hostage || jaeyong

five,

"I want him."

Jaehyun said like it was the most normal thing to say in a business conversation.

"What?! He's not a dog!"

Jooheon showed his surprise at the man's demand.

"He will come live to my house, and I will teach him how to help you run a real business," Jaehyun continued his explanation.

"I don't see how that is supposed to do," Jooheon said gruffly.

"Let me put it this way, then," Jaehyun spoke. "If it ever crosses your mind not to follow up with the plan, be aware that I have your brother."

The man didn't have to spell the threat for Jooheon to understand.

"Like a hostage?" he seemed to ponder.

"Not a term I would like to use. I can assure you Taeyong will receive the best education and his well-being will be cared for."

Taeyong felt breathless. His eyes were darting quickly from Jaehyun to Jooheon and back to the blond again.

"But he will be a hostage!" Jooheon insisted, tapping his fingers against the table. "He's my little brother. My only family."

"That's why he's so precious," Jaehyun smiled, but there was no warmth in that smile.

Taeyong had seen the man smile before, and it had not been like that.

Cold, heartless.

Unconsciously, he touched his chest.

"You have to admit my offer is rather generous. If you don't agree..."

"No, no. I see no problem here," Jooheon cut him short. "My brother, Taeyong, will be in good hands, right?"

No, hyung you have no idea!

Taeyong wanted to yell at his brother.

"What do you say, Taeyong?"

Jooheon looked at him, with a look in his eyes that told Taeyong not to mess this one.

"How about going to live with Mister Jung here and learn chemistry or something?"

"Not chemistry," Jaehyun chuckled. "I doubt that discipline would ever convince anyone to go back to school."

"I don't fucking want to," Taeyong eventually articulated the words he wanted to say.

He was well aware he sounded like a petulant child, but he could not help it.

"Gzz. Taeyong, you're 21. You cannot live with me forever. Now you can do something for us. Please, don't fuck it up."

Jooheon warned, and Taeyong crossed his arms over his chest.

"I can let you two sort this out," Jaehyun offered. "I can wait," he consulted his expensive watch with a small frown, "For a little while."

"No, he'll do it," Jooheon concluded and stood up.

Taeyong could not believe it.

He got up, too, ready to leave.

"Stop by Irene, and she'll give you everything you need," Jaehyun told Jooheon.

Jooheon nodded, turned to look at Taeyong, then back at Jaehyun.

"Do you want him to come to your house from like right now?"

"Yes, that would be great. I don't want to run all over town chasing after him since he doesn't seem so happy with your choice," Jaehyun admitted.