rewind.

4

He wanted to go home, no he needed to go home. He has a deep passion in his heart for New York. However, he is missing his squeeze. Walking into a skyscraper, Johnny  straightens out his pressed shirt and constantly fiddles with his tie.

Every single time, he comes face to face with his boss, invisible ants form in his pants. This time wouldn't be any different.

To make the meeting go smoother, he follows three rules. One, smile the entire time. It makes you seem like you are a joy and aren't in any dominant in the situation. Two, agree with everything no matter what. It again asserts the illusion that you aren't a threat. Lastly, always say thank, even if they haven't done anything for you. It adds the icing on the cake, making your boss feel like you are the absolute servant.

"Good morning, Sir." With much poise, Johnny greets the man behind the grand marble desk. "What a wonderful day."

"Johnny, let's cut the nice talk." The auburn head folds his hands and looks to his left. "Why are you being so defiant?"

Taken aback, Johnny sits down in the chair placed in front of the marble desk. "Sir, I don't know where you are getting these absurd allegations from. I would never be defiant towards you."

Damn he just broke rule two, time to repair it. "I wish I knew where these claims come from. If I did, then I m pretty sure there is a misunderstanding on my part."

"I asked you to bring your husband to the big apple, yet he isn't here." The auburn frowns deepen, "also one of your coworkers said that you would never let your husband near me. Am I a monster to you?"

Johnny was trapped. "No, sir, I shouldn't have blamed you. However, my husband couldn't come because he wasn't allowed to fly. He is going through a mental struggle right now. Please be patient with me."

"Oh, well, I hope he feels better." The man spins around in his chair. "He is a catch, isn't he?"

Johnny hands grip his lap in anger. Even though he wanted to give the old bastard a nice shiner, he couldn't. Rule two agree, "he is."

"Mr.Suh, you are an amazing guy. How about a raise?"

"That's would be amazing?" Johnny smiles. He bows his head in respect, "Thank you."

He has been working for this company for over a decade now. Everyone and their mother knows he should be at the management level. However, rule three says thank you. "Thank you. I'm so grateful."

"You are dismissed."

Johnny stands up in the shameless pride he possesses.
Walking out of the office with a smile was hard. He restrains himself so much.

The brown haired male walks out to the nearest private area. It was dark with a blue tent.

Johnny smacks his his fist on the wall. He put up with this harassment for money? Power? Maybe even the pressure of gaining? But nothing is worth this much pain.

"I hate this." Johnny mouths to himself.

Truth be told, he doesn't have to work. In fact, he could already retire. However, the money supporting them would be Jaehyun. Johnny wants to be the supporter, the breadwinner, and the businessman. He wants to do it on his own.

This, the path is so hard to take, especially when he has to listen to his boss ignorant comments and predatory behaviors towards his husband he has only met once.

"Johnny?"

The American looks up to see Joey stepping towards him. The pitter patter of her feet echos to his awaiting ears. "I'm fine..."

"What did he say to you?" She grabs Johnny's face. "What is going on between you two?" Her voice stern as she cups his face with warm hands. "You shouldn't keep this inside."

"I'm fine. I just need to call my husband and check on him." Johnny detaches himself from Joey. He pulls he pulls his phone out of his pocket and dials Jaehyun number.

He only had three days left before he would be on the next flight back to his home, yet it seemed so far.

Johnny, I miss you!"

"You beat me to the words." Johnny smiled at hearing Jaehyun's groggy voice. "Were you sleep."

"Yeah, it is four in the morning over here." Jaehyun releases a yawn. "Three more days until I see you..."

Johnny phone buzzed rapidly in his ear, and then a beeping sound resided. "Hold on, baby, let me see who this is." He pulls the phone back to see a missed call from his boss.

"What does he want?" The American mumbles to himself. Just then, a text popped up.

"Sorry, pal. i need you to stay for another two weeks. A lot of our paperwork was destroyed in a freak accident."

To say he was frustrated was an understatement. Now he has to cancel his flight and then reschedule. The biggest issue is breaking it to his lover.

In the silence, jaehyun could sense something was off. It isn't like Johnny to let out sounds of annoyance, especially not in his presence. "What's wrong."

"I have to stay a little while longer. I guess there was an accident which a lot of paperwork was destroyed in. So I have to stay."

Johnny felt engulfed with rage. It was always him. He was always told to stay for extra time.

"Isn't there anyone else who could stay?"

The brunette could hear the desperation in Jaehyun's voice. It was honestly disheartening to his ears. "I'm sorry. I promise I will make it up to you."

A long sigh was released on Jaehyun's end. "Ok."

Johnny knows deep down that the words coming next are so cliche, but it's true. "I love you always."

Jaehyun didn't respond. All Johnny could hear was the phone disconnecting. Those three beeps made the american's heart sink to the pit of his gut. Jaehyun is mad, obviously extremely mad.

This is a losing game. How could he possibly win when all odds are stacked against him? Something deep down is telling him to no longer keep his work life and personal life separated. However, that's when the fear creeps back up and causes an uproar inside of him.

"Shit."