Chapter Text
poisoned chalice; noun;
something that seems very good when it is first received, but in fact does great harm to the person who receives it
If you spend much time in the nightlife district of Seoul, there's a good chance you've heard of The System. The name is whispered in crowded clubs, uttered in dark rooms, and met with quiet trepidation or outright terror — depending on how much you know. It is rumored that The System has it's hand in everything, eyes everywhere. The club you're standing in? Owned and operated by The System. That pill you just placed on your tongue? Provided by one of The System's suppliers. Even the necklace wrapped around your neck was most likely made with one of The System's diamonds. Because they're everywhere, silently controlling everything. There's much more to this city than meets the eye.
Beneath the surface, in the underbelly of Seoul, lies an intricate criminal network. They rule Seoul from the underground, making the rules, funneling money into businesses, controlling the markets. Their illicit activity and the money it provides is involved in a majority of the businesses in Seoul, though where the money comes from is a mystery to most in charge. It's easier not to ask questions, not to look too hard. Because once The System comes in and takes root, once they get involved in your business, the moment you take their money, you've sold your soul to the devil. And there's no getting it back. So it's easier to look the other way, to pretend you don't know where the money's coming from. But you do know. Everyone knows. Because The System is everywhere.
It's midnight in Seoul and there's a group of men gathered in a back alley on the southeast side of the city. To the everyday person, it's just one of many neighborhoods throughout the city, scattered with businesses and bustling with activity. But if they looked closely, they'd see a red diamond decal on the upper left corner of every door of every business in a four block radius. This neighborhood, like many others scattered throughout Seoul, is controlled by The System.
A matte black Mercedes G Wagon with windows so tinted you can't even make out a shadow inside pulls up to the alley and the men suddenly spring into action, lining up on either side of the alleyway in two rows. They're standing at attention, backs straight, hands at their sides, heads up — waiting. After a moment, a red soled boot hits the pavement and a tall figure emerges from the car. He's wearing all black, a custom suit, glasses firmly fixed to his face, his long hair falling into his eyes. And on his middle finger sits a six-carat red ruby set in a thick gold band. To the untrained eye, it's just an ordinary ring, a quite blatant display of wealth and status. To those in the alley, it's a symbol of power and control. That ruby tells them everything they need to know about this man and who he is. Because there's only one person in this city with that ring — The Wolf.
His name is uttered in quiet whispers, not a soul daring to utter it loudly, for fear their voice will somehow catch the wind and summon him. The stuff of myth and legend, stories passed down in quiet horror, voices trembling with terror. No one knows who he is, few have ever seen him. His reputation is all anyone really needs to know. It speaks for itself. Because every criminal enterprise needs a leader, and there's none more ruthless than the man who controls The System. His identity is a secret, no one knows his real of name, and if you've met him face to face, chances are you haven't lived to tell anyone anything about him at all. His closest men act as the faces of The System, conducting all business for him. But everyone knows of his brutality. The rules are quite simple. You obey The System. Do what you're told, follow the rules, and don't you dare make a mistake. If you do that, everything goes smoothly. But if you don't, if you cross him, you disappear. It's as simple as that.
Murmurs about The Wolf began two years ago, after The Diamond Massacre. An attack on The System in their own nightclub, their crown jewel, the center of their entire operation — The Jewelry Box. To this day, no one knows who ordered the hit, though many insist it had to have been The League. They're the only ones brave enough to try to take down The System, as the other criminal enterprise in Seoul, though the less dominant one. If you want to control the city, you have to take out The System. Two years ago, an attempt was made, but it failed. Not before they managed to take down the leader of The System, though.
After The Red Dragon fell, there were rumblings that The System was finished. After all, it was The Red Dragon who had brought The System into power, rising from a petty street gang to a criminal enterprise, and then eventually, the most powerful criminal organization in Seoul. The Red Dragon was ruthless, ruling with an iron fist, taking what he wanted and demanding the city bow to him. He achieved his power through targeted violence, using his right hand man as his own personal killing machine. His adopted son and most deadly weapon —The Wolf.
When The Red Dragon was killed, there should have been a power vacuum. Men scrambling to claim the title, eager to capture the power and take over The System. There were certainly organizations hellbent on rising to power, none more than The League. But before they even got the chance, The Wolf stepped in and made it crystal clear that The System wasn't going anywhere. And anyone who wanted to take them down would have to go through him — the new leader of The System.
It's rumored he single-handedly executed fifty men the day after his father was killed, but no one knows if that's true. One would assume it was exaggeration, as these types of stories often are. Many a man has built his reputation on carefully planted stories and overdramatized retelling of events. Whether fact or fiction, the rumor was enough to strike fear in the hearts of anyone even thinking about trying to step in and challenge The Wolf for the power. Even The League wasn't foolish enough to make another move, at least not yet.
It's been two years since then, and The System is more powerful than ever. They're also more brutal. Where the Red Dragon was more subtle with his violence, ruling with carefully chosen words and unspoken threats, The Wolf is more blatant in his display. He'll have his men execute someone in the middle of a nightclub to send a message, a knife to the throat in the center of the dance floor. A message to anyone even thinking about making a move. If you cross me, I'll make you pay. So no one ever dares.
In the alley, men bow their heads as he walks past, not daring to look him in the eye, holding their breath, hoping not to draw his attention, to remain invisible. He doesn't say anything as one of his men pulls open the red door, walking inside like he owns the place, which he does. It's an unassuming building in an unassuming neighborhood, which is by design. No one would ever suspect that the most feared criminal enterprise in all of Korea is operated out of a random building in one of the city's lesser known neighborhoods. You would never know that one of the hottest nightclubs in Seoul doesn't even have a sign out front.
There are many buildings just like this one scattered across the city, nightclubs that drive, funnel, and supply The System. On the outside, most of them look like ordinary buildings, but once you get to the back rooms, a whole other world awaits. One such club, the most exclusive of them all, is The Jewelry Box.
Beyond the red door, lies a land of hidden treasures and illicit activity, where anyone looking for a good time comes to partake in every type of temptation imaginable. Once inside, you're met with an ordinary looking hallway. At the end, is what looks like a massive gold vault door, sealed shut and guarded by two men, one on either side. To gain entry, you must either show a red ruby or be accompanying someone who has one. Once you enter the vault, a land of opulence awaits. Everything is accented in red — the booths, the bar stools, the neon signs, the red curtain, and the doors. 4 doors, one in each corner of the nightclub. This is where the real gems of The Jewelry Box reside, the prettiest jewels in all the land — the staff. If you're allowed behind one of those doors, you're a VIP, and you're treated as such. Everyone who works behind one of the red doors must sign an NDA, and their job is to make guests happy — however that may be. Dancers, cocktail servers, hosts, escorts, whatever their job title may be, one things is for sure — they're beautiful. Only the most gorgeous are employed at The Jewelry Box. Do they know who they're working for? It's hard to say. If you step foot inside The Jewelry Box, chances are you've heard of The System, and by extension, The Wolf. However, none of the staff have ever seen him, at least not that they're aware of. Rumor has it he frequents often, but no one has ever been able to determine who he is. There's some who suspect, but they'd never dare utter their suspicions. It's better to pretend they know nothing about The Wolf at all, safer that way.
Three floors below The Jewelry Box, The Wolf walks down a long hallway, two men trailing behind him. The rest of the men are guarding the stairwell and scattered throughout the club, ensuring no one infiltrates The System's headquarters. As always, there are two men exactly four steps behind him, one on either side. He turns to the one on his left, never breaking his stride.
"I heard we have some new jewels tonight?" he asks, voice dripping with boredom.
"Yes. Three new ones started their first shifts an hour ago. One host, one bartender, and a cocktail waiter. The Wolf arches a brow at that. "A cocktail waiter? What happened to that pretty one? He already quit?" The man, known in these hallways as The Jackal, nods once, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. "Apparently he didn't like all the attention you were giving him.
The Wolf rolls his eyes. "I simply asked him to start bringing my drinks to the red room. If they can't handle even that simple task, good riddance." Jackal, whose real name is Dongha, nods in agreement. "The new one seems like he could handle it. A bit wide-eyed though. I'm not sure he realizes where he works." The Wolf scoffs at that. "He applied to work here, of all places, without realizing the requirements?" Dongha shrugs. "It appears that way. The Panther said he keeps staring at the red doors and was asking what happens in those rooms.
The Wolf hums at that. "Who hired him? The Panther? Doesn't sound like he'll be up to the task. We can't have him throwing a tantrum when customers try to have a taste."
The man to his left speaks up then. Seongmok, known by every other member of the system as The Falcon. "He said he heard about the place from his friend." He pauses, as if there's more to say, and The Wolf swings his gaze to him, arching an expectant brow. "The friend is Park Humin."
At that, The Wolf stops walking, and Dongha and Seongmok come to a screeching halt behind him before they can crash into him. "Park Humin?" His voice is tinged with an unmistakable edge, fists clenching at his sides. "He's friends with Baku?"
Seongmok nods. "Apparently. That's what The Panther said."
"And The Panther thought it was a good idea to hire Baku's friend?" Seongmok shrugs. "You'll have to ask him."
"Oh, I will. Send him to my office immediately."
Three floors above, in the center of it all, Ahn Suho is leaning against the bar, staring at the brown haired boy sitting all the way on the other side, head buried in his laptop. "You're staring again," the bartender teases, rolling his eyes as he slides a glass of whiskey his way. Suho narrows his eyes at it. "I'm working." Wooyoung laughs at that. "Sure. When has that ever stopped you?" Suho shrugs, bringing the glass to his lips. "You have a point."
"Didn't the boss say he doesn't want him doing the books out here on the floor like that?" Suho nods, sighing. "He did. But you know how Sieun is. He says the noise helps him think. Whatever that means." Wooyoung grins at that. "I have to give it to him. He's the only one around here who would dare go against what the Big Bad Wolf says." Suho frowns. "That's what worries me. He still has no idea what he's capable of. He hasn't seen what we've seen."
Wooyoung nods. "His reputation is usually enough to scare anyone into doing exactly what he says. Sieun's the only one who dares challenge him." Suho sighs. "Because he has a death wish."
"Or because he knows you'll protect him. The boss's best friend has a crush on him. That's practically a get out of jail free card."
Suho smirks. "If he hears you call me his best friend he'll break your hand again."
Wooyoung rolls his eyes. "The Wolf and his tantrums."
"Still annoying we have to call him the fucking Wolf. Like we don't know what his name is."
"Yeah well, no one else does. Perks of growing up with the boss, I guess."
Suho snorts. "The only perk. Everything else is a damn burden."
Before Wooyoung can agree, The Falcon is standing next to Suho. "He wants to see you." Suho sighs. "What now?"
"He found out the new guy is friends with Humin." Suho glares at Seongmok. "Oh yeah? How'd he find out? You tell him?"
Seongmok just stares at him, face as expressionless as ever. "It's information he should know." Suho sighs, rubbing at his temples. Seongmok, otherwise known as The Falcon. One half of two thorns in his side. They'll do anything to stay on The Wolf's good side, to maintain the coveted positions they both hold as Seongje's go-to men day to day. Seongmok the head of security, Dongha the head of logistics, whatever the hell that means. As one half of The Wolf's actual right hand men, these two are starting to get really annoying.
"Great. Now this is going to be a whole thing."
He glances over his shoulder at Wooyoung, looking past him to stare at Sieun for a moment. "Keep an eye on him while I'm gone. Don't let any creeps buy him drinks like last weekend."
Wooyoung salutes mockingly. "Aye aye captain!"
Suho follows Seongmok to the concealed elevator, the one only members of The System have access to. Ahn Suho is the General Manager of The Jewelry Box, and a such, he's the one that keeps things running smoothly, ensuring guests get the experience they come to their illicit playground for, and maintaining secrecy at all times. He's also a top tier member of the system, referred to as The Panther, and The Wolf's right hand man. But above all of that, he's one of two people in the entire world who can actually call The Wolf a friend.
They were raised together — himself, Wooyoung, and Seongje. To the rest of The System, even his name is a mystery, but not to Suho and Wooyoung. They grew up with him, knew him before he became the leader of the most feared criminal organization in Seoul. He is, by all accounts, one of the most dangerous men in the whole city. But to Suho, he's just Geum Seongje, the boy he's known since he was ten. Suho's father was The Red Dragon's most trusted bodyguard, and so Suho grew up living inside the Red Dragon's house. He was there the day the Red Dragon adopted Seongje, who was the son of his right hand man who was murdered in an assassination attempt on the Red Dragon. He took him in when he was ten, but he didn't formally adopt him until he was thirteen. By then, he had already proven how brutal he could be, how eager he was for revenge. Seongje had all the makings of the next boss of The System, and The Read Dragon knew it. Suho once overheard his father say The Red Dragon didn't take Seongje in out of the kindness of his heart. No, he took him in because he saw his potential, saw how dangerous he could grow up to be. And so, he wanted to be the one to control that danger. He wanted Seongje to be indebted to him, loyal beyond a shadow of a doubt. So he gave him the world, but he also made him a weapon.
By the time Geum Seongje was seventeen, he was a finely tuned killing machine. A trained assassin, a gun that the Red Dragon pointed at his enemies. By eighteen, he had killed a dozen men. By twenty-one, that number had tripled. Suho doesn't even want to know how many he's killed now. But he knows Seongje knows, knows he remembers every single one of them, even if he appears not to. To the rest of the world, The Wolf is a cold, calculated, emotionless monster. He can snap your neck in the blink of an eye, drive a knife through your heart without hesitation. And that may be true, but he does have a heart. It just turned to ice a long time ago. And it's easier now if he keeps it frozen, impenetrable.
If there's one thing the Red Dragon taught his adopted son, it's to have zero weaknesses. Nothing anyone can use against you. The easiest way to do that is to be unknowable. Never let anyone close enough to know anything valuable about you. Knowledge is power, and even the smallest details can be turned into weapons. So Seongje keeps himself isolated and alone, never lets anyone close. Except for two — Suho and Wooyoung. Because they never gave him a choice in the matter. The three of them have been best friends long before Seongje was the heir to The System, and so, they've become the only exceptions to his rule. There used to be another exception, the exception, but that turned out to be a mistake. A near fatal flaw. One Seongje refuses to make again. Because he used to have a weakness, a person who was his blind spot. Safe to say he's never let anyone that close again.
Wooyoung is similar to Suho himself. He was the Red Dragon's nephew and Seongje's cousin. He could have been resentful that his uncle didn't want to leave his criminal empire to him, someone actually related to him by blood, but he was never wired to lead, had no such ambitions. So he was content to be in Seongje's shadow, learning the ropes and working within The System, but not having to be the one in power. It suited him better. He works as a bartender at The Jewelry Box now simply because he likes it. That and he can be Seongje's eyes and ears on the ground. But when Suho and Wooyoung aren't at The Jewelry box, they're co-second in commands of The System. It would not run without them, and anyone in the right circles knows to fear them nearly as much as they fear The Wolf.
Suho opens the door to The Wolf's office without knocking, arching a brow at Seongmok, who shoots him a glare tinged with jealousy, but doesn't dare to say anything. He just smirks at Dongha, who is standing outside the door shooting him an eerily similar glare, before waltzing inside. Seongje is sitting at his ridiculous monstrosity of a desk, the first three buttons of his shirt undone, tie discarded on the floor next to him. He's twirling a cigarette between his fingers — one of the long skinny ones he only smokes because he thinks they make him look cool — and staring at Suho as if he wants to murder him. Suho sits down in the chair in front of the desk with a sigh.
"Before you get all dramatic, it's not what you're thinking."
Seongje arches a brow at that. "So you didn't hire Baku's fucking friend to work at my club?"
Suho shrugs. "I did. But you know Baku doesn't even know you're The Wolf. He has no idea this place is yours."
Seongje snorts at that. "Don't be so sure about that. He's glued to The Snake's fucking hip these days. You think he hasn't figured anything out? Think he doesn't know about The League and The System?"
Suho hums. "I'm sure he does know something. But we both know Baekjin wants to keep him as far away from all of this as he can. There's no way he's volunteering information. And it's not like Baku's a genius." He doesn't miss the way Seongje can't help but smirk at that. "There's no way he's put two and two together. He knows about The Jewelry Box because Baekjin mentioned it in passing or something. Or someone around Baekjin did, who knows? But he doesn't know you own it. I'm sure of it. I did some digging."
Seongje just stares at him, waiting for him to elaborate. "In the interview I asked Hyuntak — that's the newbie, by the way — how he heard about the place. He said his best friend Baku told him about it. Said he heard it was a place you could make good money. That Baku's friend used to spend a lot of time there and told him it's where rich VIPs go to unwind."
Seongje's fist clenches at the mention of Baku's friend, but he doesn't say anything, so Suho continues. "I asked him if Baku told him anything about the person who owns it and he said Baku said he didn't know. Just heard the owner might be into some illegal stuff, but the club has nothing to do with that and the pay is good." Suho walks over to the bar cart next to Seongje's desk and pours himself a glass of whiskey. "He wasn't lying. You know I can always tell if they're lying. He doesn't know anything. Which means Baku doesn't know anything. He's not a plant. This isn't some scheme Baekjin came up with. I'm sure of it."
Seongje doesn't say anything for a long moment, the tension in his shoulders evident. He has the look on his face he only ever gets when Baekjin is even hinted at. Suho usually avoids the subject at all costs, but today it it's unavoidable. "Okay," is all he says. "If you're sure. I trust your judgment."
Suho smirks around his glass. "The Big Bad Wolf trusts little ole me? I'm honored, sir."
Seongje snorts at that, lifting his middle finger with a roll of his eyes. "So he's a cocktail waiter then?"
Suho nods. "Yeah. He said he wanted to start with that. But he keeps staring at the red doors. He's clearly intrigued. I think eventually we could move him to host. He'd do well." He gives Seongje a pointed look. "He's hot."
Seongje hums, arching a brow. "Is that so?"
"Exactly your type."
Finally, that earns him a smirk. "Well then, I guess I'll have to make an appearance on the floor tonight."
Suho bites back a smile. His best friend is so predictable. He stands up to leave, conversation effectively over, when Seongje's voice makes him pause. "I saw Sieun on the cameras. Tell your boy to stop doing the books out in the open like that." He stares at Suho, his gaze saying more than his words. "I won't tell him again, Suho."
Suho nods. "I know. I'll handle it."
"Good."
As Suho leaves, Seongje stubs out his cigarette and stands from his desk, pausing in front of the mirror that takes up the entire back wall of his office. He brushes his hair off of his forehead and adjusts his crooked glasses. He leaves his buttons undone and keeps the tie off, discarding his suit jacket as he rolls up his sleeves. Now he looks less like the buttoned up boss and more like a VIP guest, which is exactly how he likes it. When he hits the floor of The Jewelry Box, only a select few know The Wolf is among them. Not even the regular Jewelry Box employees know he's the owner. They just think he's some very important big shot who frequents the club and have been instructed by Suho to keep him happy. As he steps out of his office, he slips the ring off his finger and into his pocket, keeping the symbol of The Wolf concealed. His men stand at attention as he passes them by, though he doesn't even spare them a glance. He weaves through the underground of the club silently, taking the secret elevator to the vault door entrance. The men there open the door wordlessly, bowing their heads to their boss in reverence.
The door opens to the loud bass of music, red light bathing the floor, red leather booths trimmed in gold lining the entire perimeter of the club. The crown jewel, the bar, sits in the center of it all, with tables and the dance floor encircling it. It's made of all glass and trimmed in gold, but the bar top? That's the real showstopper. White and black marble with genuine crushed red rubies glittering when the light hits them. Over the top of the bar is what looks like the top of a birdcage, gold and adorned with rubies. It's an intricate, elegant fixture, not typical in a nightclub. But the Jewelry Box is no ordinary nightclub. Seongje stops in front of said bar, smirking when he locks eyes with the man behind it.
"You here to see the new guy?" Wooyoung asks in lieu of a greeting, and Seongje just shrugs. Wooyoung laughs as he takes a special glass out from underneath the bar and pours a generous glass of whiskey. "For the princess," he murmurs, grinning when Seongje flips him off.
Seongje is very particular. Suho and Wooyoung describe him as a germophobe, to which he replies "What's wrong with disliking germs?" He has to have all of his drinks in a glass that is set aside and not contaminated by any other glasses or particles in the air. It's stored in a sterilized compartment underneath the bar and is only to be used for his drinks. All of the bartenders know this, though no one but Wooyoung understands why this random man who has been described as "The VIP of VIPS" gets this kind of special treatment.
"I'm just here to survey my kingdom." Wooyoung snorts. "Sure. Nothing to do with the guy who is one hundred percent your type.
Seongje narrows his eyes, curious. Suho had said the same thing. Surely the newbie isn't that pretty. He's about to say exactly that, when Wooyoung is suddenly leaning closer. "There he is."
Seongje follows his gaze to a boy who looks to be an inch or two shorter than him, and by the looks of it, several years younger. He's in the standard uniform for servers and bar staff. Tight fitting black dress pants and a deep red button down, sleeves rolled up to the elbows, the first three buttons undone. Seongje's gaze starts at his shoes, traveling up his legs, and stopping at the dip of his back. Nice ass, he thinks to himself, checking a box on the mental checklist in his mind. His gaze then travels to his arms, which he can see are clearly defined, even through the shirt. It's a bit snug in the arms, clinging to his biceps. Check. The sharp line of his collarbone catches his attention next, and he licks his lips as he imagines his tongue licking sweat off the dip above his collarbone. The cut jawline catches his attention next. Another check. And then he's taking in his face. Oh. He is hot. His gaze snags on his nose, where he sees a small silver hoop hanging from the nostril. A nose ring. No wonder Wooyoung said he was his type. His friends know him a little too well.
Seongje takes in his eyes, smirking to himself when the boy turns his head to look at him, as if sensing he is being watched. Seongje just stares, watching in amusement as the boy stares back in confusion. He sees a faint tinge of red stain his cheeks as he bites down on his bottom lip. Interesting. So he gets flustered easily. Seongje files that particular piece of information away for later.
"See. Told you he's your type." Seongje finally tears his eyes away to glare at Wooyoung who is staring at him with a smug grin. "Nose ring and all. You really are easy to read."
"Are you going to watch me all night or are you going to do your job?"
Wooyoung shrugs, gesturing to the three other bartenders behind him. "They've got it." Seongje rolls his eyes. "You know I'm your boss, right?" Wooyoung just laughs. "Are you?"
Technically, he is. But not really. Seongje is reluctant to admit it, and he'd never say it out-loud, but not only is Wooyoung his cousin, he's also his friend. His best friend, along with Suho. They're the only two people in the entire world he trusts. Sometimes, when he's with them alone in his penthouse, just the three of them, when he's not The Wolf, but just the orphaned ten year old kid who had met them 14 years prior, Seongje hears his father's voice in the back of his head. Trust no one. Never let your guard down. But with them, he does. And if that ends up being his fatal flaw, so be it. There had been another. A third person, someone he trusted above all else. But he'd betrayed him two years ago, completely shattering any illusions he had left. After that, he tried to push Wooyoung and Suho away too, but they refused to let him. He'll never tell them how grateful he is that they refused to leave.
His gaze wanders around the room until it lands on the new guy again. He watches as he makes his way to the various VIP booths lining the perimeter of the room. The guests seem to have taken a liking to him, slipping bills into his pocket, their touches lingering on his hand as he passes them a drink. He appears to be handling it relatively well, though he does look a bit flustered. But that could also be because of Seongje's stare. He notices the way he keeps glancing back at him, as if feeling the weight of a pair of eyes tracking his every move. So he's observant. Noted.
Wooyoung wanders back over to where Seongje is now sitting on a bar stool and he leans closer to be heard over the music. "What's his name again?"
Wooyoung doesn't even have to ask who, and Seongje pointedly ignores his knowing smirk. "Hyuntak. Said he goes by Gotak."
"Hyuntak," Seongje repeats, disregarding the nickname entirely. He's never had much use for nicknames, finds them childish. Which is ironic considering he's known through the entire city by a nickname, though he'll insist that's different. That's a code name, a symbol of power and status. Every top tier member of The System is referred to by their code name, which corresponds to an animal. It's a way to protect identities and privacy, to make it harder for their enemies and the authorities alike to track them down and dig up information on them. The head of The System is the one who bestows a member of The System with their personalized code name. Seongje's, The Wolf, was given to him by his father when he turned 16 and officially joined The System.
"Wolves are apex predators. The top of the food chain. They are hunted by none, as they are the hunters. The most feared. And they're smart. They hunt to survive. That's you, Seongje. You're The Wolf now. My hunter, my predator. Through you, The System will eliminate every threat and take down those weaker than us. Today, you officially become The Wolf."
And thus, Seongje became known as The Wolf. Suho and Wooyoung had their names given to them by the Red Dragon — The Panther and The Raven, respectively. Seongje himself gave Dongha and Seongmok their code names — The Jackal and The Falcon. So, code names are perfectly fine. But nicknames? Those Seongje would rather do without.
He observes the new server for a bit longer, waiting for Wooyoung to refill his glass, before rising from his seat. Hyuntak is standing on the edge of the room, waiting for a guest to call him over, as he would have been instructed to do. The cocktail servers are better left in the shadows, only showing themselves to guests when summoned. Seongje beelines for him, his steps slow and deliberate. He's talking to a short boy with glasses. Seo Juntae. Seongje only knows his name because he just so happens to be dating his main enforcer. What Seokdae sees in the mousy nerd of a boy, Seongje couldn't say. He suspects he knows exactly who he is, though, because his eyes widen and he suddenly stands up straight, looking terrified as Seongje approaches. He'll have to have a word with Seokdae about sharing his identity. But if he knows he's The Wolf, there's no need for subtlety. "Leave us," he commands, and Juntae nods quickly, scurrying away without so much as a glance over his shoulder.
Hyuntak is watching him curiously, not averting his gaze. Seongje smirks, stepping closer, pleased when the boy doesn't take a step back to maintain distance.
"You've been watching me," is the first thing Hyuntak says, and Seongje's smirk widens. "And you've been watching me right back." Hyuntak doesn't deny it, just keeps staring at him, as if in challenge.
"You're new. Never seen you around here before." The shorter boy nods. "It's my first night. I heard you're a VIP." Seongje grins. "Something like that."
Seongje lets his gaze wander down his body, slow and deliberate, noting with interest that Hyuntak doesn't flinch or squirm under his gaze. "With a body like that you could make a killing behind those red doors."
At that, his face betrays him, brow quirking in interest before he can stop it. "The red doors?"
Seongje nods. "You don't know what happens in those rooms?" Hyuntak shakes his head. "Anything the customer wants." His gaze linger on Hyuntak's lips. "And I do mean anything."
Hyuntak's brow furrows at that. "Wait so," he drops his voice as if afraid to be overheard. "Escorts work here?" Seongje nods. "There's levels to this place. Bottom level is bar back. Then server, then bartender, followed by hosts, and then at the top, you have the escorts."
Seongje lowers his voice, leaning in closer to whisper in Hyuntak's ear. "You should at least consider being a host. They'd eat you up. You could make a killing."
Hyuntak just stares at him, expression indifferent. "Who says I care about the money?"
Seongje gaze drifts to the scuffed old Nikes on his feet before returning to his face. "You do. That's why you're working here."
Hyuntak just scoffs. "If you say so."
"So if you really need money, you should find a way to get into the red rooms. Trust me."
He tilts his head to the side. "Why? So you can hire me?"
Seongje grins at the bold question, eyes lighting up in delight. Oh this one might have a bit of personality. "Bold of you to assume you're my type."
He has the decency to look slightly chastised at that, cheeks flushing, though he doesn't withdraw the question.
"Guess you'll just have to wait and see." Seongje watches as Hyuntak's gaze fixes on someone over his shoulder, a man at a booth in the corner. "Thanks for the tip. I need to go serve a customer."
Seongje nods. "Pleasure to meet you, Hyuntak."
He spins on his heel and walks back to the bar, but not before catching the look of confusion on Hyuntak's face when he realizes he'd never given him his name.
When he returns to his office twenty minutes later, Seongje turns on his wall of cameras, setting the view to every angle of The Jewelry Box. He spends the remainder of the shift watching the pretty new boy on the camera, smirking to himself every time he sees the boy's gaze snag on one of the red doors.
Before he leaves for the night, he sends Dongha and Seongmok a text. "Get me everything you can find on the new server. Go Hyuntak. I want it on my desk in the morning."
The Wolf may have just found his new prey.