Gateway [ONF FF]

SPIN OFF: Routeway

Notes: this is the Kyunyu spinoff of the main story!

//

Incompetent… I’m absolutely, certifiably and utterly incompetent.

Minkyun sighed to himself, wandering the streets while his heart started rope jumping. It certainly was a skill to seem composed while his ribs were the track of a marathon, but he wasn’t sure who to consult about fixing this. Surprisingly, there weren’t many he felt comfortable around. Only during get-togethers, when paper was replaced with expensive wine and the big noses turned a soft shade of red, could Minkyun stand the crowd he had surrounded himself with.

There was one person he tried to talk to before, but Changyun seemed particularly melancholic the last time they spoke, so he decided against sharing his own troubles. In the blink of an eye, months passed. Minkyun had tried to schedule a small meeting, but tasks kept grabbing Changyun’s free time.

Minkyun wasn’t taking it personally, the war often kept him occupied. He had never said anything about his involvement and Minkyun kept up his naive act, but he wouldn’t have gotten where he was if he was born yesterday.

However, Minkyun needed help desperately, and fast.

Time wasn’t a big concern to Minkyun normally, which others found amusing given he was heavily involved with the railways, but a time limit had jumped onto his shoulders. The following month brewed a now or never moment.

The troops had pulled up, an alliance had been formed and gained speed quickly, clearing the borders again for travel.

Much to Minkyun’s glee and dismay.

Most traders still kept to their safe havens for a bit longer, but as peace became evident, business picked back up.

And so, Minkyun’s favourite storyteller was gearing up for another journey.

At least they would meet each other soon—right now, in fact. Minkyun let his eyes go up to the tip of the building he had ended up at, seeing the stone structure with white windowsills. It was nothing remarkable; nothing he hadn’t seen before, but grand enough to host a dinner. In all honesty, this was less a meeting and more a gathering of peacocks wanting to flare their prettiest tails.

“Is it closed?” someone asked from behind and Minkyun knew who it was too well.

“It’s not,” he smiled and turned around, instantly awed by Yuto’s properly groomed appearance. There was never a hair out of order or collar turned the wrong way. As per the societal expectations, Yuto kept his suits dark grey, often only broken up with a black blazer, and he wore them perfectly.

“Let’s head inside, then,” Yuto said and Minkyun agreed with a nod.

A large table was already set out and multiple magnates filled the seats. The host instantly invited them in, doing the usual light-hearted introduction and rundown of the evening before letting them find their spot. To Minkyun’s surprise, Changyun had shown his face and was in a deep conversation with his neighbour.

I should try to catch him later.

Having made that mental note, he followed Yuto to the other end of the table. This was supposed to be a social gathering, an opportunity to broaden a network and get the latest scoop on new development. But Minkyun couldn’t care less. And while Yuto pretended to be of better manners, it was clear he felt much the same. Luckily, their assigned seats were right next to each other, deadset in the middle.

As the first course was served and the dinner started rolling properly, Minkyun conversed with a few people around him—trying to avoid being seen as rude for only interacting with his most interesting neighbour.