Stress and love

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Sunghoon sat in a luxurious room, a blend of modern elegance and classic charm. The space was spacious, with high ceilings and large windows draped with rich, velvet curtains. The walls were adorned with intricate moldings, and a grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, inviting glow. The furniture was opulent, with plush sofas and armchairs, a large mahogany desk, and an ornate fireplace that added to the room's regal atmosphere. Despite the grandeur, it wasn't Sunghoon's house. This luxurious abode belonged to his childhood friend, Lee Heeseung.

Sunghoon sat at the mahogany desk, diligently checking tests and reading religious texts. He was lost in thought when the door suddenly flew open. Heeseung stormed in, his expression a mix of fury and frustration.

Sunghoon looked up, concerned. "What happened?"

Heeseung, trying to mask his anger with a gentle tone, replied, "My plan failed again."

Heeseung walked over to a chaise lounge and lay down, closing his eyes with one hand. After a moment of silence, he began talking.

"You know," Heeseung started, his voice low and contemplative, "love and revenge are two sides of the same coin. They both consume you, make you do things you'd never imagine."

Sunghoon shifted in his seat, feeling a knot form in his stomach. "I guess so," he replied cautiously.

Heeseung continued, his tone almost wistful. "Love makes you vulnerable. It exposes your weaknesses. But revenge... revenge is power. It's taking control."

Sunghoon nodded, unsure of what to say. Heeseung's words resonated with a part of him he rarely acknowledged. The room fell silent again, the tension thickening the air.

Suddenly, Heeseung opened his eyes and looked directly at Sunghoon. "Do you love anyone?"

Sunghoon, caught off guard, quickly denied it. "No, I don't."

Heeseung smirked and said, "What about Kim Sunoo?"

Sunghoon's breath caught in his throat, and he felt his cheeks heat up. Heeseung chuckled at his friend's reaction. "You're so cute when you're flustered," he teased.

Sunghoon, trying to regain his composure, retorted, "You also love someone, and I know who it is."

Heeseung rolled his eyes but couldn't hide a small smile. As he lay back down, he suggested, "Hey, want to hang out?"

"Where?" Sunghoon asked, wary of Heeseung's plans.

"At my club," Heeseung replied.

Sunghoon hesitated. He knew Sunoo often frequented the club. "I'm not coming," he said firmly.

Heeseung, persistent as ever, began to persuade him. "Come on, it'll be fun. Besides, you need a break."

Sunghoon sighed, feeling cornered. Before he could protest further, he decided to change the topic. "How's the hunting going?"

Heeseung's expression darkened slightly. "It's going okay, but I need to hurry before it's too late."

"Before what?" Sunghoon asked, sensing something ominous.

Heeseung didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stared at his phone, lost in thought. Sunghoon got up and sat next to him on the bed, trying to peer at the screen. "What are you looking at?"

Heeseung smirked and showed him the chat between someone named "Jay" and "Juwon."

"Are you stalking them?" Sunghoon asked, a hint of fear in his voice.

Heeseung nodded nonchalantly. "It's part of the hunt."

As they watched the chat, the last message from Jay remained unanswered. Sunghoon noticed Heeseung's eyes burning with rage. When Heeseung switched to a chat with Jake and started typing something, he looked at Sunghoon and asked, "Are you ready?"

Sunghoon, his heart pounding, could only nod. The tension in the room was palpable, and he couldn't shake the feeling that they were on the brink of something dangerous.

Lee Heeseung held a position of significant influence and power as the Chief Urban Development Officer (CUDO) of a major metropolitan city. In this role, Heeseung was responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and transformation of urban areas. His decisions directly impacted the city's landscape, economy, and the lives of its residents.

As the CUDO, Heeseung's primary responsibilities included urban planning and design, infrastructure development, revitalization and redevelopment, economic development, sustainability and environmental impact, and community engagement. He was in charge of conceptualizing and implementing large-scale urban projects, creating master plans for new neighborhoods, commercial districts, and public spaces. He worked closely with architects, engineers, and city planners to ensure that each project was sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

Heeseung made critical decisions about the city's infrastructure, including transportation systems, utilities, and public facilities. He prioritized projects that improved connectivity, reduced congestion, and enhanced the quality of life for residents. One of his key roles was to identify areas of the city that needed revitalization. He spearheaded initiatives to redevelop run-down neighborhoods, transforming them into vibrant, thriving communities. This often involved demolishing old structures to make way for new developments, which could be controversial but was necessary for progress.

Heeseung played a crucial role in attracting investments to the city. He worked with businesses, developers, and government agencies to create an environment conducive to economic growth. His efforts included promoting mixed-use developments, supporting local businesses, and encouraging innovation. Heeseung was committed to ensuring that all urban development projects adhered to principles of sustainability. He championed green building practices, renewable energy sources, and environmentally friendly transportation options. His goal was to create a city that balanced growth with environmental stewardship.

Understanding the importance of public opinion, Heeseung actively engaged with community members. He held public forums, gathered feedback, and incorporated residents' ideas into his plans. This approach helped build trust and fostered a sense of ownership among the city's inhabitants.

Heeseung's vision for the city was ambitious and transformative. He sought to create a dynamic urban environment that met the needs of its current residents while anticipating future challenges. His leadership and innovative approach made him a prominent figure in urban development, known for his ability to balance progress with preservation. Through his work, Heeseung aimed to build a city that was not only functional and beautiful but also resilient and inclusive.

2 years ago

Sunghoon leaned against the cold, grimy tiles of the restroom, clutching his stomach where the latest blow had landed. His vision blurred as he tried to focus on the three men standing over him, their faces twisted with anger and greed.

"When are you going to give us our money, Sunghoon?" the tallest of the trio snarled, delivering another kick to his ribs. "You promised us weeks ago!"

Sunghoon coughed, tasting blood, and tried to speak. "I'm trying... I just need more time."

"Time's up," another man hissed, grabbing Sunghoon by the collar and slamming him against the wall. "We need our money now!"

Suddenly, the restroom door burst open with a loud bang. The gang members turned, startled, as Lee Heeseung strode in, his presence commanding immediate attention. Heeseung's eyes were cold and dangerous as they flicked over the scene, taking in the sight of Sunghoon's bloodied and battered form.

"Heeseung," the tallest man stammered, stepping back instinctively. "We didn't know he was your friend."

Heeseung's expression hardened. "I don't care what you thought. Leave. Now."

The gang members hesitated for a split second before they scrambled to obey, casting fearful glances at Heeseung as they fled the restroom.

Heeseung moved quickly to Sunghoon's side, kneeling down to check his injuries. "Sunghoon, can you hear me?"

Sunghoon nodded weakly, wincing at the pain. "Yeah... I hear you."

Heeseung's face softened with concern. "Let's get you out of here."

He helped Sunghoon to his feet, supporting him as they made their way out of the restroom and into the quieter hallway. Once they were clear, Heeseung spoke again, his tone firm but gentle.

"You need to stay at my place for a while," Heeseung said. "Until this mess is sorted out."

Sunghoon shook his head slightly. "I can't impose on you like that."

"It's not an imposition," Heeseung insisted. "It's for your safety. You can't keep living like this, always looking over your shoulder."

Sunghoon hesitated, the weight of his situation pressing down on him. Heeseung's offer was a lifeline he couldn't afford to refuse, not now.

"Okay," Sunghoon finally agreed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll stay with you."

Heeseung nodded, relief evident in his eyes. "Good. Let's get you cleaned up and then we'll head over."

As they walked together, Sunghoon couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the pain and fear. With Heeseung by his side, maybe things would start to get better.

As Sunghoon sat in Heeseung's sleek car, the adrenaline from the encounter began to wear off, leaving a deep, aching exhaustion in its wake. Heeseung drove with calm precision, the silence between them comfortable, almost reassuring. Sunghoon leaned his head back against the seat, closing his eyes for a moment.

They arrived at Heeseung's luxurious apartment complex, a stark contrast to the gritty streets they had just left behind. Heeseung helped Sunghoon inside, guiding him to the pristine bathroom where he began to clean his wounds. Sunghoon winced as Heeseung dabbed at a particularly nasty cut on his forehead.

"Sorry," Heeseung muttered, his touch gentle but firm.

"It's okay," Sunghoon replied, forcing a small smile. "Thank you for saving me back there."

Heeseung's eyes met Sunghoon's in the mirror, his expression serious. "You don't need to thank me. You're my friend. I'd do anything to protect you."

Sunghoon nodded, feeling a warmth spread through him despite the pain. Heeseung had always been there for him, ever since they were kids. He remembered all the times Heeseung had stood up for him, had been his rock when things got tough. It wasn't just gratitude he felt, but a deep-seated trust that Heeseung would always have his back.

Later, as they sat in Heeseung's living room, Sunghoon felt a wave of exhaustion crash over him. Heeseung noticed and gently nudged him.

"You should get some rest," Heeseung said softly. "You've had a rough day."

Sunghoon nodded, too tired to argue. Heeseung helped him to the guest room, a spacious and meticulously decorated space that felt almost too nice for him. He sank into the plush bed, feeling the softness envelop him.

As he drifted off to sleep, his thoughts lingered on Heeseung. He trusted Heeseung more than anyone else in the world. It wasn't just because Heeseung had saved him today, but because he had always been there. Through every challenge, every dark moment, Heeseung had been a constant source of strength and support.

Sunghoon knew he was safe here. He knew that with Heeseung by his side, he could face whatever came next. And as sleep finally claimed him, he felt a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time, knowing he wasn't alone in this fight.

The present

Sunghoon gripped the steering wheel, eyes focused on the road ahead as the city lights blurred past. The hum of the engine and the soft sound of tires on asphalt filled the car, creating a backdrop of calmness in contrast to the tension he felt. Heeseung sat in the passenger seat, his attention fixed on his phone, fingers flying across the screen.

After a few moments of silence, Sunghoon glanced over at Heeseung, curiosity getting the better of him. "Who are you chatting with?" he asked, his tone casual yet inquisitive.

Heeseung didn't look up immediately, finishing his message before turning his attention to Sunghoon. "Just handling some business," he replied cryptically, a small smirk playing on his lips.

Sunghoon raised an eyebrow, intrigued but not entirely convinced. "Business, huh? Must be some pretty interesting business to keep you so occupied."

Heeseung chuckled, leaning back in his seat and slipping his phone into his pocket. "You could say that. It's a project I'm working on, something that requires a lot of... attention."

Sunghoon nodded, understanding that Heeseung often kept things close to the vest. "Well, as long as it's not getting you into trouble," he said, half-joking.

Heeseung's smirk widened, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Don't worry about me, Sunghoon. I can handle a little trouble. Besides, it's nothing I can't manage."

Sunghoon's grip tightened on the wheel as they turned a corner, the club coming into view. He couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for his friend. Despite Heeseung's reassurances, Sunghoon knew that whatever Heeseung was involved in, it was likely more complicated than he let on.

They pulled up to the club, the neon lights casting a colorful glow over the sleek car. Sunghoon parked and turned off the engine, glancing over at Heeseung once more. "Ready?" he asked.

Heeseung nodded, a determined look on his face. "Always," he said, opening the car door and stepping out.

Sunghoon followed suit, his thoughts still lingering on the cryptic conversation. He knew Heeseung was capable and resourceful, but he couldn't shake the feeling that his friend was getting deeper into something potentially dangerous. As they made their way into the club, the thumping bass and flashing lights greeted them, and Sunghoon resolved to keep a close eye on Heeseung, just as Heeseung had always done for him.

As Sunghoon and Heeseung settled into the vibrant atmosphere of the club, the pounding music and flashing lights created an almost surreal ambiance. Just as they were getting comfortable, a few workers approached Heeseung with urgent expressions.

"We need you for a moment," one of them said, leaning in to make himself heard over the music.

Heeseung nodded, giving Sunghoon a brief pat on the shoulder. "I'll be back soon. Don't go anywhere," he said with a reassuring smile before following the workers out of sight.

Sunghoon watched him go, feeling a bit out of place now that he was alone. He glanced around the club, his eyes scanning the crowd. That's when he saw him.

Kim Sunoo.

The sight of Sunoo, standing behind the bar, made Sunghoon's heart skip a beat. Sunoo had been absent for a while due to illness, and Heeseung had stepped in to cover for him. Now, seeing Sunoo back in his element brought a rush of emotions to Sunghoon.

Sunoo's blonde hair gleamed under the club lights, framing his delicate, feminine features perfectly. His eyes, bright and full of life, twinkled as he chatted animatedly with the customers. His smile was radiant, a beam of pure sunshine that seemed to light up the entire room. Sunoo's presence had a magnetic pull, drawing people in with his natural charm and warmth.

Sunghoon couldn't help but be captivated by Sunoo's beauty. He watched as Sunoo moved gracefully behind the bar, mixing drinks with effortless skill. Every gesture, every laugh, seemed to exude an irresistible cuteness that made Sunghoon's heart ache with longing.

He remembered the countless times they had spent together, talking late into the night, sharing secrets and dreams. Sunghoon had always been in love with Sunoo, but he had never found the courage to confess his feelings. Now, watching Sunoo from across the room, those feelings came flooding back, stronger than ever.

Sunghoon's thoughts were interrupted as a customer leaned over the bar to speak to Sunoo, causing him to laugh softly. The sound was like music to Sunghoon's ears, and he couldn't tear his eyes away. Sunoo glanced up, and for a brief moment, their eyes met. Sunghoon felt a jolt of electricity, his breath catching in his throat.

Sunoo's eyes widened in recognition, and he smiled warmly at Sunghoon, giving a small wave. Sunghoon's heart raced, and he returned the wave, feeling a blush creep up his cheeks.

The connection between them was undeniable, and Sunghoon longed to cross the distance between them, to tell Sunoo everything that was in his heart. But for now, he was content to watch, to bask in the glow of Sunoo's presence and hope that one day, he might find the courage to reveal his true feelings.

Sunghoon's initial joy at seeing Sunoo was quickly overshadowed by a dark cloud of anger and frustration. The club was packed with people, and it didn't take long for him to notice that Sunoo was the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. Every man in the club seemed to be vying for Sunoo's attention, their gazes lingering on him with a hunger that made Sunghoon's skin crawl.

There was an unspoken rule in the club: there was no "no" when it came to Sunoo. Every single man who approached him wanted the same thing, and Sunoo, under Heeseung's orders, never rejected anyone. Sunoo had just turned eighteen, barely an adult, and it infuriated Sunghoon to see him treated this way. Sunghoon himself wasn't much older, only twenty, but he felt a protective instinct towards Sunoo that bordered on possessive.

As Sunghoon watched, a man leaned over the bar, whispering something into Sunoo's ear that made him blush and giggle nervously. The man's hand lingered on Sunoo's arm a moment too long, and Sunghoon felt a surge of anger boil up inside him. He clenched his fists, fighting the urge to storm over and pull Sunoo away from the lecherous patrons surrounding him.

Sunoo's innocence and youth only made the situation more infuriating. He was bright and kind-hearted, always trying to see the best in people. But in this place, those qualities made him a target. The men in the club saw him as nothing more than a toy, a pretty face to be used and discarded. And it was all because of Heeseung's twisted idea of "protection."

Sunghoon's jaw tightened as he watched another man slide his hand around Sunoo's waist, pulling him closer. Sunoo laughed, but Sunghoon could see the discomfort in his eyes. He wanted to intervene, to tell these men to back off, but he knew it wasn't that simple. Heeseung had made sure of that.

Heeseung's influence was strong, and Sunoo felt obligated to comply with his demands. Sunghoon hated seeing Sunoo in this position, forced to entertain these men's advances. He felt a burning rage towards Heeseung for putting Sunoo through this, for exploiting his innocence for the sake of the club's reputation.

Sunghoon's anger wasn't just directed at the men surrounding Sunoo; it was also a deep-seated fury towards Heeseung. Heeseung, his childhood friend, who should have been protecting Sunoo, was instead subjecting him to this degrading treatment. Sunghoon couldn't understand how Heeseung could be so heartless, so blind to the pain he was causing.

As the night wore on, Sunghoon's anger simmered just beneath the surface. He kept a watchful eye on Sunoo, ready to step in if things got out of hand. His heart ached for Sunoo, for the situation he was trapped in. Sunghoon vowed to himself that he would find a way to protect Sunoo, to free him from the clutches of those who sought to exploit him. For now, all he could do was watch and wait, his love for Sunoo fueling his determination to set things right.

The atmosphere grew darker when the man, likely in his thirties or older, grabbed Sunoo's hand and led him toward a room designated for customers.

"Not this time," Sunghoon muttered, clenching his jaw as he followed them.

As he reached the second floor and stood in the middle of the hallway, he was enveloped by the noise and commotion from left and right. The guests were enjoying themselves, the clamor of their laughter and conversation filling the space. A worker approached Sunghoon, and he stopped her.

"Yes, sir?" she asked.

"Sorry, have you seen where the man took your bartender, Kim Sunoo?" he asked, his tone firm. The assistant eyed him with suspicion. Noticing her gaze, Sunghoon added, "I reserved some private time with him. Heeseung is a friend of mine, so-"

"Park Sunghoon?"

"What?"

"Your name is Park Sunghoon. Sir Heeseung told us you're always the VIP."

Sunghoon quickly pulled out his ID and showed it. "Oh, yeah! That's me."

The assistant smiled. "Strange. Sunoo would have known who to reject and who to accept tonight."

"Maybe he just wasn't aware. It's okay as long as he will be with me tonight."

"Room 56," she said, then continued on her way.

"Thank you," Sunghoon said, smiling and bowing before hurrying toward Room 56.

Sunghoon reached Room 56 and pushed the door open, his heart pounding. The sight that greeted him made his blood boil. The man who had grabbed Sunoo was pressing him roughly against the wall, his hands wandering inappropriately. Sunoo's eyes were filled with a mix of fear and resignation, his cheeks flushed.

The door had been left ajar, and Sunghoon wasted no time. With a fierce determination, he stormed into the room, his anger blazing.

"Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing?" Sunghoon's voice cut through the air like a blade.

The man looked up, startled and disoriented. "Who the hell are you?" he demanded, his tone defensive.

"I'm Park Sunghoon. Heeseung is my friend, and I made a reservation for Sunoo tonight. You have no right to treat him like this!" Sunghoon's words were laced with venom. He grabbed Sunoo by the arm and pulled him away from the man with a protective urgency.

Sunoo stumbled slightly, his relief evident as he looked up at Sunghoon with wide eyes. "Sunghoon... thank you," he whispered, his voice trembling.

The man, realizing he had been caught and was now facing a serious confrontation, began to back away. His bravado faltered in the face of Sunghoon's anger. "Whatever," he muttered, glaring at Sunghoon before leaving the room in a huff.

As the door slammed shut behind the man, Sunghoon's breath came out in ragged gasps. His fists clenched at his sides as the intensity of the moment lingered in the air. The room was now filled with an uneasy silence, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on both of them.

Sunoo, visibly shaken but determined to maintain his composure, looked at Sunghoon with a mixture of confusion and gratitude. He slowly approached Sunghoon, who had sunk onto the edge of the bed, trying to regain his calm.

"Was it really like that?" Sunoo asked softly, his voice a vulnerable whisper that barely cut through the silence. His eyes, wide and searching, met Sunghoon's as if seeking confirmation.

Sunghoon, overwhelmed by his emotions, could only stare at the floor. The anger that had fueled his earlier actions was now replaced by a turbulent storm of frustration and concern. He remained silent, lost in his thoughts.

Sunoo, sensing the need to act, began to undress slowly. He pulled his shirt off with a deliberate, almost languid grace, his movements both sensual and filled with purpose. With a mix of determination and need, he positioned himself on Sunghoon's lap. The older man's eyes widened in surprise and a touch of disbelief.

"Sunoo, what are you-" Sunghoon started to ask, his voice rough with emotion. But Sunoo interrupted him, his fingers brushing gently against Sunghoon's face.

In a slow, deliberate motion, Sunoo leaned in, their lips meeting in a kiss that was both tender and electric. It was a kiss that seemed to speak volumes-a soft, persuasive touch that conveyed the depth of his feelings. The warmth of Sunoo's lips against Sunghoon's was like a soothing balm, easing the tension and confusion that had built up over the course of the night.

Sunghoon felt his heart race as the kiss deepened. Every sensation was amplified-the softness of Sunoo's lips, the heat of his body pressed against Sunghoon's, and the intoxicating scent that filled his senses. It was as if the rest of the world had melted away, leaving just the two of them in this intimate cocoon.

When Sunoo finally pulled away, their gazes locked, each searching for understanding in the other's eyes. Sunghoon's mind was a whirl of emotions, struggling to reconcile his feelings with the intensity of the moment. Sunoo's expression, a blend of vulnerability and reassurance, offered no easy answers but invited Sunghoon to explore the connection they had just ignited.

The room remained quiet, the outside world forgotten as they lingered in their shared, intimate space. The kiss had created a bond between them, leaving both Sunghoon and Sunoo to navigate the complex feelings that had emerged from this unexpected encounter.

"Wait a second," Sunoo whispered, his voice tinged with urgency. He moved swiftly to lock the door, the soft click echoing in the room as he secured their privacy.

Sunghoon's heart raced as he watched Sunoo. "Sunoo! That's actually not what I intended. I just-"

"Save me, I know," Sunoo interrupted gently, leaning his head against the door. His eyes were soft, yet filled with an unspoken longing. "But... this is what I want, not just what I will."

Sunghoon's breath caught in his throat as he processed Sunoo's words. His shock was palpable, his mind struggling to catch up with the depth of Sunoo's confession. "Sunoo..."

With a playful smile, Sunoo continued, "Heeseung won't know."

Sunghoon looked at Sunoo with a shocked face. "Sunoo...I cannot" he said

Sunoo's smle faded away immediately. He looked away with an annoyed face "Is it because of Jake again?"

"What?"

"Sim Jake"

"No..I..."

"Everything is clear now" Sunoo sighed. "Well, thanks for today hyung I need to go now. Don't waste my time" he said firmly and left leaving Sunghoon alone again.