The Conquest (Underworld 5) SH

5: Match My Freak

The pulsating rhythm of the club's music reverberated through the air, vibrating in Jihoon's chest as he nursed his drink. The Midnight gang had claimed their usual spot in the VIP section, a dimly lit corner that offered both privacy and a commanding view of the dance floor. Jihoon leaned back against the plush cushions, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd with mild disinterest. Around him, the other members were lost in their own worlds—Seungcheol and Jeonghan whispering conspiratorially, Hansol and Chan sharing a laugh, and Junhui, as always, flirting effortlessly with a group of admirers.

Jihoon was content to remain on the periphery, his drink cool in his hand as he watched the vibrant life of the club unfold. The flicker of lights danced across his face, accentuating the sharp lines of his jaw and the slight smirk that played on his lips. He was used to this—being observed, admired from afar, yet rarely approached. There was something about his aura that kept most people at a distance, something untouchable, dangerous even.

But tonight, it seemed, someone was willing to take that risk.

Jihoon barely noticed the man at first. He was tall, lean, with a confidence in his stride that suggested he wasn't used to hearing the word "no." As he approached, Jihoon's senses perked up, a faint awareness tingling at the edges of his consciousness. The man stopped just a few feet away, his gaze locked onto Jihoon's with a brazen intensity that was impossible to ignore.

"Mind if I join you?" the man asked, his voice smooth, almost too smooth, like he was trying to charm his way in.

Jihoon's eyes flicked up, meeting the man's gaze with an unreadable expression. He took in the sight of him—a perfectly styled suit, a cocky smirk, and eyes that seemed to promise something more. He didn't reply immediately, simply taking another sip of his drink, letting the silence hang between them.

The man seemed undeterred by the lack of response. He moved closer, leaning in just enough so that his presence was inescapable. "I couldn't help but notice you from across the room. You've got a... presence about you."

Jihoon finally set his drink down, tilting his head slightly as he regarded the man. There was a lazy confidence in his movements, a catlike grace that suggested he was far from being caught off guard. "Do I?" he replied, his tone laced with amusement.

The man smiled, clearly emboldened by the fact that Jihoon had spoken. "You do. Something about you... it's intriguing. Dangerous." His voice dropped to a lower, more intimate pitch. "I like that."

Jihoon's smirk widened ever so slightly, but his eyes remained sharp, calculating. "Dangerous isn't always a good thing," he warned, though there was no real threat in his tone, just a playful edge.

"Depends on how you handle it," the man shot back, clearly enjoying the verbal dance they were engaged in. He took another step closer, his body almost brushing against Jihoon's now. "And I think I could handle you."

Jihoon didn't move away. If anything, he seemed more relaxed, though the intensity in his gaze never wavered. He was toying with the man, allowing him to believe that he was getting somewhere, when in reality, Jihoon was in complete control of the situation. It was a game he played well, and he was curious to see how far this stranger was willing to go.

"Bold," Jihoon remarked, his voice dropping just a notch, making it even softer, more intimate. "But boldness can be dangerous too."

The man chuckled, clearly enjoying the challenge. "I'm not afraid of a little danger," he murmured, leaning in even closer. His breath was warm against Jihoon's ear, his voice a mere whisper now. "In fact, I think it could be... exciting."

Jihoon's eyes flicked down to the man's lips, then back up to his eyes. There was a palpable tension between them now, a charged atmosphere that neither of them seemed in a hurry to diffuse. He could feel the man's heat, the way his breath hitched just slightly as Jihoon's gaze lingered on him.