thought of being without you, without Nari. I’ve been so caught up in making a living I forgot to make a life with you both.”

Tears shimmered in Y/N’s eyes, a mix of frustration and the first twinges of hope. “Kihyun, I don’t want to walk this path without you, but I can’t do it alone. We’re supposed to be partners.”

His voice broke as he pulled her into a hug, the kind that sought to mend what had frayed at the edges. “No more excuses,” he whispered.

Kihyun’s barely audible whisper was heavy with the gravity of his understanding. The silent tremors of his body against hers communicated more than words ever could — the depth of his regret and his promise’s earnestness.

Y/N’s arms hesitantly wrapped around him, her touch tentative as if she feared that too firm a grip might shatter the fragile moment. Her voice was a ghost of sound, almost lost in the canvas of night. “I believe that you want to change, Kihyun, I do. But it has to be more than just a promise. Actions, not just words.”

He could feel the resolve in her voice, the unyielding intent of a woman who had weathered storms and stood her ground. Kihyun pulled back slightly, just enough to search her eyes, which were pools reflecting his commitment to reformation. “I know that, Y/N. And you’re right. You and Nari deserve better from me, and I’ll give you nothing less. I’ll make it my priority.”

Y/N released a breath she hadn’t realized she’d held, her heart wanting fiercely to lean into the hope that spread beneath her ribs like the first blush of dawn. But part of her guarded that hope shielded it with a caveat born of past disappointments.

“You have to, Kihyun,” she said, her words a quiet ultimatum laced with the last strands of her patience. “I can’t... I won’t keep picking up the pieces on my own. If we’re thrown aside again — if I’m thrown aside — I can’t stay. Not like this.”

Kihyun felt the sting of her words, an ache that threatened to constrict his throat. The envisioned future — a bleak landscape devoid of her and Nari’s smiles — propelled him into fervency. “I understand. I do. That won’t happen. I’ll put you both first. I’ll be the husband and the father you both need.” With a gentle smile, Kihyun whispered words that echoed with sincerity, “Together, we will weather any storm.”

He wiped away any stray tears that fell from her face, his face now full of love. She knew his walls had crumbled the moment Nari caught their ugly argument. She had hoped for their daughters sake those walls would remain down for as long as they were alive.

“Why don’t you get ready for bed. I’ll shoot a quick message to everyone and cancel all my meetings tomorrow so we can have a nice day out. Maybe we can head to Jeju for the day. Whatever you and Nari want to do, I’ll make it happen.”

Y/N felt a flicker of surprise and guarded elation at his words, her heart daring to hope that things might actually be different this time. His eyes, open and earnest, were windows to the vulnerability he rarely showed anymore. His determination to prioritize their family was not just a temporary dam against the flood of emotions but a foundational change in the architecture of his priorities.

“Jeju sounds wonderful,” Y/N nodded, her voice soft but carrying an undercurrent of cautious optimism. The idea of a family outing was like a tentative step on a new path, their own winding road toward healing.

Kihyun reached for his phone, moving with purpose, his thumbs flying across the screen as he sent the necessary messages to clear his schedule — a tangible first step that Y/N witnessed. This small yet significant olive branch signaled his commitment to their future.

Their eyes met again, and the air hummed with the quiet but fervent promise of new beginnings. As Kihyun’s lips upturned into a hopeful smile, Y/N allowed herself a moment of reprieve from the guarded walls she had built around her heart.

“It’s a new day tomorrow for all of us,” he said, embracing the dual promise of daylight and the laughter of the ones he loved most. Kihyun nodded, his heart lighter with every canceled meeting, a symbolic shedding of the weights that had previously shackled him to a life out of balance.

“I’ll go get ready for bed,” she murmured, lifting her gaze to his just once more before retreating to the sanctity of their bedroom. Her eyes caught a glimpse of his screen, which showed Minhyuk’s name. Her heart skipped a beat, and a mix of curiosity and uncertainty washed over her. She could only hope his message was an apology.

After all, Minhyuk was his best friend.

#kvanity #monsta x imagines #monsta x series #monsta x fanfic #monsta x fake texts #kihyun series #kihyun social media au #minhyuk x reader #minhyuk series #minhyuk imagines #kihyun x reader #minhyuk social media au

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iibonniee · 1 year ago

Text

Sweetest Devil Chapter One

Pairing: MafiaBoss!Minhyuk x Fem!Reader

Genre: Mafia AU

Rating: M

Chapter Warnings: threatening, mentions of violence

Word Count: 4.9k

Masterlist | Tags: @scuzmunkie

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows through the partially closed bedroom curtains and creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. A cool breeze whispered through the city’s narrow streets, carrying with it the faint scent of smoke and anticipation that managed to make its way between the barely shut window and into the spacious bedroom. In this darkness, the clandestine world of organized crime thrived, hidden beneath the surface of law and order.

Closely intertwined with the planned economy, there existed a vast underground economy comprising a spectrum of semi-legal and simply illegal activities involving state enterprises and households.

At the heart of this underworld stood Lee Minhyuk, a man shrouded in mystery and power. His iron grip stretched far and wide, his influence penetrating every facet of the city’s affairs. His reach knew no bounds, from the black market to the political arena. With caution in the enforcement of the criminal code slackening and the severity of punishment meted out softening, members of the nomenclature became, in association with organized crime, more and more involved in the underground economy, tapping a source of extra income and wealth. Misuse of privileges and power for personal enrichment, bribery, corruption, and economic criminality became commonplace among the ruling elite.

Everything was always easy for Minhyuk. Everything was handed to him on a golden plate, feeding well into the world of privilege from a young age due to the stature and status of his father. His father, a prominent businessman, was the owner of a massive corporation, which served as a successful front for his actual operations within the mafia. The front of a well-known and highly respected company shadowed the illegal activities under its name.

Minhyuk grew up in a castle of denials. The days revolved around high-society engagements, elite schooling, and a future tied to a flourishing corporate legacy. Still, the flashes of raw power, the late-night secretive meetings, and the silenced whispers hinted at the reality hidden beneath their opulent lifestyle.

As Minhyuk matured and began to grasp the dual aspects of his father’s world, a sense of ambition and thirst for power started growing within him. However, it was not simply a handed-down legacy he desired but a footprint he yearned to create, his own legacy built on the foundation of power, fear, and respect.

And fear he created.

It was all too easy for Minhyuk. Everything was all planned and calculated the moment his father spoke to him while he was on his deathbed. Each plan was written in fine ink, ready to be put into play when given the proper chance.

His manipulation of the power dynamics within the city was masterful, and instilling fear within his enemies became an integral part of his strategy. With the resources of the massive corporation at his disposal and a network of loyal individuals bred in the dog-eat-dog ethos of the mafia, he devised viably sinister ways of marking his territory. Word soon spread about the consequences of crossing paths with the young corporation leader, chilling tales that were sure to make even the most seasoned criminals think twice.

He mastered the art of psychological warfare by using calculated and detailed plans. He would watch and study his enemies, understanding their habits, weaknesses, and fears. He was the proverbial hunter, lurking in the shadows, observing his prey before making a move.

His preferred methodology was not necessarily immediate physical harm. Instead, he found joy in the slow dance of fear, letting his enemies sleep with the constant dread of an impending strike. He would leave his signature marks on their daily lives in places they wouldn’t expect, indicating that he was close, watching, and waiting. This induced paranoia turned their lives into a continuous nightmare, always fearful of when and where Minhyuk would strike next.

However, he was confident when the right time came to take action. It was a combination of cruelty and precision. Strikes would occur when they were least expected, ensuring the maximum psychological impact. He chose methods that would not just physically impair but that were designed to break the spirit.

His rule was a chess game, with every piece moving according to his plan and every opponent dancing to his tune. The dominion of fear was his kingdom, and he commanded it with awe-inspiring ease. He would only accept a deal if he knew everything about the company involved—its ins and outs, strengths and weaknesses. His knowledge of the workings of other companies was extensive. Beyond their financial statements and market position, he found a way to learn their most guarded secrets and their most critical vulnerabilities.

He could easily take a company out if he cut off its lifelines, manipulated its networks, and turned its strengths into weaknesses. He could orchestrate the downfall of any entity he set in his sights. Whether it was a hostile takeover in the boardroom or a quietly executed maneuver in the market, he could crumble an empire with just a word or a pen stroke.

So he was ready when the call came from his rival, Taehyung. Taehyung might have been the head of a formidable empire. Still, Minhyuk saw only z chessboard, with his pieces primed for the checkmate. To Taehyung, it was a call for negotiation. Still, to Minhyuk, who had long since been studying Taehyung’s empire inside and out, it was an open invitation to initiate his detailed plan of destruction.

The phrase “making a deal with the devil” has a chilling resonance in the world that Minhyuk commanded. His peers were all too aware that entering a pact with him was a dangerous game. Minhyuk’s endgame was never in doubt: total dominance and the scent of fear lingering in the air. Whether it was in gleaming corporate boardrooms or murky underworld meetings, the name Minhyuk spelled a silent, impending doom.

He fostered relationships only to exploit them; he formed alliances only to break them when the odds turned in his favor. His uncanny talent to predict market trends, control financial ebbs, and anticipate his competitor’s moves underlined the fear he commanded. His rival firms understood the cost of crossing paths with him, for his punishments were legendary, as severe as they were swift, inducing a sense of living peril in those who dared to defy him.

No one dared to retaliate, for the rising tide of fear was overwhelming. This was Minhyuk’s world, his rules, and his game. When the word ‘deal’ was mentioned in association with Minhyuk, it signified not negotiation but surrender, not partnership but submission. Such was his reputation that even the audacious and resilient were wary, for they knew that those who danced with the devil eventually got burned. Every deal was a masterstroke in his favor, and each chess move brought him closer to absolute domination, upholding his reign of fear and power.

After all, everyone knew that their company was practically his once they made a deal with Minhyuk.

The transfer of power was subtle yet absolute. Their independent operations would gradually be infused with Minhyuk’s influence until his dominion became inevitable. They were, in effect, handing over the keys of their empire to him, subdued by his power dynamics and shaken by his ruthless strategies.

Over the span of a year, Minhyuk’s influence began to grow at a pace few could match. As each month passed, so did the transfer of yet another company under his rule. Companies, once rivals, turned to allies, then gradually turned into chess pieces in his grand game of corporate warfare.

What started as fear turned into an uncontested rule of Minhyuk over most of the business empire in the city. And to those who thought they could weather the storm without repercussions, time soon revealed that none could evade the expanding shadow of Minhyuk’s influence. His strategic and relentless pursuit of dominance rendered him an irresistible force, and he rose quickly with an authority that was impossible to deny or defy. The trail left in his wake was one marked with the remnants of fallen empires and thriving ones that now bore his brand.

Accepting a deal with Minhyuk was a surrender to his rule and a testament to his strategy of control, a silent acknowledgment of the reality that had come to be: the reign of Minhyuk.

That was why when Minhyuk got the call from Taehyung, someone he had been studying for far too long, slowly watching in the darkness how his company slowly crumbled around him, he was far too thrilled to deny the chance at taking what should be his.

He remembered it as a meeting where Taehyung, once a fiery competitor, begged for help. His rival’s empire was teetering on the brink, collapsing under its own weight, and Taehyung was desperate to save it. He didn’t realize that by inviting Minhyuk in, he was unwittingly accelerating his own downfall.

At this meeting, he met Y/N, a sharp-witted, stern-faced individual who avoided hiding her disdain for him. From the first moment, Y/N’s eyes made it clear she was unimpressed and semi-aware of his reputation. But Minhyuk was enticed. For the first time in a long time, someone dared to challenge him and dared to look him in the eye without flinching. Y/N sparked a thrill within him that he hadn’t felt in a long time—an exciting prospect of a chase.

His fascination with Y/N, however, didn’t distract him. For him, this meeting was a clear indicator of the scope of his victory. It reinforced his belief in an inevitable future where Taehyung’s company wasn’t just allied with him but firmly within his grasp, yet another chess piece in his grand scheme.

He had plans for her. He knew all too well the type of relationship Taehyung had with her. He was there to break that, too.

The moment the large oak doors shut behind him was when Minhyuk’s dark eyes met Taehyungs for the first time. Minhyuk didn’t try to hide the wicked grin slowly inching his face. Taehyung had signed off on the rights to what he and his family had built when he called Minhyuk.

Minhyuk waited a second longer, letting the silence permeate the room, emphasizing his superiority, before he finally leaned back, steeping his fingers in front of him.

“Here’s what I propose,” he began, his tone taking on a deadly serious edge. “Your company has potential, but it is sinking fast. I can provide the necessary resources to keep it afloat. In return, 70% of the profits go into my corporation. You can keep the remaining 20%.”

Taehyung whitened at the figures, but before he could voice his protests, Minhyuk cut him off, his voice icy calm. “I understand it might sound extreme, but let’s be honest. 20% of something is better than 100% of nothing. Besides, it’s your only viable option unless you want to witness the final collapse of your empire.”

The room fell silent again, the hidden threat hanging heavy in the air. Minhyuk continued, “One last thing, Taehyung. You attempt to cross me even once; you try to stab me in the back, and you will soon grasp the reality of regret. This is not an alliance of equals. You came to me. Remember that.”

Faced with the stark reality of his situation, Taehyung nodded his understanding. The look in his eyes had shifted from desperation to resignation; the reality of his impending loss was settling in. His empire was on the brink of becoming another pawn in Minhyuk’s game. The reign of Minhyuk had crept closer, consuming his world.

“Do we have a deal, Taehyung?”

“Well, under the circumstances, it appears I have little choice but to say yes-” he started, trying to inject some confidence into his voice with a snide remark on the tip of his tongue. Taehyung swallowed uncertainly, his bravado fading fast under Minhyuk’s unwavering gaze.

But Minhyuk quickly cut him off, his icy stare boring holes into Taehyung. “This is not the time for your wit, Taehyung. Do we have a deal or not?” His tone was chillingly calm, a stark contrast to the underlying threat his words carried. “Or else I will just walk away and watch you fall with your terrible company. After all, it will make more room for me to grow.”

Humbled, Taehyung took a deep breath and sullenly responded. “Yes, we have a deal.”

The reins of his once-thriving empire were being handed over to his rival, Minhyuk, and the price this alliance would cost was not lost on him. His snarkiness was a luxury he could no longer afford. As the reality of his situation sank in, Taehyung could feel the walls of his world crumbling under the reign of Minhyuk.

But Minhyuk was never stupid. Minhyuk knew the second he walked out of the doors, Taehyung would stab him in the back when given the right time. It didn’t take long for it to happen. Taehyung had thought he was smart with his actions, believing that Minhyuk was unaware of the underhand dealings he was scheming. Taehyung underestimated Minhyuk once again.

Minhyuk’s network was vast and wide, and whispers of Taehyung’s treachery reached him quickly. Hidden sources and embedded spies in strategic positions were all orchestrated to monitor Taehyung’s every move. Such subterfuge was pitiful, child’s play to Minhyuk. Minhyuk was aware of every whispered agreement in shadowy corners, veiled threat, and secret alliance Taehyung attempted to forge.

Unbeknownst to Taehyung, his betrayal was not a surprise but an awaited step in Minhyuk’s grand design. As he continued weaving the illusion of getting away with his actions, Minhyuk watched. But just as Taehyung had a knife aimed at his back, Minhyuk was ready with an entire artillery. With each passing day, as Taehyung sunk deeper into his deception, Minhyuk meticulously laid out his countermeasures. The impending downfall of Taehyung’s empire was merely a matter of time.

The dawn broke through the horizon as the sun began its daily ascent, slowly but determinedly painting the sky with orange, red, and pink hues. The chilly morning breeze danced through the open windows, carrying the sweet, tantalizing scent of blooming flowers from the courtyard. In these quiet, tranquil moments of dawn, the world seemed still, almost at peace.

Minhyuk, already busy since the sun started to rise, took a moment to appreciate the scenic transition from moonlight to sunrise before his concentration was interrupted. Three harsh knocks on his room door echoed in the still morning air, an important sound not lost on him. He knew what those three harsh knocks meant.

Instinctively, he put down his work, knowing that the rhythm of those knocks signaled urgent matters. Changkyun entered, holding a tablet tightly in his hands. His face was tense, lips pressed into a thin line, and eyes filled with a seriousness that immediately erased any notions of tranquility Minhyuk enjoyed a moment ago.

“You need to see this,” Changkyun said gravely, nudging the tablet in front of Minhyuk.

Even before Changkyun uttered another word, Minhyuk could see that it was something serious. His heart pounding in his ears, he took the tablet into his hands and pressed play.

The video started playing—silently, in black and white. It was grainy and shaky but unmistakably Taehyung. He was darting his eyes left and right as though checking for any watchers, and then he slipped into a building with a man Minhyuk recognized as one of his own associates.

“There’s audio, too.” Changkyun hinted, and Minhyuk turned the volume up. The incriminating conversation left no room for misunderstandings or assumptions. Taehyung was plotting against him and trying to sway his loyal personnel.

Bitter fury surged through his veins as he processed the video. The tranquil morning was tainted now, replaced with the harsh reality of the day. Minhyuk looked up at Changkyun, anger in his eyes but determination etched into his features, “It’s time I paid Taehyung a visit.”

Minhyuk’s entrance was as authoritative as his presence. The oak doors echoed a resounding bang as he thrust them open, their magnificence untamed, mirroring his determination. The Study, bathed in a subdued morning light, seemed engulfed in an uncanny silence, a sharp contrast to the storm that was about to unleash.

The absence of Taehyung’s secretary was evident, a small element that didn’t escape Minhyuk’s notice. A smirk played at the edges of his lips. This was confirmation, confirmation that his visit was indeed causing a ripple.

His eyes, blazing with fury, slowly took in the details of the room, eventually resting on Taehyung. Seated at his sprawling desk, Taehyung looked up - the interruption unexpected.

Taehyung’s initial surprise flickered into recognition as he met Minhyuk’s dark gaze. The foreboding look - burning, intense, burdened with accusation - made Taehyung stiffen subtly.

The tension, thick and tangible, enveloped the room. Added to the deafening silence that filled the air, the atmosphere felt palpable and ominous. It was clear - peace wouldn’t be a guest here for long.

“You know, when I make a second visit, it usually leads to the other party with a bullet in their head and the full fall of their company,” Minhyuk began, slowly walking towards Taehyung’s desk. “You can explain yourself to me right now, and I may find it within myself to forgive you, or I can watch you make up some sort of shitty lie to try to excuse this.”

A tablet crashed onto the desk, causing the silence to scatter for a fleeting moment as Minhyuk sat across from him. The playback immediately shows Taehyung in a confidential conversation with one of Minhyuk’s employees. The voices were hushed, but the audio was crystal clear.

The sharp intake of breath from Taehyung gave away his surprise at being confronted with undeniable proof of his deceit. Minhyuk looked at him, his gaze piercing and full of scorn.

“Play your game, Taehyung, and let’s see how far these lies carry you,” he said, his tone loaded with pure contempt. The threat, while implicit, was clear. This was not an idle visit. It was a reckoning. “If you think I wasn’t aware the second you tried going behind my back, you’re wrong. If you think I was stupid not to notice that I was only getting 65%, I can assure you, you’re wrong.”

Taehyung couldn’t help but let out a chuckle, a sound all the more sinister given the tense atmosphere. He met Minhyuk’s gaze squarely, not a sliver of fear in his eyes. “You always were a smart one, Minhyuk,” he mused, his voice steady as he leaned back in his chair.

“But here’s where you’re mistaken,” Taehyung continued, his grin striking a sharp contrast with his chilling words. “I never once thought you pointless. On the contrary, I counted on it.” His gaze held Minhyuk’s, his tone calm as he played with the edge of a silver pen. “Make no mistake, Minhyuk. I didn’t steal from you out of desperation. I did it because I knew I could.”

His defiant laughter echoed through the room, the sound as chilling as his cold, calculated gaze. His words held an audacious certainty, a cocky defiance that suggested he was not scared of his reveal. “So let’s continue this little game of ours, Minhyuk. After all, the grand finale is always the most thrilling part.”

Minhyuk’s expression turned cold, a silent warning to Taehyung. “Do consider this,” he began, every word laced with an ice-cold venom. “That grand finale of yours might not be as thrilling as you think if all you have left is a scorched empire.”

He leaned forward, giving Taehyung a piercing look that could cut through the hardest of stones. “Your bravado seems to have blinded you to the truth of your situation. Would I let something like that be brushed under a rug? My involvement in your company was the best thing that happened to it. And your games? They gave me the perfect reason to back away.”

Minhyuk straightened in his chair, his eyes never leaving Taehyung’s as he slowly smirked, playing his cards perfectly well. “I have enough information to expose every shady detail of your operations to the public. I could watch your empire crumble from up close or from afar. And you know I’m capable of both.”

The room fell ominously silent. The grin on Taehyung’s face vanished as he began to comprehend the gravity of his situation. His playful demeanor began to fade, replaced with a desperate realization. As the meaning of Minhyuk’s words settled, the audacious, fearless man was reduced to silence. A silence that spoke volumes.

“So I’m going to be generous just this once because I find it awfully amusing that you think you can get your way. I’ll continue to help your shitty company, but in return, I now get 95% of your earnings, and your secretary is mine.”

Minhyuk’s words seemed to echo in the room, reverberating off the sleek marble floors and the imposing bookshelves lined with countless achievements of Taehyung’s ill-gained empire. The silence followed was heavy, hanging in the air with a tangible presence, like the calm before a storm.

The sudden shift in the atmosphere was startling. Gone was the cocky playfulness that had so far characterized Taehyung’s demeanor. Instead, what followed was a quiet realization, dread seeping into his eyes that had once held defiant certainty. His proud posture slumped, his gaze dropping to the floor, unable to bear the weight of Minhyuk’s piercing gaze.

Minhyuk went to sit in the high-back leather chair, an arm casually draped over the armrest, his expression calm but his eyes displaying an evident victory. Not a word was uttered, but the message was clear. His proposition was not up for negotiation.

“Consider it as a small price to pay for the grand finale,” Minhyuk added after what felt like an eternity, breaking the silence. His gaze flickered to the grand chandelier hanging above, its crystal droplets reflecting the dim lighting of the room, then back to Taehyung. “Or, if you prefer, enjoying your last day in this office. I can picture-”

“Wait,” Taehyung’s voice hit the air sharply, like an arrow slicing through the tense atmosphere. The casual mention of Y/N had him now on high alert. His demeanor shifted, desperation tinging his voice. “Y/N has nothing to do with this!”

Minhyuk laughed, his low laughter echoing tauntingly in the room. “Oh, but she does,” he said, the glint in his eyes accentuating the chandelier’s dim light. “She’s your right hand, isn’t she? Someone, it seems you go to a lot. Losing her would hurt.”

Taehyung clenched his fists, his earlier cockiness replaced by a determined fierceness. “You can take my earnings, Minhyuk. Take 99% if you want, but keep Y/N out of this!”

But Minhyuk only shook his head, his entire demeanor radiating finality as he looked Taehyung directly in the eye. “Ninety-five percent of your earnings, and Y/N works for me. That’s not up for negotiation, Taehyung.” His words rang out, the final note of a song that signaled the beginning of the end for Taehyung’s reign. The end of his dialogue leaves the room held high in oppressive silence. “Either way, she’ll be working with me. It’s completely up to you where you find yourself in this spot.”

Taehyung sat there, forcibly trying to swallow back his anger as he processed Minhyuk’s final words. His defiance slowly gave way to a cold resignation. He knew he had no cards left to play. Minhyuk had trapped him in a corner, and all paths led to the same outcome.

With a defeated sigh, he managed a nod, the action almost imperceptible. “Fine,” he murmured, the word tasting bitter on his tongue. “Y/N... Y/N works for you.” His voice felt hoarse, threatening to crack. He could barely meet Minhyuk’s gaze as he admitted his defeat. “You win.”

Minhyuk’s face broke into a cruel smirk, a gleam of satisfaction twinkling in his eyes.

“Great!” he chimed, clapping his hands together. “I’m glad we could come to an agreement.” He leaned back in his chair, gazing at Taehyung with unwavering confidence. “Call her in, tell her it’s important. Then, fire her.” His voice was icy as he instructed Taehyung, devoid of any empathy or regret. “If you say anything about our little deal... I’ll fucking kill you.”

This was a game, and Minhyuk was savoring his victory.

Minhyuk’s words rang in the silence that hung heavily for a moment. Minhyuk was precisely where he needed to be. He could read Taehyung’s face so easily.

Straightening his suit, Minhyuk strode confidently out of the office, his neat footsteps echoing softly against the marble floor. He slipped out into the cool embrace of the outdoors, the early evening air crisp and fresh. Retrieving his phone from his pocket, nimble digits typed in a number he knew by heart—a contact he rarely called but one that held significant importance to his plans.

“Everything’s in place,” his voice was assured, filled with the finality their agreement held, as he indulged in a brief conversation. His eyes flicked towards the grand building he had just exited, his lips twisting into a satisfied smirk. This brief respite, secretive in nature, only served to fuel his sense of anticipation. “Make sure you are always a step ahead. I can’t have you slacking on me.”

The call ended briskly, leaving only the faint hum of the city around him. His thumb scanned over the illuminated screen before submerging his device back into the safety of his pocket. The gears had been set in motion—all there was left was to savor the unraveling of his carefully woven plan.

Upon re-entering the building, Minhyuk noticed a fresh presence. Y/N, Taehyung’s secretary, had finally arrived at the office. Taehyung, upon her arrival, had promptly pulled her into his office, closing the door behind them.

With a dismissive shrug, Minhyuk moved to Y/N’s vacated desk, lowering himself into her seat. He glanced around briefly before his gaze landed on her personal phone, left unattended on the polished wooden surface. An unbidden smirk curled on his lips as he reached for it—snooping wasn’t usually his style, but the situation demanded a bit of dirty play from him. As he began to skim through her files and messages, his smirk only grew wider as he read her incoming messages.

Upon the distinct sound of the office door creaking open and resonating shut with an echoing thud, Minhyuk lifted his gaze. His eyes locked onto Y/N, who had just entered the room, her face etched with surprise upon detecting an unexpected presence. A slow, treacherous smirk crept its way onto Minhyuk’s face as he reclined leisurely in Y/N’s usually occupied seat, the creak of the leather chair blending seamlessly with the palpable tension.

Minhyuk gave a low chuckle, his eyes glinting with amusement as he tapped onto her phone. “Your phone has been going off like crazy. Your friend Joohyun wants to know where you went, and Kihyun... he wanted to know where you went too.” He narrated with a teasing grin, his voice carrying a deceptively smooth charm.

Her retort was instantaneous, the sharpness of her delivery slicing through the tension like an icy dagger. “Fuck you,” she spat out, enunciating each word with a venom that only heightened his amusement. Her face was hardened, and her teeth gritted together in a mix of defiance and infuriation.

As she marched over with hurried steps, Minhyuk met her with a smirk. She reached for her phone and kept it in his possession, but much to her surprise, he had other plans. His grip latched onto her wrist, a vice-like hold preventing her from pulling away. His eyes didn’t waver from her surprised expression.

“I think you should be nice to your new boss, Y/N. After all, I could be leaving you to fend for yourself. Business is an ugly thing.” He advised smoothly. His tone was cold, laced with a chilling sincerity.

The more she tugged, the tighter his grasp grew in response. It was a silent but potent display of his seriousness.

“You’re hurting me…” she murmured, her voice reduced to a mere whisper.

“And you hurt me when you don’t respect me.” he countered, his gaze boring into hers.

Releasing her abruptly, he watched the quick flicker of her eyes. He could see her check for any residue of his harsh grip - any bruise he might have left - with a mixture of fear and relief on her face when she found none.

“I’ll see you Monday at 8,” he spoke nonchalantly, shifting his focus back onto her. “Do not be late.”

Minhyuk’s face transformed into a triumphant smirk as he watched her storm off, her swift strides punctuated with righteous anger. He continued to watch as she disappeared into the elevator, the soft ding of its arrival doing nothing to dissipate the stiff silence left in her wake. The swiftly closing doors served as a temporary barrier, obstructing their shared visual tête-à-tête. Yet the intensity of her piercing glare was etched vividly in his mind.

Once he was left alone in the gently humming silence of the now-empty office, he withdrew his phone from his pocket. His fingers danced swiftly over the keys, composing a succinct message to an anonymous recipient. ‘You better keep an eye on her,’ he typed, his smirk never leaving his lips as he dispatched the message into the digital ether. Minhyuk was content with the knowledge that his plan was smoothly unfolding, step by step, inevitably.

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