Chapter Text
One
Being born into riches, Vernon finds it really hard to realize how easy it has been for him in the last twenty-eight years of his existence. He grew up comfortable, too comfortable if one dared to describe it that way. He was four years old when he started school, and from then on, he was provided top-notch private tutors. And also being born into a family with a great reputation in the business, which solidified and widened the tech industry, it was inevitable for Vernon to live a life swimming in privilege.
His 17th birthday gift was a BMW M4. He was always surrounded by a bunch of bodyguards. He also graduated from a prestigious university in Taguig.
So life is good for him. Great, even. With loving parents that are constantly supporting him with all his decisions in life, and his younger sister who grounded him whenever everything gets tough.
Vernon is nice. He is a great person. But handling an empire that is empowering the tech industry and continuously pitching new games and software developments, his niceness sometimes dissipates. Having thousands of employees who are depending on him, clients who are always getting on his nerves, and stockholders that are always breathing on his neck whenever he fails to close a deal.
Being a chairman really is hard. Vernon learned how to be stern and cold in order to gain the respect of the people around him. With a title and his young age, he knows that he needs to work twice as hard to be deemed deserving of the role.
And it’s exhausting.
“Jesus Christ,” mahinang sambit ni Vernon matapos marahas na guluhin ang buhok niya. “What the fuck is this shit, Hao?”
It’s almost twelve noon and the chairman is supposed to have his meeting for the next thirty minutes, but here he is–hungry and cramming the presentation for his next investors. “I am sure that I reviewed the contract weeks ago, Hao. Why are the data presented here on the slides are different with the drafted proposals I emailed to San Miguel Corp?”
Alam ni Vernon na hindi siya nagmimintis sa pagta-trabaho lalo na kung importanteng dokumento ang nakasaalang-alang. Hindi naman sa pagmamayabang, but Vernon takes pride with his worth ethics. He highly respects the time of the people around him, so as much as possible, he wants everything to be fast, yet efficient.
So imagine his rage, thirty minutes before his meeting, here he is clamoring to revise the proposal for the investment because the wrong document was signed by the boards and other partners. “They’re gonna have my head, Minghao.”
The sales manager just looks at him with distress on his face, clearly nervous as to how they are going to wing this presentation. “I’m sorry Non, I wasn’t able to check last minute. Maybe your secretary accidentally switched up the presentation and he went to create the slides based on the non-signed proposal.”
Mas lalong kumapal ang tensyon sa pagitan ng dalawa at panandalian silang binalot ng katahimikan. Still frustrated, the chairman heaves a deep sigh, trying to formulate a solution. “Okay now here,” ani nito saka swabeng dinulas ang isang folder kay Minghao. “Let’s create a middle ground. I can’t present a non-signed proposal, breach of contract. Now let’s do our best to find a loophole and make the two documents more alike, if not the same. I trust you on this one.”
Mabilis naman na tumango si Minghao saka kinuha ang folder sa table ng chairman at mabilis na tumango saka lumabas ng opisina ng huli.
Now alone, Vernon calls his secretary. “Sohee,” he starts, voice ice cold. “Push back my meeting with San Miguel at 2:30 instead of 12:30. Tell the marketing head to treat the investors to some lunch first.” He orders.
Nang marinig ang sagot ng sekretarya, naglakad muna si Vernon papunta sa sofa na nakalatag sa opisina saka tuluyang sinalampak ang katawan–dahil narin sa pagod, puyat, at stress. “And Sohee,”
“Yes sir?”
While loosening the suffocating necktie, Vernon speaks again. “You’re fired.”
-
“Alam mo Chwe, you have to let loose,” nakangising sabi ni Seungcheol sa pinsan nito. Seungcheol is his older cousin who recently just landed in the country after months of staying in London–some business matters he had to attend to.
Sanggang-dikit na sila noong kabataan palang nila. Seungcheol being the pilyo one, siya ang nagturo kay Vernon ng mga kalokohan. Mula nang paguwi ng madaling araw matapos suyurin ang mga bar sa Makati, pag uwi ng mga babae at lalaki sa condo at maggigising nalang na parang walang nangyari, at mga kalokohan at bisyo na talagang sumulit sa mga taon bago sila mapatangan ng obligasyon na patakbuhin ang kumpanya ng kani-kanilang pamilya.
Vernon just looks at his cousin who is comfortably lying on his sofa in the office, with his feet up and everything. He raises a brow. “And who told you to come here directly after your flight?” He says, ignoring the recent statement of the other.
But Seungcheol just answers by giving a knowing smile to the younger. “Said no one but me,” then he walks closer to the presidential desk where different papers and documents are scattered around. Two cups of coffee. An ashtray. Paper weights. “You can’t possibly be living like this, Vernon.”
“Apparently, I can. As you see I’m currently living it right now.” Tipid na sagot ni Vernon. His head is aching. It’s been a week full of meetings and beating hundreds of deadlines. He is tired, exhausted, and all he wants is a little bit of break.
Not his cousin arriving at his office, breathing down his neck, and dictating him on how to live his life.
Vernon sighs, “Look, Cheol. What do you want from me?”
Sa miserableng mukha ng pinsan ay hindi nalang napigilan ng isa na matawa. The younger with his jet black hair, unruly necktie, and a darkening circle around his eyes. He looks miserable. And sad. “Nothing. Just looking after you.”
“I’m doing fantastic, as you can see.” Is the sarcastic answer of the younger. And Vernon thinks that it's not the time to point out the obviousness of his misery so he tries to change the subject. “How was your trip?” He says, finally locking gaze with Seungcheol who is now back sitting on the couch.
“Fine. Tried to stabilize the failing stocks in London since investors are being a little shit. Had to launch A7T5 three months earlier. But I’m not here to talk about that,” seryosong sabi ni Seungcheol saka ngumisi ng nakakaloko. “I want to introduce you to something and,” a pause. “To someone.”
A bit confused, mabilis na nagsalubong ang kilay ni Vernon. “What the fuck are you talking about? Stop going around circles, you’re not that young for that kind of suspense.” Biro niya pa.
“Gago,” natatawang sagot ni Seungcheol. “I’m just saying that you need to relieve your stress, Non. You’re always on edge. So I think that maybe–”
Inunahan naman na ni Vernon ang pinsan sa kung anong sasabihin niya. And no. He is not up for anything like it. “If you’re gonna say that I should fuck around and stick my dick to holes and pussies then I simply can’t. And you know fucking isn’t the only activity to de-stress, yeah?” Panandaliang tumingin muna si Vernon sa malayo saka muling nagsalita. “I can’t afford someone getting attached to me. I can’t do relationships.”
Seungcheol looked amused with how much his cousin babbled on, without even knowing what he was about to say. After seconds of chuckling, he replies. “Putangina, ang daming sinabi.” Saad nito. “I’m just saying that maybe having a sugar baby will help you lighten up, you know? Spoiling someone without having any romantic relationship. You can fuck too, if you want.”
Sa dinami ng sinabi ni Seungcheol ay nahinto lang si Vernon na iprocess ang salitang, “Sugar baby?”
“Yeah,” ganadong sagot ni Seungcheol. “I actually found one before I left for London. He is the secretary of one of our partners. Met him at one of the technology meetings in Pasay. Asked for his number and told him that our relationship will be purely casual. Then yeah, it’s been months since then.”
Sa narinig, unti unting napangalumbaba si Vernon habang nananatili ang tingin sa pinsan na ngayon ay binabato siya ng nakakalokong ngiti. “So how is it then?” Vernon says, clearly intrigued.
“We just talked about it. His boundaries, mine too. Then we established a set of rules out of it. I’m not gonna disclose it to you, of course. But everything will depend on you and the person you will be choosing. You can date another person while providing for your sugar baby, you can do it exclusively. Have multiple ones. It’s up to you, actually.” Paliwanag ni Seungcheol.
Saglit munang natahimik ang dalawa, parehong inoobserbahan ang isa’t isa. With Seungcheol slowly forming a devilish smile since he knows that he got Vernon hooked with the idea. While Vernon is just being Vernon… he is just spacing out.
“Vernon, nandito ka pa ba?” Biro ni Seungcheol nang tumagal na ng ilang minuto at hindi parin nagsasalita ang isa.
Now snapping out from his trance, Vernon lightly shakes his head. “Yeah, I’m sorry. I got it.”
Seungcheol probes. “And?”
“And what?”
Bumuntong hininga muna si Seungcheol dahil nauubusan na siya ng pasensya kausapin si Vernon. “And what do you think about it?”
“Given that I have no interest in maintaining a relationship, and also the fact that I have too much money to burn, I guess,” unti-unting napansin ni Vernon ang paglapad ng ngiti ni Seungcheol. “I guess it’s interesting.”
With a victorious look on Seungcheol’s face after hearing what his cousin said, that’s when he finally decided to stand up from the couch. “Alright. So I’ll set you up then this weekend?”
Bigla naman na alerto si Vernon at agad na napatayo mula sa swivel chair niya. Anong setup? He clearly remembers saying that the idea is interesting. He never said that he is getting a sugar baby for fuck’s sake. “What are you talking about? It’s Thursday today and I never agreed to–”
But Seungcheol being Seungcheol just looks at him, “Saturday, okay?” Then he slams the door closed.
Now left alone with a bunch of paperwork in his dark and gloomy office, Vernon sighs. Sugar baby? That never entered his mind. Sure, he had a fair share of dating and fucking around. But now nearing his thirties, for him, it’s getting harder to maintain a relationship especially with his position that is too demanding.
He is just afraid that when the time comes and he meets a person that he is really eager to pursue, he simply won’t be enough.
-
“Kakalbuhin kita kapag hindi ka sumama Seungkwan, hindi ako nagbibiro.” Deretsong sabi ng isang binatang kasalukuyang nakapamewang habang pinagmamasadan ang kaibigan na mukhang paiyak na dahil nakanguso ang labi nito at nangungusap ang mga mata.
The smaller guy seated on the chair reaches out to his friend's hand, “Kuya Jeonghan,” he says, begging. “Ni hindi ko nga kilala yun eh.”
Tinanggal naman ni Jeonghan ang kamay niya mula sa pagkakahawak ng kaibigan saka dinirekta ito sa buhok nito para aluin siya. “Kilala ko naman yung isa doon. Wala ka bang tiwala sakin? Di naman kita ibebenta kung kani-kanino lang, Seungkwan.”
The now named guy just continues to plead, “Eh pano pag matanda na? Pag pangit? Pag manyakis pala, ano gagawin mo ha?”
“Nandon din ako hello? Ang OA naman nito. Sasamahan nga kita.” Jeonghan says, the blonde one with a little bit longer hair, falling short close to his shoulders.
The chestnut brown haired one just sighs in defeat. “Saan mo ba naman kasi naisip na kailangan ko ng sugar baby at ako ang ipinain mo diyan sa kakilala mo?” Hindi makapaniwalang sambit ng binata na ngayon ay sumandal nalang sa upuan ng office chair habang masama paring nakatitig sa kaibigan.
Jeonghan who is still standing, lightly pokes the other’s forehead. “Sabi ng landlord mo na apat na buwan ka nang hindi nagbabayad, ng mga bayarin mong patong patong na simula noong nakaraang buwan, at sabi ng mga kapamilya mo na umaasa rin sayo.” Sinserong sabi nito.
The blonde one pulls a chair to sit, for him to be able to be in the eye level of Seungkwan. “At alam mong hindi kita hinuhusgahan sa mga pagkukulang mo Seungkwan. Alam mo yan. Ang akin lang ay kapag may pagkakataon na makahanap tayo ng paraan para naman masolusyonan yang patong patong mong problema, huwag na nating pakawalan pa.”
It’s true. Simula kasi nang sumabak sa Manila si Seungkwan matapos makahanap ng trabaho ay hindi naman niya inakala na sobrang dami pala talagang kailangang pagkagastusan. Wala siyang ibang choice kung hindi magrenta ng apartment na pinilit siyang mabgayad ng dalawang buwan na advance kahit ang napagusapan nong una ay isang buwan lang. Nagkanda utang utang na rin siya sa mga kaibigan niya. Dagdag mo pa ang pagpapadala niya sa mama niya pandagdag ng bayarin sa bahay at maintenance nito.
It’s been tough for Seungkwan. Na laking Pangasinan magmula nang ipanganak siya. Ngayon na magpi-pitong buwan na siyang nakikipagsapalaran sa Manila, ni minsan ay hindi pa siya nakauwi sa probinsya.
Wala eh, ang hirap ng buhay.
Kaya naman nang magsabi si Jeonghan na rumaraket siya bilang sugar baby ng isa sa may pinaka malaking posisyon sa Choi Corp. ay talagang naengganyo agad siya kung paano nangyari yun. Hindi naman niya inaasahan na nang magka interest siya ay agad agad siyang inirekomenda ng kaibigan sa kakilala ng sugar daddy niya.
So here they are now, arguing.
With a defeated Seungkwan, he just pouts. “Basta kapag may ginawang masama, ikaw magbalita sa mama ko ha?” Na agad naman siyang nakatanggap ng mahinang suntok mula sa kaibigan.
“Basta, Sabado. Magkita nalang tayo sa apartment ko at sabay nalang tayo pumunta ha? Sabi ni Cheol, may susundo naman daw satin.”
-
A faint sound of sax and jazz music can be heard all around the diner. The exclusiveness of the place exudes from its aura. With how sophisticated the designs are, with dark regency aesthetic matched with pairs of mahogany tabletops, paintings, and candlelights.
And as the four seated male sat across each other, Seungkwan couldn't help but fidget from his seat. It’s not that he is uncomfortable, it’s just that, it’s too much for him.
“So,” si Seungcheol ang naunang bumasag sa katahimikan sa pagitan nila. Ilang minuto palang naman ang nagdaan mula nang magkita silang apat. Nauna lang talaga saglit sila Jeonghan dahil may kailangan pang daanan si Vernon sa opisina bago sinundo ang pinsan niya sa penthouse nito.
It’s a bit awkward, so Seungcheol clears his throat to lighten the atmosphere. “So, as I was telling you Vernon, this is Jeonghan,” he says, directing his gaze to the pretty blonde who is wearing a bloody red polo shirt and black slacks. Tumango ito kay Vernon. “And this is his friend,” and that’s when Seungcheol only realizes that he doesn’t know the brunette’s name.
So Seungkwan helps. With a smile, he supplies, “Seungkwan.”
And again, silence.
Hindi na talaga kinakaya ni Seungkwan dahil parang puputok na siya sa sobrang awkward. Tahimik lang kasi ang lalaki sa harap niya samantalang si Jeonghan naman ay paminsan-minsang nakikipagusap sa sugar daddy nitong si Seungcheol.
And finally when the man in front of him speaks, saying a genuine “Nice to meet you, Seungkwan. Name’s Vernon.” The man’s voice sent shivers down Seungkwan’s spine. It sounds so honey-like–deep yet comforting.
And Seungkwan now realized that he did not sign up for this shit. Because looking at the man, with his slick back hair, a tight fit plain white polo shirt, and a silver cross dangling on his neck, Seungkwan really finds it hard to believe.
Hindi naman niya kasi inaasahan na ganito ang itsura ng kikitain nila? Mga lalaking parang straight out of magazine?
But still, he tries to answer. “Nice to meet you too.”
“So pano ba yan?” Biglang sabat ni Seungcheol, now trying to fix his collar as he looks at Seungkwan then the guy beside him. “Una na kami, Non ha?”
With this, parehong nagkatinginan si Vernon at Seungkwan sa taranta. Wala naman sa usapan nila na maiiwan pala silang dalawa. Ang buong akala kasi ng huli na ay magkakasama muna silang apat para magpakilala at kumain. Yun lang. Pangalan pa nga lang ang nasasabi niya sa isa.
Kaya naman awtomatikong tiningnan niya ang kaibigang si Jeonghan, gaze obviously confused. But the little shit just smirks at him, waving his cellphone and mouthing, ‘I have your location. See you.’
“Nice to meet you Seungkwan, sorry to cut our time together short. But Vernon will accompany you for the rest of the evening,” sabi ni Seungcheol habang inaalalayan si Jeonghan na tumayo. “Have a good one, gents.” Ang huling sinabi nito bago tumango sakanilang dalawa at umalis.
Hindi na rin nga nagkaroon ng pagkakataon si Seungkwan at Vernon na makapagsalita at makapagpaalam sa dalawa dahil agaran na rin ang pagbaba nila mula sa ikalawang palapag ng restaurant.
Frustrated, Vernon shakes his head, muttering a silent ‘That little shit.’ But he figured that he can’t show his frustration to his date so he offers a reassuring smile. “You’ll be fine with me, Seungkwan. Don’t worry, I don’t bite.” He chuckles, making the brunette smile. Vernon clears his throat, “So are you ready to order? I hope you’re hungry, because I certainly am going to devour every food they’re going to serve.”
Nakahinga naman nang maluwag si Seungkwan dahil hindi naman pala mahirap pakisamahan si Vernon. Marunong itong magbiro at madalas naman itong ngumingiti sa direksyon niya. At kahit medyo na awkward siya noong umpisa at pakiramdam niya ay out of place siya sa lugar lulan na simpleng black tight pants at baby blue shirt lang ang suot niya, Vernon made him feel comfortable with his small talks.
“Advertising, it’s interesting. You know I am always in awe of our advertising department since they are always coming up with the most unique and striking approach of writing,” swabeng sabi ni Vernon habang umiinom ng wine.
Tahimik lang si Seungkwan at paminsan minsan na tumatango sa mga tanong ng isa. Kaya dito na muna kinuha ni Vernon ang oportunidad na pagmasdan si Seungkwan. Medyo maliit at balingkinitan, his face is soft too with freckles and some moles around his face, his lips automatically curves into a familiar pout whenever he tastes something unfamiliar. All in all, Seungkwan looks nice. He is cute.
With that thought in mind, Vernon continues. “So what made you accept tonight’s invitation?" He says, trying to be subtle about directing the conversation towards the sugar baby sugar daddy idea.
Mabilis na kumalat ang kulay pula sa mukha ni Seungkwan. Naramdaman niya ang paginit ng pisngi niya pababa sa leg dahil sa hiya. Alam naman niya kung anong pinunta niya ngayong gabi pero ngayon na binuksan na ni Vernon ang topic ay hindi na niya talaga mapigilang kabahan. So he just went ahead with the first answer that came to his mind. “I heard you’re looking for a sugar baby. Can I be yours?”
Hindi agad nakapagsalita ang kahit isa sakanila dahil sa magkaibang rason. Vernon with an evident awe and amusement on his face, and Seungkwan with his flushed cheeks because of embarrassment.
Vernon tries to cover his chuckle with a cough, “I actually am looking for one. And to tell you the truth,” he pauses as he looks at the tiny bit of sauce smeared on Seungkwan’s lips. So Vernon swiftly stands up from his seat and leans forward to Seungkwan’s space to wipe the sauce with his bare hand. “I am actually new to this thing. You’ll be the first one, if you ever agree.”
Hindi makapaniwala na dire-diretso lang ang pagsasalita ni Vernon na parang wala lang nangyari. Na parang hindi siya lumapit at nilapat ang daliri sa labi ni Seungkwan. Na parang hindi siya ang naging dahilan ng mabilis na pagkabog ng puso niya.
But Seungkwan ignores the butterflies in his stomach. “Okay po, bago rin po ako dito sa concept na pagiging sugar baby.”
With a nod, Vernon looks down at his plate to continue his question. “Are you dating anyone?”
The question made Seungkwan choke on the steak he was chewing. “Po?”
But Vernon just raised a brow before asking the same thing. “Are you dating anyone, right now?” But all he got as an answer is Seungkwan shaking his head as he downs a glass of water.
The chairman smiles, “That’s good then.”
Vernon slices the steak on his plate diligently then proceeds on transferring it to Seungkwan’s plate. The chairman has been observing the smaller for a while and he noticed that it’s the only food that he is touching. Vernon figured that Seungkwan really likes the steak.
A timid, “Thank you,” from Seungkwan to which Vernon just acknowledged him with a nod.
Maraming tao sa palagid but somehow, the place feels so intimate. Siguro dahil narin sa musikang umiindayog sa paligid at sa mga bukas na kandila na nagsisilbing liwanag sa mga mesa.
Tinignan muli ni Seungkwan ang lalaki sa harap niya at hindi niya talaga sukat akalain kung bakit ito naghahanap ng sugar baby. He thinks Vernon can get whoever he wants, with that face and personality. Pero hindi niya inaasahan na masasagot naman agad ang katanungan sa isip niya nang magsalita muli si Vernon.
“I really can’t maintain a relationship right now, especially romantic ones. I won’t be demanding of your time. I just want to spoil someone and spend time with them from time to time without having to actually commit since I have so much on my plate right now. I mean,” huminto saglit si Vernon para titigan sa mata si Seungkwan. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bragging. I just have the money, the means. So I just thought that, fuck it, why not? I’ll try this setup.”
Nanatiling nakaawang ang bibig ni Seungkwan, trying to process what Vernon just said. Magsasalita pa lamang sana siya nang pangunahan siya ni Vernon. “I’m not rushing you to accept this offer. And I promise you Seungkwan I’ll never ask you to do anything you’re not comfortable with just because I’m basically paying for your time and attention. But here,” then he slides a card. “It’s my card. If ever you accept my offer, just use that one. Bank will notify me right away. Or you can just text me. I’ll give you my number after dinner.”
“I..” Seungkwan tries to answer. Nao-overwhelm siya. He really doesn’t know what to feel. What to even say. “Ahm..”
“You don’t have to answer right now. Let’s just enjoy the evening, yeah?” Nakangiting sabi ni Vernon. His eyes assured the smaller that it’s okay to not say anything for the moment.
Seungkwan just mindlessly nods as he stabs another piece of steak and quickly pops it to his mouth. Then he braves it through because this time, he is the one who asks Vernon. “Hindi mo nabanggit,” he shyly starts. “Pero ano ngang position mo sa Choi Corp?”
The owner of the C&C Tech–a completely different one from his cousin, just smiles. Because oh boy. This night is gonna be long, indeed.