Stay ||| Wooyoung/Jongho/San (Ateez)

15

Wooyoung rode the bus into the city the next day in high spirits. There was something about the day that just felt right.

The sun was bright, the sky a beautiful shade of baby blue, and even though the call from Luke was still floating around in the back of his mind, Wooyoung felt happy.

When he made it to work, Marcus was busy on the phone, talking with someone in hushed tones. Not wanting to disturb him, Wooyoung ducked into the back room where he had set himself up a little desk to work at whenever his boss was in office.

There was a stack of papers waiting for him that he started going through.

Marcus had solved his last case, finding the woman's daughter hiding out at a motel a few cities away, so now he was in a down period. He spent his time working on advertising, as well as researching anything new that might pop up in the city so that way he could find his way around easily.

Wooyoung had taken the time to create a new filing cabinet dedicated just for the city, too, to help him stay organized.

He hummed happily to himself as he read through them, making sure everything was in order so he could file them away.

It was nice because it was something he could take his time with too. Part of him still feared that Marcus would let him go when things slowed down, but so far his boss didn't show any sign of wanting to do that.

Almost an hour later, Marcus finally stepped into the back room. "Sorry about that, one of my contacts down south needed some information." He said, watching Wooyoung closely.

"That's ok! I've just been going through things back here." Wooyoung turned and smiled at him.

"Sit down, let's talk." The older motioned to a chair and pulled his desk chair in. When both were seated, he leaned forward and moved his chair closer. "I've been thinking... I want you to start here full time."

Wooyoung sat up straighter. "Really? I know we had talked about it, but I was worried it wouldn't happen with how slow things can be here."

"That's not for you to worry about.You're a good assistant, and I'd be a fool to let you go." Marcus' mouth curled in a grin while his eyes narrowed. "It would come with other... Responsibilities though. But I would officially get you on payroll and even give you a raise."

This sounded too good to be true. Marcus was already paying him a lot, so if he started full time then quitting his job at the library wouldn't be an issue.

"What would you need me to do?" He asked, getting more and more excited.

"Well, I may have you run recon, or go check out a new place in town to get information from me. I also just want to enjoy your company more." Marcus' voice got a little deeper and he placed a hand on Wooyoung's knee.

The atmosphere in the room changed instantly and Wooyoung pushed his hand away. "I'm honored, Marcus... But I'm not interested in that."

"I don't think you understand me. I'm giving you a pay raise. I don't think I'm asking for much in return." Marcus tried to touch Wooyoung again, but the younger stood up and backed away.

"Please don't. I'm really happy to work for you, but if this is what you want then I'm going to have decline and quit." Wooyoung tried to keep his voice from shaking.

He flinched when Marcus stood up quickly, shoving his chair back so it blocked the door. Then he advanced on Wooyoung and pinned him against the wall. "Let me rephrase this. I've wanted you since you first walked through my door. I find you... Irresistible. And I have ways of making you stay besides the pay. I know things." He smirked. It was a look saying he already knew he would win this.