EL DORADO

two

I bit my bottom lip, holding a newspaper close to my face. C'mon Yifan, what's taking you so fucking long, I thought. I rocked on both the heels of my feet, wandering my eyes around the gasoline station.

You see, we're both jewelry makers and we are obviously experts with gold and such. We have been traveling all around the world— looking for the rarest and oldest gold. Our current destination is in South Korea, Bucheon. But my imagination got cut off when a young blonde haired boy made eye contact with me. I gave him a soft smile, but he scoffed in response.

"Is there something particularly interesting about my face?"

My eyes enlarged at his rude remark, I wanted to shoot him a cheeky reply, but this kid looked interesting so I decided to go with his flow. "Your fringe," I trailed off, noticing his long bangs. "–is immensely long." He rolled his eyes, shrugging me off. The blonde boy tucked his hands into his jeans pockets, making his way to the shop. I watched him walk and slowly disappear in sight. "Interesting.." I whispered, folding the newspaper I bought earlier.

"Park, they didn't have any tissue paper."

I jumped slightly, hearing Yifan's deep and monotone voice. I turned my head to him and chuckled softly, plastering a playful smile. "Didn't have to tell me," I said. He raised his arms in the air, letting out a groan. "Let's hope the 'sacred' gold is hidden here in Korea somewhere."

Yifan anticipated for my reply but instead I waved him off, my gaze– which was focused on the blonde male I saw earlier. My thoughts became cloudy when I saw him walking over the shop, a pack of cigarettes on his hand. I decided to follow the latter, completely ignoring my colleague. The clouds looked so dull due to the heavy rainfall earlier but the sun was beginning to show up, just like how that young man popped up into my life earlier.

I stopped in my tracks, slightly peeking from the corner. He looked so tired but was plastering a fake smile. It was so obvious to me. He's presumably going through something right now.

"Smoking is bad for your health, you know?"

He stiffened, but in a flash— lowered his shoulders, shaking his head in annoyance. I walked closer to him, but he interrupted me. "Don't come any closer." I blinked at his remark, he was one impertinent kid. I obeyed what he said and stayed put on the spot, I don't know how he was doing it but he got me to listen. It was utterly shocking to me. I quickly shrugged the thought away and flashed him a sincere smile. I've always thought I was one of the wittiest people, but ever since this punk boy came to my life... I've been questioning everything.

When he finished speaking, I let out a soft chuckle and stuffed my business card on his hoodie. Once again, I was confused to why I was doing that but I did.

"See you then!"

As the young boy's car drove away, Chanyeol jogged back to where his co-worker was. He didn't look too good and all he did was laugh at his annoyed face. "Hey, Wu!" He grinned and raised his arms way up, waving it with much enthusiasm. Yifan scoffed, crossing his arms as his friend made his way to him. "How was your little chit-chat with blondie, huh?" A slight smirk was spread across the latter's face, tapping his foot impatiently. All Chanyeol could do was punch the older man's shoulder with enough force to make him wince.

"Shut up, Wu Yifan. It's time for work."

He looked at Chanyeol, his eyes widened at his sudden change of personality. Was all bubbly when he saw the little blondie but the moment he left, Chanyeol's attitude left with him. It scared Yifan. Yifan is crying inside because his arm was going to get swollen and get very red soon.

"Baekhyun! Wrong room, get your stuff in that one!" His mum flashed a smile at his direction, pointing her head to room 614. He groaned in response, stuffing his earphones into the front pocket of his jeans. They were staying at a hotel for a day or maybe more due to their car having problems. Baekhyun didn't care, he was after all— pessimistic and didn't care about anything. He grabbed his suitcase and sluggishly walked to the destination he needed to be. Baekhyun placed his palm on the door knob when it swung open. Minseok. "Boxian! I was just about to call you," He said, making enough way for him to enter the tiny and occupated room. Baekhyun rolled his eyes at the nickname his brother gave him.. Boxian, how lame.

He made a beeline to the bathroom the moment he has unpacked his necessary stuff. The room was quite stuffy, so Baekhyun decided to take a quick shower before going to the nearest 24/7 hour shop. After he has finished he looked at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, scrutinising his face and half of his body. He felt his chest tighten and he felt like throwing up, he coughed and nothing but blood came out. It was normal, he let it slide as he wiped his mouth with the back of his wrist.

"Where are you going?"

Baekhyun adjusted his hoodie and glanced back at Minseok. "I'm gonna check out the shop we passed earlier. I'm hungry." His brother found it inquisitive but nodded anyways. "Hurry and be careful."

The full moon was shining brightly, but that wasn't enough for Baekhyun to feel better. The store was farther than he thought it would be, but he walked nonetheless. He turned a corner and there it was, open and empty. The corner of his lips tugged slightly and he entered the store, the fresh aroma of dumplings being made and the left over slurpies on the left. He hastily turned his head to the side, seeing an old average age guy on the cashier, reading a sports magazine. He looks boring.

Baekhyun walked around the store, contemplating whether to buy soju bottles (for him and his brother) or some chips and sweets. He abruptly stopped when he caught someone outside the store from his peripheral vision. He noticed him the moment he left the hotel, Bakehyun didn't bother but now he was freaked out and he felt his chest tightening again. The petite boy has forgotten about the food and drinks he was buying and focused on getting out of this situation.

He pretended to look for some drinks when he was actually going through his phone— to contacts. Baekhyun mentally cursed at himself when he refused to add anyone on his contacts. "What the fuck, no!" He whispered, he was agitated and wanted to throw his phone across the shop. He shoved his hands on his hoodie pocket, his eye twitching.

Paper.... Card.....

Bussiness card.

He ruffled through his hoodie and found a crumpled up card. It was that beanstalk's card. "You're my only choice, shithead." Then in a flash, he dialed the number and placed the phone on his ear. Awaiting for the nameless giant's answer.

1.2k words for you all, since i haven't updated for so long. I update slowly as yall can see.... expect another upd. in 3 months or so :p