UNTAMED DESIRES | SVT | JEONGCHEOL

12 - You're So Dark

<Rose Quartz Enterprises>

Joshua took a deep breath as he waited in Seokmin's cabin. He recalled Woozi's words, 'Mr. Lee also takes his pills as soon as he reaches office. And that's also the time when he's not around the people of this mansion.'

"Good morning Mr. Hong." Seokmin greeted with a smile while stepping into the cabin, "And sorry for making you wait."

"It's alright, Mr. CEO." Joshua teased.

"C'mon!" Seokmin shrugged as he took a seat, "Just a second." He excused as he took his pills, as expected.

"Didn't we agree on addressing each other informally? What's with Mr. Hong now?" Joshua asked.

"Joshua sounds odd considering you're older than me." Seokmin paused, "How about hyung or something?"

"So you got to know my age too?" Joshua laughed, "Are you stalking me?"

"What if I am?" Seokmin joked, "Don't worry, I got to know just a few things for basic knowledge. Afterall, I should. You know everything about me."

"Oh so you wanted it to be even?" Joshua chuckled, "Anyways, I don't think that I know everything about you."

"You don't?" Seokmin raised a brow.

"Yeah." Joshua leaned forward on the desk, "I wanted to know about your efficiency at work, as the CEO."

"Efficiency?" Seokmin repeated, his eyes fixing on Joshua. "And what do you mean by that exactly?"

"As far as I know, you took over the business 'after' Mr. Choi, your elder brother, resigned right?" Joshua stated, "People often tend to overlook the capabilities of the one who becomes the leader like that. I'm sure some employees must be thinking like that too. So, I'm here to observe what goes on in this office."

"Ah, so you're here to judge my leadership skills, is that it?" Seokmin replied, a spark of challenge in his eyes. "You think my employees underestimate my abilities?"

"C'mon, you must know that too." Joshua paused, "Have there been instances when you had heard them praising Mr. Choi over you?"

Instigate him. Make him lose control. And when he snaps out of his trance, he will be on a guilt trip, ready to do anything to make everything right.

It's wrong but it's required.

Seokmin's expression darkened at the question, a flicker of annoyance passing through his features. He had heard whispers in the office, comments from disgruntled employees who still held a fondness for his brother.

"Yes, there have been moments when I've heard it," he admitted between gritted teeth.

"Did that hurt?" Joshua's voice dropped to a lower octave, "Your ego?"

The question hit a nerve, causing Seokmin's jaw to twitch involuntarily. He tried to maintain a neutral expression, but a hint of bitterness crept into his eyes.

"Of course not," he forced out, trying to sound nonchalant. "Why would I let some petty rumors and praises affect me?"

"Calm down, Seokmin. You don't need to lie to me." Joshua grinned, "I won't judge your insecurities."

Insecurities that are solely based on those pills.

Seokmin's grip on the edge of his desk tightened, his knuckles turning white as he struggled to contain his frustration. It was clear that Joshua had hit a nerve, and it was getting increasingly difficult for him to keep up the facade.

"I'm calm," he retorted through gritted teeth. "I don't have insecurities."

"You can't lie to an advocate, Seokmin." Joshua replied.