As the front door shuts with a soft, muted thud, Taesan lifts his head from his studies, attention instantly drawn to the sound.
"Late again?" he asks, his voice calm but questioning.
"Sorry, hyung, I... I..." Jaewon stammers, scrambling for an excuse as usual. "I had to... help my classmates with something."
(TN: 'Hyung' is a Korean term used by males to address an older brother or an older male friend.)
Taesan steps out of his study, coffee in hand, taking an unhurried sip as he moves forward.
"Hmm... yeah."
"Hyung, dinner?"
"I already ate. The food's in the fridge—warm it up and eat. But first, go freshen up," Taesan replies, his tone low and indifferent.
"But hyung… I wanted to have dinner with you," Jaewon says, lips puckering into a small pout.
"Jae, I've already had dinner. I'm sorry, man. Next time," Taesan says, before heading back into his study.
Jaewon lets out a quiet sigh and eats alone. When he's done, he places his plate in the dishwasher and slowly walks toward Taesan's study. He stops behind Taesan's chair and gently pats his shoulder.
"Hyung… are you mad?"
Taesan stays silent, offering no response.
Jaewon frowns, then, gathering his courage, snaps Taesan's book shut, forcing him to look up. "Hyunnggg… please don't be mad at your best friend," he pleads, lips pushing forward in an exaggerated pout.
Taesan turns his face away. "Yeah, but you seem to have plenty of time for your other friends," he mutters, his voice quiet, disappointment seeping through every word.
Jaewon spins the chair around to face him. "Hyung, you're my best friend. I'd never do that. I've just been busy lately," he says, trying his best to sound sincere.
Taesan lets out a short scoff. "Whatever," he murmurs, his frown deepening.
Jaewon hesitates for a moment before speaking again. "Hyung… can you lend me some money? Like… ₩275,400?" He looks up at Taesan with wide, hopeful eyes.
"Jae, you borrowed money just a few days ago," Taesan points out.
For a split second, Jaewon's expression slips. His usual cheerful mask falters as he rolls his eyes and shoves his hands into the pocket of his hoodie. "Yeah, but that was barely anything," he argues, stepping closer. "Come on, hyung, just this once." Then he switches tactics, exaggerating his pout to an almost ridiculous level. "Won't you help… your best friend?"
Taesan lets out a long sigh, shaking his head in defeat. "You know I can't say no to that face."
Jaewon grins victoriously as Taesan retrieves his wallet and hands him the money.
"Thankkk you, hyung! My best hyung!!" Jaewon exclaims, launching himself at Taesan in a tight hug.
"Ahh... okay, okay. Now go to sleep," Taesan chuckles, patting his back.
Jaewon lingers a while longer, casually chatting about college before finally heading to his room. The moment his door clicks shut behind him, the warmth on his face melts away, replaced by a slow, knowing smirk.
"So easy… like taking candy from a baby," he murmurs, a quiet laugh slipping from his lips.
"Hyung is way too easy to manipulate," he adds, amusement darkening his tone as he chuckles to himself.
He drops onto his bed, staring at the ceiling as his grin stretches wider. "He really does whatever I say," he mutters. "Such a fool." Another soft laugh escapes him before his voice lowers to a whisper. "Tomorrow, a grand dinner awaits me and my real friends." Satisfied, Jaewon closes his eyes, drifting into sleep with thoughts of indulgence and luxury already dancing in his mind.
***
The next day
"Hyung, good morning! I'm heading to college. See you in the evening!" Jaewon shouts as he closes the main door behind him.
But instead of going to college, he heads straight to his friend Lee-won's house. Unlike his usual casual wear, he's dressed a little sharper today.
"Heh, man! Let's go," Jaewon calls out as Lee-won jogs down the stairs to meet him.
"You got the money?"
Jaewon grins, puffing his chest slightly. "Of course. A solid ₩200,000." His voice carries a note of arrogance.
Lee-won raises an eyebrow. "How did Taesan even agree to this?"
Jaewon scoffs. "Please. I have him wrapped around my finger. He listens to me every single day. I can take whatever I want from him." His laugh cuts the air, sharp and empty, as if even he knows the truth behind it.
The two head to college, and once classes wrap up, they meet their other friends at Pierre Gagnaire à Séoul, one of Seoul's most upscale restaurants. By nightfall, the space glows under warm golden lights, the elegant ambiance almost unreal. The clink of fine china, the muted hum of hushed conversations, and the rich aroma of seared steak filled the room, each note hinting at the price tag behind the indulgence.
"Wow, this place looks even better in person," Jaewon says, eyes sweeping over the décor.
"Yeah, Jae, it's so bu-jain," Haewon adds with a grin.
(TN: 'Bu-jain' is a Korean word meaning 'lavish'.)
They settle into their table. The girls immediately start snapping photos for Instagram while the guys skim through the menu, eyebrows lifting at the prices.
"Seriously, I never thought Taesan would be this gullible," Ella remarks, shaking her head in disbelief.
"He really is," Jaewon replies with a laugh, casually raising his hand to call the waiter. "He wouldn't be able to say no to me even if he tried."
Soon, the table fills with gourmet dishes, fine wine, and constant chatter. Laughter flows easily as they savor every bite, thoroughly enjoying the extravagant dinner, all paid for at Jaewon's convenience.
"The fried steak curry was so good. Must've cost a fortune," one of the girls comments.
"Yep. But no worries—our dear Jaewon is treating us tonight," another friend adds.
Jaewon grins, raising his wine glass. "Yes, guys, enjoy! This is for me scoring the highest in class. Cheers!"
"CHEERS!" they all echo, clinking glasses.
***
After the lavish dinner, they go their separate ways, but Jaewon's night is far from over.
With a few won still tucked into his pocket, he makes his way to Kangwon Land, an upscale gambling bar buzzing with temptation. He bets without caution, wins a little, loses more, and doesn't care either way. Expensive drinks line the counter, laughter spills easily, and strangers blur together as he soaks in the thrill of the night, fully convinced this is the life meant for him.
It is well past 1 a.m. when he finally stumbles home, drunk and unsteady. His steps are slow and clumsy as he slips inside, gently closing the door behind him.
He never notices the eyes tracking his every move.
Too tired to think, he collapses onto his bed, sinking into the mattress with a careless sigh. His thoughts drift through champagne glasses, glittering lights, and indulgent fantasies of luxury.
As sleep pulls him under, a pleased smirk settles on his lips.
Outside his bedroom, the door left slightly open, a figure stands in the shadows. Silent. Still.
Watching. Waiting.