CAPTURING REDEMPTION

CHAPTER 20: THE BATTLE OF SEDUCTION

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT

It was nearly seven in the evening when Yevgeny Bogdanov, the Russian reporter, felt his heart skip a beat amidst the sound of sizzling vegetables. The anticipation was almost palpable, making his pulse quicken as he prepared for the sound he had been dreading—and longing for. As if on cue, he imagined the doorbell ringing, and the thought alone sent him sprinting to the front door, still holding a cooking spoon in his hand. Once he reached the door, he took a deep breath, mentally bracing himself for the encounter. The lapse in communication had left him questioning his strategy and effectiveness. He often wondered if Kwon Taekjoo had managed to slip through his grasp like a slippery fish desperate to escape. But the unexpected call, followed by this sudden visit, not only provided clarity but also presented a valuable opportunity for him to seize.

Yevgeny was determined that the actor would fall into his embrace tonight and stay there until he could unravel the actor's defiance, break his spirit, and render him powerless. The more the actor seemed to challenge him with probing questions and frustrating tests, the more Yevgeny's resentment grew. He was supposed to be the one orchestrating the events, manipulating Taekjoo for his own ends. Yet, with each encounter, it felt like he was losing control to the actor's whims.

Tonight, Yevgeny was resolved not to let Taekjoo dictate the terms. He was going to assert his dominance and manipulate the actor with precision.

As the doorbell rang impatiently, Yevgeny glanced down at the cooking spoon still in his hand, annoyed by the incongruity of the situation. He tossed the steel utensil onto a nearby table and took a moment to smooth his hair and check his appearance. Satisfied with his carefully crafted look of charm and affection, he opened the door.

The moment the door swung open, the tanned actor, Kwon Taekjoo, practically leaped into Yevgeny's arms. The sudden impact made Yevgeny stumble backward, but he quickly regained his balance by leaning against the table. Taekjoo's arms wrapped around his neck in what seemed like a genuine embrace, the kind that was warm and comforting. It was a stark contrast to the often coy and calculating behaviour the actor usually displayed. This hug was reminiscent of a tender moment from the past, when Yevgeny had won a beloved Doraemon plushie after numerous expensive attempts, and the tanned actor had embraced him with playful affection, teasing him about his extravagant purchase.

For a moment, Yevgeny was enveloped in a warmth he had not realized he missed so deeply. Unconsciously, his own arms tightened around Taekjoo, and he rested his head gently on the actor's soft hair. "I missed you," he murmured, surprised by the sincerity of his own words. What was meant to be a mere pretense to build trust had turned into a genuine confession from his heart.

Kwon Taekjoo looked up, his smile as radiant as ever, his eyes crinkling into half-moons. "I missed you too, Mr. Bogdanov," he replied, his lips forming a slightly pouting expression, as if he were waiting for a kiss but was held back by an internal hesitation. "I still don't remember your name," he added, his brows lifting in self-surprise, "what should I call you?"

The admission struck Yevgeny like a sharp pang. Kwon Taekjoo's whimsical actions and words like these made him question his own significance in the actor's world, especially given that he had lived and relived their shared history for the past decade. Even now, when he had tried to remain discreet, Taekjoo's inability to remember his name felt like a personal slight, diminishing his role and presence.

Despite the sting of this revelation, Yevgeny was determined to adhere to his plan. He leaned in closer, pressing a soft, deliberate kiss against Taekjoo's reddish-brown lips. The kiss was tender yet laden with intent, lingering just enough to gauge the other's response. As the actor's lips parted slightly, inviting further contact, Yevgeny took this as his cue. The kiss deepened, growing more passionate, as he allowed himself to savour the moment, blending affection with manipulation. It was a calculated move, designed to affirm his control while simultaneously drawing out the intimacy he needed to advance his scheme.