Swallow Hunting - Chapter 24.2
Lee Kang-ju returned with an empty glass. Not only that, he placed it down in front of Hae-jun and even filled it with ice in a surprisingly gracious manner. When he picked up the liquor bottle as well, Hae-jun hurriedly lifted the glass with both hands.
He took a sip of the liquor that filled the bottom of the glass. He was not a heavy drinker, but due to the nature of his profession, he had encountered all kinds of alcohol and had clear preferences. An exclamation burst from him at the sharp alcohol and deep aroma that vibrated against his palate and the tip of his nose. It was incredibly good liquor.
“Thank you.”
“The reason I called you today is.”
Before the taste of the liquor could even fade, Lee Kang-ju brought up the main point. Hae-jun quickly gathered his knees and straightened his back, sitting in a formal posture.
“I am thinking of meeting with Cha Hae-jun on a continuous basis from now on.”
“…….”
“Since I have already paid the down payment, Cha Hae-jun’s opinion is not important, but I thought I should at least let you know.”
The debt at the shop had not been resolved. It was just that the creditor had changed from the Boss to Lee Kang-ju. A bitter smile appeared as the reality suddenly hit home.
“My life is a bit too boring.”
Hae-jun stared at Lee Kang-ju at the sudden remark. It was hard to believe that a man who seemed to hold the whole world in his hands felt boredom. If he had held that much money in that position, every minute and second would have been happy and enjoyable.
“What I want from Cha Hae-jun is not that grand. You just need to provide a very small bit of fun to my fucking boring life.”
That was easier than breathing. Was it not his specialty to comfort those exhausted by daily life and become a source of entertainment? Hae-jun answered energetically with a “Yes.” Lee Kang-ju, who was gazing blankly at Hae-jun as a smile bloomed all over his face, continued by saying “And.”
“Quit your job at the shop.”
“……Pardon?”
This was unexpected. He was no longer bound, but the only thing Hae-jun knew how to do was act charming for customers and have sex. He had been barely surviving on the tips and TC given by customers, but now he was being told to give that up.
Of course, it was true that Lee Kang-ju was a whale among big fish. However, Hae-jun needed a steady income.
“CEO, I am sorry, but besides the shop debt, I have some other debts elsewhere. It will be difficult to handle the interest if I quit immediately.”
“That is your business.”
“If you would consider it once more……”
Lee Kang-ju reached out and grabbed Hae-jun’s lower face. It was a large hand. His snout was forced out by the powerful grip strength that seemed capable of crushing Hae-jun’s cheekbones in an instant.
“It is because I dislike the hands of other bastards or bitches touching you while I am eating you.”
“I, I won’t go out for second rounds. ……Ugh.”
Strength entered Lee Kang-ju’s grip. It was read as a sign to shut up if he was going to babble useless nonsense.
“I know very well that Cha Hae-jun is worn out. I also know very well that you are a rag.”
“…….”
“Is it hard to understand the words that you should stay quietly until I get tired of you?”
His pressed cheeks hurt so much that tears welled up. Lee Kang-ju clicked his tongue and let go. Red handprints were clearly engraved on Hae-jun’s cheeks.
“It is simple. You just have to give it to me whenever I want. I will get you a room. Wait there quietly. ……Your answer?”
He had come this far to follow Lee Kang-ju’s will in the first place. The man was not an old person on his deathbed, and had he not readily paid a large down payment? He even said he would give him a room in addition to the payment for sex. The answer was already decided.
“Yes, I understand.”
Hae-jun bowed his head deeply and answered sincerely. He felt a lingering regret about quitting the shop, but he could not reject Lee Kang-ju.
When he straightened his back, a bright smile like a summer flower was on Hae-jun’s face. The squeezing of his cheeks was not even a threat compared to the humiliations he had suffered from thugs in the past.
“I will do as you wish.”
Only then did the look of displeasure fade from Lee Kang-ju’s eyes. He picked up his own glass without ice, clinked it against Hae-jun’s glass, and drank it all. Hae-jun also turned his head to the side and swallowed the liquor, as if a new bride were wetting her lips with ceremonial wine.
“Take off your clothes.”
Lee Kang-ju commanded. Hae-jun slowly rolled up the bottom of his top with a face more composed than before.
***
He thought he would stay at Yohan’s house for a few days, but it was an immediate move less than a week after entering.
It was very difficult to bring it up to Yohan, but as secrets only lead to more lies, Hae-jun closed his eyes tight and confessed everything. He did omit some parts. Things like trying to take his own life by jumping off a bridge or witnessing Lee Kang-ju beating someone.
Yohan’s mouth hung open after hearing the whole story. Yohan froze while holding a spoon and stared at Hae-jun. Yohan was someone who wouldn’t flinch at most things, so it seemed he was quite shocked. Feeling embarrassed, Hae-jun turned his head away.
“……That is how it happened.”
“……What do you mean that is how it happened!?”
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