𝒮ℴ𝓊𝓁𝓂𝒶𝓉ℯ𝓈 | 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝓈𝓊𝓃ℊ |

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉ℯ𝓇 XXVII

"Welcome back son", his father said in the warmest tone he could muster up, going in for an awkward hug as soon as Minho stepped into the castle-like mansion. "It's good to be back father", Minho clenched his jaw, giving a forced smile. It took 3 long years for Minho to finally convince that man he was on his side, and in doing so, Minho had to do things that gave him nightmares to this day. "How was it handling international branches?", the man asked, walking over to one of the living rooms. "It went alright, but I'd prefer handling the ones here". 

Minho had returned to Korea after a year, and he couldn't be happier, even if it meant he'd have to step into this hell-like place once again. "A few pictures of you were leaked son, but I had them covered up". Minho looked at his father, confused as to what the pictures could have been. "It seems that foreign girls have a liking for faces such as yours". Minho rolled his eyes. It was true, some people from dispatch had gone over to America once realizing CEO Lee's son is now handling branches there. They had caught pictures of girls all over him, which Minho would have snapped their necks if he hadn't caught onto the fact that he was being stalked. Just the memory of those girls touching him sent shivers down his spine. 

"I have an overseas meeting to attend to, once back I will hand over the mafia position. For now, Hyunjin will read the contracts. I am entrusting you with the position son, take care of it". With that, the man got up, leaving the house as Hyunjin flew down the stairs the second the front door closed. He ran over to his friend, attacking him with a tight hug causing the two to fall over on the couch. "A whole year! I had to survive living with that man for a whole year without you!" Hyunjin dramatically sobbed as Minho rolled his eyes, but of course he missed his friend just as much. 

"5..4..3", Hyunjin immediately got up, letting out a nervous giggle. "So~ how was it?", Hyunjin wiggled his brows as Minho shot a confused look at the smirking boy, "How was what?". Hyunjin flopped down on the couch, throwing an arm over Minho's shoulder, who slowly scooted away. "You know, having all those blondes drool over you?". Minho smacked Hyunjin's head away, "Fucking hell", he mumbled as the red haired boy let out a chuckle. 

Just then rushed footsteps were heard as a boy ran into the living room. "Welcome back Minho hyung!" he bowed, as Minho smiled at the sight, "Hey Jeongin". It had only been a year since Minho saw him last but wow he was growing fast. He had gained muscles, his previously blonde hair was now light pink, growing longer. His baby fat was practically all gone. Minho patted the spot next to him, signaling for the younger to take a seat, which he gladly accepted. 

Jeongin had grown very close to Minho, who took care of him as if he was his own younger brother. He couldn't help but feel a sense of protection over the younger's innocence, he didn't want him to grow up too fast, as he had done, but there was something missing. Minho could feel that Jeongin distanced himself from time to time, as if he was hiding something, as if there was a part of him he didn't want the elder to know about. 

"I missed you hyung", Jeongin flashed his bright smile. "As did I", Minho ruffled the younger's pink hair. "What about me!?", Hyunjin leaned in closer, nuzzling his head into Minho's shoulder as Jeongin rested his head on the other one. A small smile crept its way on Minho's face as he looked at both sides. There they were, the people that kept him going these past years, that without them he might not have even made it. He leaned back on the couch, letting the two rest on his shoulder more comfortably. 

"Hyung", Hyunjin spoke up. "Probably not a surprise, but the contract he's going to make you sign is only so you get 50% ownership of the company for now". Minho let out a dry chuckle, "I figured it wouldn't be this easy" he mumbled. "He wants to make sure you don't betray him before giving you full ownership, so for now just go along with everything and it's best not to do anything about Jisung yet". Minho's heart picked up a pace at his name. Jisung, the boy that never left his mind for one second. The boy who he went to the depths of hell for.