Chapter Text
He looked up at the tall glass building in front of him while he stood on the sidewalk of the busiest street in the city. The place was surrounded by thousands other buildings that looked exactly the same, an urban forest shining in the morning light with their million little windows. They seemed fragile, like they could shatter by the tiniest impact. Mark wondered if they actually could and if somehow, someone had ever tried. Sunshine was reflecting on the building walls with a blinding yellow spark that made him squint, contrasting beautifully the clear blue of the sky above, not a cloud in sight. He thought about the strange circumstances that had brought him there. About a week ago he received a very mysterious email from an undisclosed company, telling him that they've seen his resume online and how they wanted to do an interview. If he was free, of course. Which he was, but something still felt off about it. There was no memory in his mind of uploading his resume online anywhere, but he guess it must've slipped his mind. He was desperate for a job anyway, so he decided to overlook it. Maybe the word desperate was a bit too strong, but one could say he was eager. Job hunting was a stressful, soul sucking process that he wanted over and done with as soon as possible. So he RSVP'd the interview a few days ago and there he was, walking through the fancy lobby, giving his name at the front desk and being handed a special key card to go through security. It wasn't the first time he'd been at a place like this so he knew the entry protocol pretty well at this point. He always laughed at the paranoia of rich people, wondering who in the world would want to break into a boring, regular office building. Much less one that was full of people at all times. It didn't make sense, this wasn't the airport but he sighed and played along with the corporate ritual. After stepping through the metal detector (tacky, he thought), he was confronted with rows of elevators, each marked with a letter. He pushed the number 20 in the keypad and waited for one of them to open. It was the first one, letter A, and he chose to take that as a good sign.
Inside the elevator, infinite versions of himself were staring back at him. He looked at one in the closest mirrored wall. His blonde hair, almost white, was falling casually over his forehead. He ran a hand through it a few times to pull it back until he was satisfied with the result. The eggshell suit he was wearing made him look a little scrawny, but he had always been too skinny for his own good. It was his interview suit, one that at first glance made him look like a million bucks, but up close you could see just how cheap it really was. While the elevator went up, he fumbled with the key card in his hand and put it in his pocket. The email had been too vague and because he was used to expecting the worst of every situation, he was worried. Not because of what he could find up there, but because this might be a complete waste of time. And there's nothing he hated more than that. The doors opened smoothly, revealing another grand lobby, similar to the one downstairs, in a big open space plan. The marble floor was shining in the morning light, some spots covered by fuzzy rugs that tried to make the room a bit homier. It was definitely an intimidating space, because of how expensive looking it was, but there were a couple of details that aspired to make it a bit warmer, like the fake white wooden fireplace, shining with artificial light. But even that looked too pricey for the average person. A for effort, though.
- Hi, can I help you? - A beautiful girl asked from behind a long desk. She looked just as expensive and unattainable as the rest of the room, like another part of the fancy decor. But her smile was warm, so he couldn't help but to smile back.
- Yes, I hope so. I'm Mark Tuan. I have an interview today. - He liked the way his voice came out, pleasant but not nervous, only a tad bit excited.
- Oh, the 10 o'clock! Of course - She smashed some letters on her keyboard and picked up the phone, pushing some numbers in. While they waited for the other line to pick up, Mark silently tapped his foot. He felt the heat of his polyester suit pooling at his lower back and tried to acclimate to the air conditioned room - He's here. Yes, yeah. Okay. - She hung delicately and looked up at Mark warmly - You can go in, it's the corner office on the right. It has a big sign on the door, you can't miss it. - With a last wink, she turned her attention to the computer in front of her and Mark felt like he had just disappeared.
He slowly began to walk in the direction he had been pointed at, feeling his body temperature cooling down. The familiar discomfort of job interviews was starting to kick in so he reviewed in his head the answers he had prepared for the most common questions of the selection process. Tell me a little about yourself. What is your biggest strength? And your bigger weakness? Where do you see yourself in five years? And the dreaded, ever classic: Out of all the candidates, why should we hire you? Because he was fucking broke, that's why. He had practiced in the mirror a thousand times over the years, having fucked up his first few interviews like a loser, eaten alive by sharks in suits whose time was worth more than his entire year's salary. Trying to shake off his ever growing anxiety, he arrived at the corner office and stood in front of the door. It was made of a deep red mahogany, the color bright and pigmented, the varnish looking smooth and velvety, inviting his hand to feel the softness of the surface. On the center of it was a gold inscription, with five names shining brightly underneath the led lights of the hallway. There were no positions attached to them, no big letters accompanying the last names. Ever so mysterious, he thought, as he read them through.
Lim Jaebeom
Park Jinyoung
Choi Youngjae
Kunpimook Bhuwakul
Kim Yugyeom
They looked intimidating. Was he going to be interviewed by five people? Five people who did what, exactly? Own the place? Why wasn't he meeting a normal H.R. person? This all felt too suspicious for comfort and he was already backing away and about to go back where he came from when the door suddenly opened with a delicate thud. Mark looked up and had to steady himself. In front of him was the most beautiful man he had ever laid eyes on and he couldn't help the small gasp that left his mouth. The man smiled softly, knowingly, like he was aware of the effect he had on people. On Mark. He tried unsuccessfully to steady his heart and regain control.
- You must be Mark, right? - He said, a raspy voice that didn't seem to go with how pretty his features were, or how his chestnut brown hair was softly pushed back with a single strand of hair coming to decorate his forehead - Come in, we've been waiting for you - We, he thought. We.
Mark blinked twice and nodded his head, words of affirmation getting lost in his throat. With dread, he felt his preparation jump the twenty flights out the window. He felt naked, with an empty head of thoughts and wet, sweaty palms. He followed the beautiful man inside and he couldn't have guessed in a million years the viewed that followed. Five more gorgeous men, each clad in suits, some of them silk, some sporting a low cut neckline, and they were staring at him curiously as if he was a creature from another planet. The naked feeling only intensified and he had to stop himself from covering his face in embarrassment. He was definitely not worthy of standing in the presence of such exquisite human beings. What was he doing here, who were these men, why were they so handsome. A million questions were running through his mind, even faster than his heartbeat.
- Let me introduce myself - Said the one who opened the door - I'm Jackson, Jackson Wang. I'm the COO of the Chinese brand - He held out his hand and Mark took it, without question. Partly because he wanted to touch the man to see if he was actually real and not a figment of his rich imagination. Their hands clasped together. He was real alright.
- And these are the other heads of the company - Jackson continued, turning around. There were six people in total in the room, with him making seven. Jackson Wang had been a surprise, a wild card. He pointed to the man that was closest to them, who was wearing a boxy green suit. He had the most beautiful mouth Mark had ever seen, and stunning royal features. His hair was of a dark chestnut, a bit wavy, falling into place perfectly. Thick eyebrows framed his alert eyes - That's Park Jinyoung, CFO. Lovely but a bit dangerous, be careful with that one - he added with a wink. Jinyoung just looked down and smiled, corners of his eyes wrinkling.
- The one over there in navy silk like a rich asshole is Kim Yugyeom, he's the Chief Information Officer. Harmless mostly, but a little annoying. And very whiny - At that, Yugyeom tilted his back and laughed loudly. He was tall, Mark could tell by his long legs. He had a beautiful angular face, kind eyes and black, shiny hair that covered his forehead. A visible beauty mark rested under one of his eyes - See what I mean? - Jackson said with a smile. Mark nodded slightly, confused. Everything happening felt surreal.
- That little rascal over there is Kunpimook Bhuwakul, or Bambam, from Thailand. We don't use his given name because he doesn't deserve it. We still don't know how he made it to Chief Marketing Officer, honestly - A soft snort left Bambam's mouth. His face was that of a doll, gorgeous eyes and full mouth. His hair was bright orange and the contrast it made with his tanned skin was making Mark feel weak in the knees. He was a stunner.
- Our adorable, delightful otter over there is Choi Youngjae, Chief Administrative Officer. He's loud as fuck but that's his only flaw. He's perfect otherwise - Jackson continued. Youngjae smiled, tender eyes shining through his specs. His long dark hair framed his face and made him look just a tad bit wild. Mark held his breath - And that striking piece of ass right there is Lim Jaebeom, CEO... -
- Jackson, don't call me that in front of company - Jaebeom said, a small warning in his voice. He looked at Mark straight in the eye and his gaze seemed to undress him. Out of everyone, he was by far the most intimidating. His blue low cut suit reflected the light coming from the window and made him looked otherworldly. Black hair was framing his face in soft waves, his nose shining with a tiny piercing. If Jackson was the prettiest in the room, Jaebeom was the sexiest, by far. Those eyes were eating him up and screaming at him to do everything their owner wanted. And he just might. Honestly, all of them were beautiful, he decided, each with their very own set of qualities that made them attractive for a number of different reasons. He stood there as six pair of eyes regarded him, as if he was live prey. It had already been a few minutes since Jaebeom spoke, and he felt burdened by the pressure of breaking the silence. He knew he had to speak up, introduce himself, give the right answers to the most common questions and get the fuck out of there, fast, or he was going to die of a heart attack by the amount of palpitations his poor heart was experiencing.
- I... - he started, trying to regain his voice. Low heat was crawling up his face, and he wanted to bring his cold hands to his cheeks in order to keep them from blushing. - I'm Mark Tuan, I was scouted by your company - He said tentatively.
- We know - Said Jinyoung, cocking his head a bit, staring at him - She wasn't lying when he described him, he really is beautiful - Mark's cheeks were full on fire right now and there was absolutely nothing he could do about it.
- I told you she has a good eye, but you never believe me - Jackson said with a pout. Mark was watching everything unfold as if in a dream. This couldn't be his reality, it wasn't possible.
- Jackson, don't be a baby - Jaebeom said, with authority - Not yet - What did that even mean, Mark thought.
- Yes, sir - Said Jackson, looking at the floor - But he's always doubting me and I... - he said in a low voice, Mark would've missed it if he hadn't been standing next to him. The sentence got lost when the next person spoke.
- You're right, he's adorable - Youngjae was looking at him warmly. His smile looked very bright but his gaze told another story, that of someone who was much more than what meets the eye. Mark realized he wanted to get to know him for who he really was, and felt a bit sad that he probably never would. After this interview he would most likely never see any of them again. That thought darkened his mood for some reason.
- We should get started, you guys are scaring him - Bambam said, amused, making Yugyeom laugh again, this time softly. It was a melodic laugh that made his chest warm. But Mark couldn't help but agree, he was utterly terrified. Very intrigued, so he wouldn't make a single move to leave the room until he was dismissed, but scared shitless either way.
- Have a seat, please, Mark - Said Jaebeom, hand waving at an empty spot. Mark had a feeling he was used to people doing what he asked, quick and easy, very obediently. He knew this because before he could begin thinking about it, his feet were already moving to the nearest couch that confronted the six men in all their glory. His throat was itchy but he was too nervous to break the silence and clear it. - Did someone explain to you why you're here? - His voice was patient and kind. Good leadership qualities, he thought.
- Uhm... - Mark hated the hesitation in his voice. For some reason he wanted to impress them, to make them want to hire him, to leave this room feeling accomplished. But his fucking nerves were getting in the way. - A job interview? - He asked, insecurity in his voice. Where was his confidence, for fuck's sake. Mark knew he was lacking a lot of things right now, and one of them was composure. .
- I guess you could say that - Yugyeom said, speaking for the first time. He was smiling brightly at Mark, like a kid who was about to spill a secret he was told to keep. Mark's confusion and fear was growing by the second.
- It is an interview, of some sorts - Jinyoung explained, throwing a disapproving look at Yugyeom, whose smile just got bigger - We would like to get to know you, if that's okay - Ah, Mark, thought. Finally, here we go. Tell us a little about yourself.
- Well - He started, regaining some of the stealth he lost thanks to the quirky way he had been received. It was time to get down to business - I've had over six years of experience... -
- I'm sorry - Jinyoung interrupted, with an apologetic look, pressing his lips together. Mark froze on the spot, eyes growing panicked - We know your resume, Mark. We know everything there is to know about you, it's all right here - He waved a black folder, with Mark's name on it - Well that was new, and weird. Was that research or... something else? He was too afraid to ask.
- What we're interested in is who you are as a person - Youngjae said, leaning in from his seat, elbows coming up to rest on his knees - We're very curious about you. - He looked like he was expecting Mark to start stripping.
- Indeed we are - Said Jaebeom, with a small smile. Was it weird that he looked a little evil? Was it weirder that Mark was into it? - Would you be a dear and tell us something we can't find in those pages, anything you want - A silent question lingered in the air, and Mark didn't know what it was.
- Uhm... - he said again, like an idiot. A thousand things went through his mind. Where he grew up, his early years of martial arts training, his childhood dog Milo, his favorite Chinese restaurant. But when he opened his mouth... - I'm gay - Fuck.
The room felt silent for a minute. Bambam was the first to throw out an awkward laugh, and suddenly they were all chuckling openly. Mark loved the sound, and he could feel himself starting to smile, but he was deeply, deeply embarrassed and there was nothing more he wanted than to run away from them and stay under the covers of his bed for a long, long time, until this incident was erased from his mind. Jaebeom was the first one to stop laughing and look at him.
- And we're glad about that, believe us - He said, trying to contain his amusement. Mark noticed the way he laughed with an open mouth and his mind kept replaying the image. It was a nice one, that he saved for later.
- Actually, that's exactly what we wanted to know - Jackson said. When he spoke Mark realized how much he had missed his raspy voice and how good it felt to listen to it again, soothing and alluring.
- Jackson - Jinyoung said in warning. There seemed to be a lot of power plays going around the room. He could almost sort of tell who was who in their little hierarchy, but he knew some people might still surprise him. The younger ones especially seemed like a mystery ready to be unfold.
- He's right, Jinyoung - Jaebeom said. Jackson smiled, first softly at Jaebeom then snarkily at Jinyoung. Mark frowned, unable to understand. Why did they wanted to know that? He didn't know what had compelled him to tell him about his sexuality. Maybe it was the pressure of being surrounded by such beautiful men that his head was all over the place. He was weak, he couldn't help it.
- Why don't we explain properly instead of talking in code like a bunch of assholes? - Said Yugyeom, trying not to laugh. Mark noticed there was a mean streak to him
He likes that - You guys are confusing him - Bambam laughed quietly in agreement. Those two were trouble, alright.
- Mark, are you a bit lost? - Jackson asked, looking at him like there was no one else in the room. - I know we must seem a bit chaotic, but we were just so excited to meet you. Are you doing alright? - His voice was so reassuring, making Mark calm down. But he still had a million questions about the whole thing.
- What am I doing here, exactly? - He asked, slowly. There was no doubt in his mind that this was not an ordinary job interview. Far, far from it. It was one of the weirdest experiences of his life and he was dying to find out where it was going, a curiosity he didn't even know he had burning up his insides.
- You're here because we've been looking for someone to... work with us - Jaebeom said. It was still too vague, and far off from giving him the clarity he was looking for.
- There are some desires that run deep within human nature - Said Jinyoung, voice calm and distant, like he was giving a lecture. - Would you agree? - He felt the weight of Jinyoung's stare, magnetic, defiant, but also delicious. The beads of sweat were already starting to collect at Mark's nape. He was afraid he would start shivering at any minute now.
- I guess - He cocked an eyebrow - Sort of like, animal instincts? - Mark wasn't sure where the conversation was going, but he was starting to think there was a very interesting explanation for this whole ordeal. Or at least it better be, he was already starting to feel like his time might be being wasted after all.
- Sure - Jinyoung said, happy they were getting somewhere - We are a very special group of people. We all come from different backgrounds and do different things, our personalities are nothing alike and we often clash with one another. But we do have one thing in common. Can you guess? - It was a trick question, and Mark knew it.
- Not really - Smiling for the first time. There was no way he was going to start theorizing an explanation for the weird ass behavior he just witnessed from these grown men who were said to be in charge of a very wealthy unnamed company. If they wanted him to cooperate, they needed to explain a few things first. Mark felt a rush of adrenaline at the knowledge that he also held some kind of power in that room. There was clearly something they wanted from him.
- Smart boy - Jaebeom complemented, nodding. Mark swallowed hard. The CEO's words seemed to have an effect on him he hadn't anticipated, but he tried to get not it show on his face.
- We have... special interests - Bambam was smirking. Mark took it as a chance to really look at the young man. He was dressed the best out of all of them, class and style oozing from him. The watch on his wrist looked heavy and expensive in contrast to his long, slim body. Mark chewed at his bottom lip.
- Our sources have told us they saw you at a fetish club about two weeks ago. Is that correct? - Jinyoung asked, straight to the point. Mark's heart started racing suddenly. One of his friends had asked him to go, too scared to do it alone. Mark had tagged along but had been too drunk to actually remember much of the whole experience. It had been too dark anyway. But how did they know that, though?
- Sources? - He tried huffing a laugh but it ended up sounding like a sob - Why would that be any of your business? - There was a little shake to his voice that he was trying to hide. He was beginning to freak out, anxiety tensing his back.
- Why would you being gay be any of our business? - Jackson asked, trying to make him figure things out things on his own. He still wasn't following.
- It isn't, not yet - Youngjae said. His calm voice and quiet demeanor seem to bring down the intensity of the conversation. In what scenario would his sexual preferences be common interest for both parties? Unless… oh.
- So when you say special interests... - Mark asked, things falling slowly into place for him. His face must've been contorted upon the realization, because he heard a few faint laughs, mostly from the younger men.
- Finally! - Bambam said, clapping slightly, gaining another laugh from Yugyeom.
- I'm sorry about the babies - Jaebeom said, smiling apologetically - I know they seem like a lot, but they're just excited - The younger ones looked at each other with an intimacy that Mark felt ashamed to be witnessing.
- We're all excited - Jackson added, obviously trying to regain Mark's attention. In a room full of attractive people, it still wasn't hard for Jackson to stand out, Mark realized. There was something about his eyes...
- We would like for you to participate in some activities with us - Jinyoung said, intensely. Anticipation ran up and down Mark's spine. He pressed his lips together and nodded in understanding, the throbbing in his pants starting with a vengeance.
- The kind that you would perform at a fetish club? - Mark asked. He was both terrified and aroused at the possibility of a yes.
- Exactly - Jaebeom said - You really are a smart boy - Mark could feel his ears getting warm and his breath hitch in his throat - I know it might sound crazy right now, and we'll give you plenty of time to think about it - He clarified.
- But we're hoping you'll say yes - Yugyeom said, angelically. He nodded his head and his hair bounced on his head. Mark could almost melt.
- All of you? - It was the question that pressed him the most. The little time he'd spend with the six men in front of him had made him want them all, for very different reasons. There was a big part of him that allowed himself to get greedy and that meant opening up to something that would involve the six of them.
- All of us, yes - Jaebeom confirmed. Mark felt the ghost of a smile come up to his lips.
- Not at the same time though - Jackson said, making them all laugh. Mark let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in and openly laughed. The atmosphere in the room had changed, now that everything was out in the open. It was less awkward and more personal, he was in on the joke now. It felt like a win.
- Please, take this home and think it through - Jinyoung handed him another black folder, one without a name or number on the cover. It was like a secret, something that wasn't meant to exist. - It's not really a job, so it doesn't come with a paycheck, unfortunately. But we will compensate you, greatly, if you do agree. Consent is very important to us - He added, suddenly very serious.
Mark took the folder, only realizing then that his hands were sweating again. It was a contract, he saw after he peeked under the cover. There were several points to agree with, several signatures to complete. It looked like a regular, official corporate document. Except some of the options had words like latex and leashes. He inhaled slowly and deeply, letting the air fill his lungs.
- Okay - Mark said, taking his time to look at each of them. They were holding their breath, and it gave Mark a power rush - I'll take this home and think about it - Some of the faces looked relieved, some disappointed. It seemed they were expecting a positive answer on the spot.
- Excellent. You shall hear from us soon. Let's say, three days? - Jaebeom said.
- I don't think the boys could hold off any longer - Jackson added, pointing at the younger ones - They have no self-control - He faked whispered, with a hand on the side of his face.
That only brought loud protests that ended up with Yugyeom standing up to tower over Jackson and lean into him until they were almost falling to the ground, Jackson laughing hysterically. The rest of them were giggling along and watching them fondly. There was a weird feeling in the pit of his stomach. Like he desperately wanted to belong there. To be included. He didn't realize when the laughter died down, but Jaebeom stood up and walked towards him. He instinctively did the same and they were facing each other now, solemn looks on their faces. Jaebeom offered his hand, and Mark took it. He could feel how the CEO was gripping tightly, not hard enough to hurt but stronger than necessary.
- I really hope we see each other again - Jaebeom whispered, for his ears only. Mark nodded, unable to say a word. He let go of Jaebeom's hand and waved the rest goodbye, to which they responded with a chorus of farewells. He avoided making eye contact with anyone, because he could feel his face on fire after Jaebeom's words. Without a second glance, he headed for the heavy wooden door and exited the room as fast as he could, warning himself not to look back.
Once outside, he leaned on the closest wall and let himself fall to the floor. His hands were shaking, the one holding the folder making it tremble. He quickly tried to steady himself and got up, afraid they might come out of the office and find him there, pathetic and shaken up, on their expensive marble floor. As he was leaving, the receptionist waved him goodbye with the same smile as before, which now looked robotic in Mark's eyes. Was she the one who had told them about him? Did she knew about the weird interview he just had? He couldn't be sure, and he will probably never find out. Maybe it was for the best, he thought. He wanted to continue living his life without thinking he might be being watched. Looking in the elevator mirrors again once he entered, he didn't look that terrible, concerns aside. There were sweat stains on the collar of his dress shirt but that was about it. Absentmindedly, he rearranged his hair before the doors opened on the first floor. He exited the elevator and went through security again, with the key card almost forgotten in his pocket. He could hardly register what he was doing, everything felt distant, like he wasn't really there.
Losing himself amongst the street crowd, it was difficult to feel like what he had just experienced wasn't a fever dream, or a highly elaborated joke. He fumbled with the black folder in his hand from time to time as a reminder that his morning indeed had gone the way it did, and that the six men weren't a hallucination. Mark's stare was blank and empty while riding the subway home, the morning rush long gone but the public transport still full and chaotic. Nothing could catch his eyes though, everything felt ugly and ordinary, dull in comparison to what he had just witnessed. The keypad to his apartment turned green and made a welcoming sound. He pushed opened the door and went in, feeling dazed. Carefully, he left the folder in the kitchen counter, a place where he knew he could only ignore it for so long. The weight of the decision he was about to make felt heavy in his heart. He was glad he had time to make peace with it, and to think about what it really meant for him. Mark couldn't really contain his excitement, but underneath it there was a lingering apprehension. After all, he had only met these people once in his life, and he wasn't even sure what kind of men they were. He wasn't sure about anything, really. Only that they were so attractive it hurt, and they were offering something that could potentially change his life. What was he gonna do? Say no?