What if...? || Markhyuck

-49-

[february 2021]

[minhyung]

Marco put various folders in a leather binding before me, with the personal details of their recipients embossed in gold. Passing me piece by piece, he spoke in detail about every man whose name was reflected in my eyes and explained the conversation techniques that spoke to them most. Inside were photos and a brief description of the girls Marco had in his brothel. The whole thing looked a bit like the sex menu at an erotic Thai restaurant.

"In a few months there will be a big finalizing dinner," he explained when all the materials were in a pile. I brought them to my lap. "These folders are split into several separate trips," added, making me realize that I would have to enjoy the out-of-town trips that I hated so much. On the other hand, I couldn't do it alone. Were it not for Hunter's last companionship during our field work, the choice of a partner for a business trip would have been obvious. Hyuck, however, lived with a million doubts lately, and I couldn't deny him right. "Some for a few days, some for more," Marco said, stubbing cigarette. I was just nodding without saying anything. I only accepted what he had to say to me - as always.

"That's all?" just asked, glancing at watch. Donghyuck had been waiting for me for an hour. Maybe the brunet was patient with the time but I wasn't. I didn't like the feeling of holding the other person in limbo.

"No" Perez denied. "I have one more point to discuss with you," he said, resting elbows on the desk.  Man looked at me carefully above clasped hands. I was ready. "What happened between you and Theo at the last banquet?" he asked and I sighed heavily, making face as if I was looking for that moment in my head.

"He was making some... bed suggestions for Haechan," shrugged. "Nothing relevant actually, you know what Theo is like," I added, bravely answering the inquisitive Marco with my dull look.

"But you did intervene," he remarked in a tone that I didn't like. Hyuck was right. Recently, the air tasted like problems to come. Now I felt it too.

"It's logical...?" I raised an eyebrow as if was shocked that  Marco didn't see it that way. The man spread hands to the side, giving me room to explain the obvious. "Marco, fuck, it's unethical and unprofessional for him to demand something like that and for us to allow it," I smirked under breath. "How does it look like on the outside that we give our employees like whores. If the kid hadn't been under Steven yet, that's half the trouble," I waved hand as if none of it really bothered me. "But he's from basement. We should respect it for the sake of the image. At least I think so." I held hands up as if the final decision was Marco's anyway and my opinion is just a hypothesis. "You know I don't see the world like a healthy person. If I did wrong, tell me, I won't lift a finger again... "

"I think Haechan would defend himself but no, you didn't do wrong," Perez shook head, suddenly searching for the lost pages on the desk. I don't think he expected such an answer. "Sure, you're right, I think so too," he finally admitted.

"I can see that you're concerned about somthing in this situation after all," I remarked carefully. Donghyuck claims that retreating as soon as Marco was pinned to the wall wasn't a good solution. It looks like satisfaction after a quick win that is falsely achieved. I had no idea how he knew such things but I simply trusted this boy and followed all the directions he gave me.

"I thought maybe you reacted because there is something between you and Haechan," he said finally and I fell silent, smiling crookedly, eyebrows raised.

"It's your imagination that's taken you now," I finally said, amazed. I tried to think of it as suggesting a relationship with Steven for me. It came out more authentically.