The Lies We Live || Taekook

chapter 1

Before you dive in, a quick note: if the story feels like it's moving quickly, don’t worry. While some parts may seem fast-paced, the journey unfolds slowly and carefully, with each detail meticulously placed. Trust that each twist is leading somewhere, piece by piece.
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A young man, barely in his early 20s, stood amid a world that seemed to unfold like an uncharted map around him. Every sight, every sound whispered an unfamiliar tune; he was a stranger here, bound by the invisible threads of his newness. His long hair cascaded over his eyes, shadowing the galaxy-like depths of his wide, bambi-shaped gaze. A mask obscured much of his face, leaving only glimpses of his thoughtful expression. In his casual shirt and simple pants, he blended into the backdrop, yet something about him held the quiet mystery of someone searching for a place to belong.

He scanned the street left to right, his gaze lingering with a hint of irritation before settling straight ahead. His sigh cut through the quiet as disappointment settled over him; the car he’d been waiting for was nowhere in sight. An hour had slipped by, and the person who had promised to meet him hadn’t shown. He clenched his jaw, the urge to give a certain small, brown haired friend a piece of his mind growing stronger. That friend had insisted he stay at this person’s house, praising their hospitality—yet here he stood, stranded and questioning the very notion of this so-called kindness.

Lost in his thoughts, he didn’t immediately notice the car that pulled up until its quiet hum snapped him back to reality. His eyes widened as he took in the sleek, polished lines of the Porsche parked before him. The glinting paint, the meticulous detailing—it all screamed luxury, wealth, and a world he’d never quite stepped into. He’d known this person was wealthy, but seeing the proof in front of him stirred a strange nervousness in his chest. His fingers fidgeted slightly, and for a moment, he hesitated, unsure if he should even step forward to meet the figure within.

The window slid down smoothly, revealing the man inside. Dark sunglasses obscured his eyes, but the stern set of his jaw and the unbothered tilt of his head made his demeanor clear. Dressed in a sleek, perfectly tailored black suit, he looked like he belonged in the pages of a luxury magazine, not sitting here waiting. A nervous smile slipped onto the boy’s face as he dipped into a respectful bow, his gratitude poised on his lips.

“Thank you f—”

“Just sit the hell down and stay silent,” the man cut in sharply, his voice as cold as his appearance. “We’re leaving.”

Caught off guard, the boy’s smile faltered, and his gratitude faded into uneasy silence. He climbed into the car without another word, trying to ignore the prickle of discomfort settling in his chest as they drove off into the unfamiliar cityscape.

The younger boy cast a glare downward, his head still inclined from the respectful bow that had clearly gone unappreciated. It was as if, in this man's world, respect was more of an irritation than a courtesy. Swallowing his pride, he nodded slightly, choosing silence as he slipped into the seat.

Once settled, he leaned back and allowed his gaze to wander toward the man beside him, searching his expression for any hint of warmth. But the man remained rigid, his eyes fixed on the road ahead with a controlled indifference that seemed to match the luxury of his surroundings.

"Looks like you're busy, Kim. Still, thanks for picking me up and letting me stay with you," he said, his tone polite, though a hint of hesitation crept into his voice. The man offered no response—just a curt nod before accelerating, his expression as unwavering as his grip on the wheel.