Mirror ✔ (VegasPete)

Chapter 1: Eclipse

It never occurred to Pete that they have something in common.

From status in life, power in their strides, fashion, and moral compass— it's almost like they came from a different universe.

Equal to Kinn is Vegas Kornwit Theerapanyakun— that's what they teach, but not what they say. Many people compare them, and it's no surprise that the son of the minor family always receives the shortest end of the stick. He might be a master manipulator, a wolf in sheep's clothing, a liar who can do everything once he make-up his mind to it.

A perfect heir. Common people who see the fake mask of a businessman would probably conclude. But compared to Kinn's wits, smarts, and connections? In this chaotic mafia world? All of those characteristics are just plain decorations. Fitted— perfect even, for support.

Pete has seen it all. The silent and loud feuds between the Theerapanyakun cousins. And he never really understands it. Specifically, the need for competition. Their world is already cruel, if they are family why don't they just support each other? Is loyalty that hard to give? Is camaraderie that difficult to establish? What kind of family culture is this?

But then, he was reminded that this is THEIR world. They were built like this. This is the reason why they are fearsome; their activities differ from normal people. And he doesn't have ANY right to say anything about it since he is not a natural. He just... got in here, and stayed. Peacefully lurking in the gray area for years, where no one can notice his existence, where no one can hear his inner monologues. He is just Pete, the most reliable head bodyguard of the eldest son of the main family.

He and Vegas never had any lucid conversation. Of course, the respectful greetings and questions for direction are excluded. For Pete, Vegas is just one of his bosses, someone he should never mess with. He assumes that Vegas also sees him only as Tankhun's jail bailer? Although he can sometimes feel his blank and consuming glare, burning a hole on his head.

What does he want? Pete doesn't know. And he is not sure he wants to.

That is... Until the auction. When he discovered that Vegas actually hates him.

It was supposed to be a smooth errand. All they have to do is to stand on their respective stations and look out for any potential threat to Kinn. Wearing the black suit that he's admittingly, confident to wear. Pete stood with pride, class, and almost looking lethal .

And then, Porsche disappeared from his post. His coat was found abandoned in the restroom. One of the faucets was also left open and there's a slight water mess on the floor. If they followed a familiar pattern, Porsche desperately wanted to cool his body.

He's been drugged.

When Pete and Arm realized that there was a camera aligned in the hallway where the restroom is located, the whole group including Kinn immediately headed toward the surveillance office.

"Hurry!" Kinn said, clearly upset and worried, "Before someone tries to tamper it."

The last sentence lit up the bulb above Pete's head.

That reminds him... Khun Vegas is also in the building.

It's starting again . One of the renowned and petty competitions between the two heads of Theerapanyakuns. And it kind of annoys Pete for the reason that Porsche is being dragged in between. The guy was forced into this job, and the least that they can do is to let him do it without getting hauled by two predators.

Unfortunately, the man is achingly charismatic. A special one that doesn't need any spotlight to be noticed. Even Khun Korn was mysteriously drawn, pushing Kinn to convince the man to be the one of the main family's bodyguards.