Love, Not War (Book 2)

Chapter 12

Hearing that, Mr Yoongi mulled over it for a while then released Chan. He smiled. "Brilliant! Why didn't I think of this?"

Chan was uncomfortable but there was nothing he could do. He didn't want Mr Yoongi to hate him.

"Amazing Chris, amazing!" Mr Yoongi praised, patting Chan on the shoulder. "Having a romantic relationship with that killer will deal an even heavier blow. Who would think that that homophobic son of a bitch will come to like a man? Ha! We can completely use this to our advantage. Imagine how Mr Lee's world will shatter once he finds out his son is a lowly slut. It will be a big blow to his pride not to mention Lee Corps. I will make sure to destroy the Lee family once and for all!"

Chan smiled, happy that his father was happy. He ignored the stuffiness in his heart and focused. He couldn't let anything distract him.

Mr Yoongi gazed at Chan then suddenly looked sad. He raised a hand and touched Chan's cheek. It was bright red and his handprint could be seen. "I'm sorry son. You should have explained everything from the start"

Chan felt warm when Mr Yoongi called him 'son'. He held Mr Yoongi's hand and shook his head. "Do not apologise Father. It's my fault and you have every right to beat me and scold me"

With a smile, Mr Yoongi ruffled Chan's hair. "You're such a good son. I'll surely feel at ease when we finish this and I hand over the company to you. Now, go back before anyone gets suspicious and take Aera's diary with you. Make sure you read it everyday. Don't give that bastard any chance to change your mind. Those Lees are like snakes. Very attractive but very deadly. Be careful son"

Chan nodded, hugged his father, then left.

Flashback ends.

Still, because Mr Yoongi didn't want to take any chances, Mingi was sent to watch Chan and remind him of his mission. So that he didn't have to be caught in Felix's web again.

But who knew. Who knew that Chan had been caught long ago. He was already wrapped in Felix's cocoon of love and now, he knew it in his heart that he would never be able to get out.

Just when Felix was no more.

Maybe this was his retribution.

Chan could still hear the boy's painfilled cries echo in his mind. He could hear him repeating the words, 'No', 'Don't do this to me Chan', 'Don't hurt me like this'

Chan turned a deaf ear to it all and did what he wanted to do. His brows furrowed and his heart felt like it was punctured by a nail. "Now, I desperately wish I could turn back time and change everything..." He laughed. It was low and sad. The atmosphere in the car had gone gloomy. "How stupid. It's too late. I can never get him back. If your feelings are sincere, Mingi, don't hesitate"

Mingi swallowed, taking in Chan's state. He really didn't want to end up like that but he was also scared. Scared that Hoongjoong didn't return his feelings. Mingi had never loved anyone in his life and he couldn't say what he felt for Hoongjoong was exactly love but the first time he set eyes on him, he knew that he wanted to have that person by his side.

With Chan's past as encouragement, Mingi picked up his phone and sent a text to Hoongjoong,

'Dinner tonight?'

His heart was racing as he thought of all possible replies he could get from Hoongjoong. What was he even doing now? Was he with Park Seonghwa at the construction site? Was he okay? Would he be free to reply or did he, (Mingi) have to wait for a few hours?

Soon, his phone dinged and he checked. It was a reply from Hoongjoong. It said,

'What for?'

Mingi was stunned. What for? What for??? Does he have to state a reason for asking him to dinner? He started to sweat and shoved his phone into his breast pocket, feeling very confused and irritated. Wasn't it a simple dinner? Why did Hoongjoong ask for a reason? Couldn't two secretaries have a meal together and share their experiences?

Though, that was far from the real reason Mingi wanted to eat with Hoongjoong. After some seconds of deliberation, Mingi thought maybe Hoongjoong was thinking Chan wanted to have dinner with Park Seonghwa to discuss the project so he took his phone and typed quickly.

'Just me and you. A casual dinner to get more familiar with each other. After all, we're partners until this project is over'

Mingi was very nervous. Was the reason he stated enough for Hoongjoong to say yes? What if Hoongjoong still declines? What would he do?

His phone dinged again and he read the message.

'Aren't you on your way here? Let's talk when you arrive'

Let's talk...

The reply didn't make Mingi feel any better. Knowing they were close to the construction site, his heart couldn't stop pounding. He wiped the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand and focused on driving. Suddenly, he felt like a husband that was going to have a serious discussion with his wife. His stomach started to hurt.

Still, he wasn't deterred. Remembering Chan's words, he vowed in his heart. He would most definitely have dinner with Hoongjoong!

Chan watched the series of changes on Mingi's face and behaviour. When he saw the final look of determination, a small smile graced his face. He wished the very best for Mingi.

As for him, his opportunity was already wasted. Now, he'd just have to focus on Taehyun and hope that Taehyun would stay with him forever. Regardless of the fact that Chan won't be able to love him.

But, who could be that selfless?

Certainly not Taehyun.

********

Taehyun was sitting in the booth of a fast food restaurant, waiting for Huening Kai, Soobin and Yeonjun. Actually, he was 30 minutes early but that was only because he wanted to cool down and sort out his thoughts so he wouldn't breakdown in front of his friends.

After what Chan had said last night, he didn't sleep a wink so he looked tired and pale. He also had no appetite so he ate very little breakfast but Chan didn't notice. They didn't even talk. It was only when Chan was about to head out that he said to him, 'Don't forget to inform Mingi on your whereabouts. If you need anything else, call him'