Unconditionally (BOOK 3)

Corruption

Wooyoung's birthday season was approaching and life has been good. It's been a little over a month since I've been home from rehab and I haven't had a single scare. Meaning I haven't had any close calls of getting caught, my highs last around 30 minutes so I'm not overdoing it, and you physically can't tell because I've made sure to keep up my workout routine and healthy eating habits. No nose bleeds yet either!

Currently, I was on my way alone into the city for two reasons. One: I needed to find a birthday gift for Wooyoung. Two: I was going to meet up with Taemin.

I'm not the richest man in the world so I need to be mindful of my spending. I also need to have enough for Taemin. So maybe I should do that first.

Hyunjin
Does Han River work??

Taemin
Way too obvious out in the open, you should know that

Hyunjin
Only dealt with this in New York, it didn't matter where we did it so my bad

Taemin
Go to Hooker Hill in Itaewon

Hyunjin
Sketchy area

Taemin
Sketchy deal

You're lucky I'm willing to do this in daylight just saying

Hyunjin
Well it's now or never

You know I'm on a tight leash

Hooker Hill is exactly as sketchy as it sounds. I've never had a reason to come to this part of Seoul but here I am.

Taemin sent me his current location and I parked my car directly on the pinpoint. Since there weren't many people around, he was easy to spot. I locked my doors and shoved some cash in my pocket, wanting to get this over with as soon as possible.

"How much?" I sighed.

"₩270 thousand."

"You said 130 last time." I was pissed. He doubled it.

"That's my final price." He shrugged. "Money's tight right now."

"I only brought ₩130 thousand with me so just give me half." I shook my head, overly frustrated.

"Since this is a first for you, I'll be generous." He smiled, but I could tell there was a catch. "Give me what you have and I'll give you the whole gram. But the next time I see you, you give me ₩400 thousand. Sound fair?" I nodded. He inched his hand out slowly but pulled away, practically teasing me. "Now if you don't come with the full ₩400 thousand next time I see you, we will officially have a problem, mm-k?" His smile sent a fearful shiver down my spine.

"What kind of problem?"

"Big ones." He nodded. "Do I need to elaborate?"

"I'd like to know before I agree."

"Very simple, Hyunjin." He spoke as if it were basic knowledge. "I'll just kill you, that's all." That's what I thought.

Once we made the exchange, I quickly got in my car and drove away. I couldn't even focus so I knew it was best to pull over somewhere.

"God fucking damn it!" I screamed, slamming my steering wheel with every word. "When will you learn? When will you fucking learn?" I need help right now. I need serious, serious help. "Come on, pick up the fucking phone." I mumbled.

"Hey, Hyunjin, what's up?"

"Are you busy right now? Like are you at the dance studio or with Beomgyu?"