Paul POV

"We'll start with the Chilled Seafood Tower and two chopped salads." Johnny ordered. "For the entrée, we'll do the 40 oz Prime Rib for two and we want the grilled asparagus and the sweet potato casserole as sides."

"Amazing choices." The waiter beamed. "Are you gentlemen satisfied with just the water?"

"Can the bartender make a Rusty Nail?" I requested.

"Absolutely!"

"That sounds good, actually. I'll have one too." Johnny added.

"Alright, I'll be back shortly with your drinks!"

Johnny and I watched as the Ruth's Chris waiter collected the large menus, clearing up space for us to enjoy tonight's dinner on the small square table.

As expected, Johnny knew he had some making up to do and he was treating me to dinner at the luxury steakhouse this Saturday evening.

"Alright, I know I've been busy and we haven't been able to talk much." He started. "Lay it on me. I'm ready."

"I hate you." I quickly responded, making his eyes widen despite the smile on his face.

"Ya, hate is a strong word. Don't you think?" He teased.

"Fine." I admitted. "But I'm still beyond pissed with you Johnny. I mean, are we really friends? I feel like I don't even know you anymore."

"Woah, woah, woah. You don't know me anymore?" He questioned. "Are you being serious right now?"

"Yeah, I am." I confirmed.

Following Wednesday's discussion with Makayla I was actively taking the steps needed for me to get back to being myself, and confronting Johnny was probably the most important one.

"Are you still upset with me for withholding the information about The Elite?" Johnny asked. "I already told you, I thought it was for the best. Why are you still holding a grudge about this?"

"Keeping that information from me shifted our relationship entirely, and you know it. I don't trust you anymore."

"What?" He gaped.

"You've changed so much, hyung. I came to Boston thinking at minimum you would have my back but the only thing you care about is AHS Group. You don't give a damn about me."

"How could you say that to me? I'm sorry I've been busy, and I've apologized countless times for keeping the allegations surrounding The Elite a secret from you. It's not fair for you to make such a massive assumption like that though. I care about you more than you'll ever know. You're basically a little brother to me."

"Is that so?" I challenged. "I'm a little brother to you, but you couldn't bother to take my call last weekend?"

Johnny sighed, slouching back in the plush armchair. "I was with a new client, and not just any new client. Ryan McCormick, the Pharma Sense Co. CEO under hot water for misrepresenting various pharmaceutical drugs."

I rolled my eyes as I got comfortable in my armchair as well.

"Cut me some slack, will you?" He pleaded. "Taking this case is free publicity for AHS Group, and if we win this case we're talking millions Ho-seok!"

"See, right there. Case and Point - AHS Group is all you care about."

"That's not-..."

"Okay gentleman. Here are your Rusty Nails." Our waiter interrupted, placing our drinks on the table. He was followed by another waiter, who served our appetizer and salads as well. "I'll put in the order for your entrée shortly. Wanted to make sure you had plenty of time to enjoy the seafood tower and your salads first!"

"Appreciate it. Thank you." I replied, and as I took a sip of my drink Johnny waited until we were alone to proceed with the discussion.

"I texted you when I couldn't take your call, and you ignored my message the whole week."

"Because I was that pissed off with you."

"For the love of God, Ho-seok. About what?"

"I was assaulted last weekend." I responded, and his frustrated expression softened as quickly as his skin grew pale. "I was physically assaulted while out clubbing with The Elite."

"Wait. Were you guys at Lux? Were you involved in the shooting reported on the news?"

"Yeah, I was." I confirmed, making him gasp. "Fortunately for me, I wasn't shot. Just beat to a pulp, and you were the first person I called when I regained conscience."

"Oh no." He sighed, his head falling as he pushed his fingers through his long hair. "Are you okay? How badly were you hurt?"

"The black eye and bruised lip healed quickly as you can see, but the skin around my ribs is still red and purple. Luckily, I know a doctor who helped me keep this under the radar and made sure nothing about my condition was life threatening."

"I'm sorry, Ho-seok. I never could have imagined something like this is what you were calling me about. I knew The Elite were a rowdy bunch, but a shooting? What the hell happened?"

"You really have no idea about Antonio's business?"

"Business?" He replied, his expression clueless. "Ho-seok, I mean it. I have no idea what you're talking about. What happened? What type of business is he running?"

Seeing the genuine confusion and concern on Johnny's face, I rested my elbows on the table and he did the same now that it was clear we needed to speak softly on such a sensitive subject.

"Antonio owns Lux Nightclub." I proceeded, Johnny's lips parted. "And he's cleaning his dirty money through the business."

"Holy shit!" He softly yelled. "Just how dirty is the money we're talking about?"

"I don't know yet." I admitted. "I just know the shooting happened because there was a quote-on-quote "misunderstanding" between him and another "business" owner. Antonio stepped on his turf apparently, so the guy sent him a warning by lighting up his nightclub."

"No, no, no." Johnny groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Are you telling me Antonio is a drug dealer, right now?"

"Most likely." I confirmed. "And I'm confident he's into much worse shit than drugs. I think he really did have a hand in the murder of that medical student, hyung."

"Let's not go that far."

I scoffed. "Easy for you to say. You didn't see the men who beat me up. They were ruthless gangsters that were ready to murder me. I was seconds away from getting stabbed to death."

"WHAT?" Johnny yelled, startling the surrounding tables before he compose himself. "How are you just telling me this, Ho-seok? This is much bigger than some meaningless fight at the club! You were targeted for a fucking hit!"

"This is why I called you, hyung!"

"You should have called me over and over again until I answered! You could have even texted me, telling me what happened! I would have dropped everything for you, Ho-seok! You've been in danger this entire week, and didn't utter a word to me about it!"

"Antonio said it was taken care of."

"Oh great, so a hit for a hit. Even better!"

Johnny snatched his drink from the table, and chugged the strong beverage.

"Fuck!" He softly snapped, slamming the whisky glass down. "I'm so sorry, Ho-seok. I thought we were just dealing with some college pricks who used money to cover up drunken mistakes. I didn't know I was throwing you into a turf war."

"You swear you had no idea just how dangerous Antonio is?"

"I promise I didn't know it was this deep, Ho-seok. Aside from his alleged connection to the medical student's death, he's got a spotless record in the United States. His name must not even be affiliated with Lux Nightclub. I would have known about it if it was."

I nodded, and for the first time in weeks it sounded like he was speaking honestly with me.

"How did you get away?" Johnny asked. "Surely you didn't fight a bunch of thugs off yourself."

"Of course not." I confirmed, thinking about my mysterious savior for the 100th time this week. "Someone rescued me. It was a motorcyclist and the person took care of the guys in under a minute, like a pro."

"Wait, didn't you say a motorcyclist was behind the vandalism incident at the gala a few weeks ago too?" I nodded, and per usual Johnny was connecting the pieces in seconds. "This is too much of a coincidence. It has to be the same person, and I guarantee they are the one that caused the misunderstanding."

"I agree. Whoever it is must have had their suspicions about Lux and it's connection to Antonio. They caused a turf war to get the confirmation, and it worked."

Johnny scoffed, his hunger ignited by the stressful conversation.

He started taking his share from the seafood tower, and I did the same.

"It's strange." He continued. "Why protect you this time? The motorcyclist punished you along with The Elite last time. Have you established any new relationships since the vandalism incident?"

I shook my head. "No, I haven't-..."

I paused, revisiting my suspicions when it came to Makayla. However, I just couldn't see it.

Donnell confirmed her alibi the night of the vandalism incident, and even if she can hold her own in a practice ring - no way she can throw a damn blade. Hell, no way she's taking on three men that weighed 200 lbs minimum either.

"Ho-seok?" Johnny called, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"No, I haven't." I finished as I started eating the raw seafood. "Maybe the person wants to punish The Elite, but is opposed to murder? I don't know. Whatever the reason though, I'm grateful they protected me. I'll keep this a secret from The Elite no matter what."

"You're still going to hang out with them?"

"I'm in too deep now! No way Antonio is letting me out of his sight! " I glared. "I tried to get out of this group as soon as the red flags surfaced, but somebody told me I was being a sheltered rich brat!"

"Again, I didn't know I enlisted you in some kind of drug gang! I thought they were rich college playboys, just like you!" I rolled my eyes and ate another piece of shellfish. "I think it's time for you to talk to your father about this."

"I'm scared to find out the truth." I admitted. "You may not have know about Antonio, but I am sure my father does and always has known."

"No way, you're his pride and joy. His literal legacy. He wouldn't willingly put you in this type of danger. Have more faith in your old man, and talk to him. How long has it been since you last heard from him anyways?"

"I haven't talked to him since he checked in on me my first week in Boston. But that's normal when I'm abroad with how busy he is being the best lawyer in South Korea."

"Still you should try to call him."

I shook my head. "We need to talk in person. He's barely present during our phone calls. They don't last more than five minutes, and he's usually multitasking."

"So what? You're going to stick this out until your winter break?"

I nodded. "It's already November. Next week I have midterms, then we go to Canada for Fall Break. I'll be able to sort out how I want to interact with The Elite by time I'm back in Boston."

"Let me know how I can help."

"Oh so you're ready to be present again." I taunted.

"I'm serious, Ho-seok." He sighed, wiping his hands down as our gazes locked. "I didn't realize you were going through such a rough time. I thought you were just adapting to a world where your privilege had limitations for once. I misunderstood the situation, and it won't happen again. I promise."

I smiled to him, our entrée arriving at the table just in time.

"The Porterhouse for Two!" The waiter enthused, serving the prime rib and our sides. "Let me know if you need anything else! Enjoy!"

"Wow, this looks amazing!" I exclaimed, rubbing my hands together.

Just as I was about to prepare my plate, I was surprised to watch Johnny do it for me.

I couldn't help but smile, feeling our normal relationship begin to resurface.

"Eat up." He beamed, setting the plate of food in front of me. "Hyung will treat you to the best meals whenever you want. I'm always a call a way, remember that."

"You know I'm needy. Will your girlfriend be okay with that?" I joked.

"Has it really been that long since we hung out casually? She dumped me already."

I cracked up, Johnny doing the same as we proceeded with the expensive meal.

I learned that a fellow lawyer named Heather left Johnny because he was too busy for even a woman in the same career field, and he learned that Sam and I were in a situation-ship that was very much falling apart.

We spent an hour venting and laughing about our pathetic love lives while we ate and enjoyed two more rounds of drinks before we decided to proceed with the evening.

Since it was the weekend, Johnny was up for a night out. However, it was under his terms. He took me to his favorite rooftop lounge, which was sexy and had an amazing view of the city.

As we walked through the high-class bar, I noticed the maturity that surrounded me instantly.

Women and men were nicely dressed as they lounged on long black leather sofas or along the tastefully arranged bar. The open space was dark with modern chandeliers that provided warm lighting alongside the tiny candles within holders on each table. The drinks were elegant with garnishes on fancy stemware, and the pleasant jazz music playing through the hidden speakers only added to the ambiance of the lounge.

"Two Glenlivets, neat please." Johnny ordered.

"Want to open a tab?" The bartender asked, accepting Johnny's card.

"Yeah, that's fine."

I watched the man swipe Johnny's card before he gave it back to him, and as Johnny secured the card in his wallet I couldn't help but look around and embrace the calm and alluring energy coming from every corner of the room.

"Next level, right?" Johnny smirked. "You'll understand why the club isn't for me anymore by the end of the night. The drinks taste better, no one is spilling on you, and the woman are ten times sexier and more experienced."

"You plan on picking someone up tonight?"

He nodded, placing his hand on my back as he looked around the packed lounge.

Just like Johnny stated, there were plenty of beautiful women here. However, if they weren't one half of a date, they were hanging out amongst a group full of other beautiful women.

"There." He said, nodding his head in the direction of a very stunning black woman.

Her long hair was nicely styled with lose curls that perfectly matched the elegant makeup she was wearing, her lipstick tint a deep brown. She was wearing a black midi-dress that hung off her shoulders and her silky legs were crossed as she enjoyed her glass of red wine on a black tufted curved booth.

"She's perfect." Johnny continued. "Beautiful, confident, and most importantly - alone."

"Are you abandoning me right now?" I asked, and he chuckled as he shook his head.

"She's alone right now, but there is another glass on the table in front of her." He added. "Her friend is likely in the bathroom, and birds of a feather flock together."

"It's a whiskey glass. What makes you think her friend is a woman and not a man."

"Look closely, little brother." I did as he said, and quickly spotted the lipstick mark on the glass.

"I'm truly learning from the best." I complemented as the bartender handed us our Bourbon.

"Wish me luck." Johnny winked.

I watched as Johnny bravely walked across the crowded lounge and approached his target. The woman's smile was gorgeous, and from what I could see she seemed welcoming and open to conversation with my handsome hyung.

"Lucky bastard." I whispered, laughing to myself as I enjoyed my beverage.

However I soon noticed a tall woman walking towards Johnny and his new lady friend, and when I got a good look at her, my eyes widened seeing a familiar face.

"No way." I uttered through a massive smile.

Her full curly hair was sleeked back into a ponytail, and she was wearing a form fitted one shoulder dress that was knee-length, its color plum.

Dumbfounded by yet another fated encounter, I took my queue and walked through the lounge so I could join the group for this very unexpected evening.

"Makayla, meet Johnny." His target introduced. "Johnny this is my mentee, Makayla."

Johnny placed a smile on his face despite how familiar he was with the former medical student.

"Nice to meet you." He responded, shaking her hand.

"It's nice to meet you too-..." Makayla paused, her eyes widening as she noticed me approach their section. "Ho-seok?"

"Wow." I gaped, observing her stunning choice in makeup up close. Specifically, the smokey eye she had going on, and the gloss glistening along her full lips. "So you do own more than graphic tees and hoodies."

She shrugged her shoulders. "I can put in work, if it's worth it."

"Ouch. Good to know where I still stand with you then, I guess?"

Makayla and I laughed with one another as we enjoyed our typical banter, however we were quickly reminded of our surroundings.

"Is this a friend of yours, Makayla?" Her mentor asked.

Makayla nodded. "Yeah, as fate would have it. We have this weird tendency to bump into each other all the time, in the most random places."

"She's also my best friend's fiancée's cousin." I added, causing the woman's eyebrows to curve while those horizontal wrinkles appeared across her forehead.

"Wow, it truly is a small world." Johnny enthused, though the gaze he directed at me told me he was mentally cursing me out right now. "Madison this is actually my mentee, Ho-seok. He goes by Paul in the US usually, so our mentees must be very close already."

"Wow, interesting." Madison responded, looking between Makayla and I with a confused smile.

"Come on, have a seat." Makayla encouraged, and she scooted over so I could sit beside her.

"So Madison." Johnny continued. "What exactly is your profession?"

I smirked as I took another sip of my drink while witnessing my big brother play dumb.

"Really, what is this?" Makayla asked, initiating our own private conversation.

"Well my mentor is hitting on your mentor and I am meant to be the proper wingman that entertains or maybe even hits it off with her friend, aka you."

"Doesn't he know you have a complicated situation-ship going on?"

"Of course, and like you he's opposed to me putting all of my eggs in one basket." Makayla continued to laugh as she grabbed her drink from lounge table in front of us. "What's the deal with your mentor? And aren't you supposed to be at the hospital?"

"Shockingly, it was a slow night in the ER and four other surgeons are on the clock. We both got the night back, and Madison just got dumped so here we are."

"You don't say. Johnny just got dumped too."

"Wow." Makayla gasped. "We have way too much in common."

I shrugged. "I find comfort in that. Don't you?"

Makayla smiled to me, and raised her glass for our silent cheers before we went back to supervising our mentors for the evening.

Much to my surprise, everything about this encounter was extremely easy and natural. Though there were many secrets and private conversations that would follow, that didn't get in the way of us having a good time, and even Johnny was being his authentic himself.

It had been years since I saw him disclosing his genuine interests and opinions to strangers, and I knew he was having a good time when he kept buying rounds of drinks for the table. I could also tell he was very interested in Makayla's mentor.

Dr. Madison Brown was both beauty and brains, and her charm was on another level. Johnny might have started this interaction with one intention, but as the night progressed he became enchanted by the surgeon and the intelligent conversations they were deeply engaged in.

"You sound like you're as busy as me." Madison said, her chin rested on the palm of her hand as she stared into Johnny's eyes. "You're just as dedicated to your career. I'm curious, what are your thoughts about working the majority of your life? Do you hate the sound that?"

"To be honest, my career has always been my passion." Johnny answered, and he propped his forearm along the table so he could lean in closer to Madison. "But, I'm learning that going down that kind of path can be quite lonely and I am looking for other means of fulfillment, purpose, and fun."

"Is that why you're here, tonight?"

He nodded. "I assume, it's the same for you?"

Madison silently replied with a flirty smile, the two intently staring at one another as if they could rip off each other's clothes at any moment.

"Makayla, it's getting late." Madison suddenly stated, glancing at her mentee. "You have the morning shift right?"

"Yeah." Makayla replied, her eyebrows furrowed.

"Ho-seok, don't you have your midterms next week?" Johnny asked. "I know you didn't want to stay out long since you need to studying tomorrow. You should head out, and make sure Makayla gets home safely too."

Taking the hint, Makayla and I looked to each other and went along with the skit.

"Text me when you get home." Madison said to Makayla, the two sharing a hug.

I was also saying my goodbyes to Johnny, and as we embraced one another he whispered in my ear.

"It seems you and I have even more catching up to do, little brother."

I smirked, patting his back. "Worry less about me, and more about that woman who is way out of your league, hyung."

"Asshole." He cackled as we pulled out of our hug.

As Makayla gathered her belongings, we shared a little more banter with our mentors before we finally parted and let them enjoy the rest of the evening with each other.

"What a night!" I exclaimed, my eyes watering from the fit of laughter Makayla and I were both experiencing while we exited the building. "I think they make a good pair, don't you?"

"I honestly have no idea what to think! This is my first time seeing Madison act like that."

"Like what? A grown woman flirting with a grown man?"

"Yes! I only know Dr. Madison Brown, a very smart, sweet, and charming surgeon. That woman in there, is not the same person. She is Drunk in Love and they gon be all night, Ho-seok! Are you sure your friend can handle it?"

I scoffed. "Johnny taught me everything I knew, both in terms of law and women. If my memory serves me correct, you had no complaints about my performance so trust me. He's got it."

"You always gotta bring it up, don't you?"

"You make it too easy." I winked, causing her to playfully roll her eyes while I looked to my phone screen and requested an Uber. "Looks like our ride will be here in about 8 minutes."

"Oh, you don't have to worry about me." Makayla said.

"Do you not need a ride home?"

"I do, but there's someone close by who's been waiting for the call." I couldn't help but scrunch my eyebrows, a shy smile forming on her face. "I texted Jackson on our way down from the rooftop. He lives a few blocks away and is on his way as we speak."

"Oh." I responded, and I was taken aback.

"I decided to take your advice."

"My advice?" I asked. "Are you going to sleep with him, tonight?"

She chuckled, shaking her head. "No, he means too much to me for that."

I fell silent, understanding she meant no harm in her words but I still felt offended.

"I'm going to try to get to know him, romantically." She proceeded.

"Oh." I uttered, experiencing a complex feeling in the center of my chests. "I see."

"Do you have any advice? Jackson isn't an easy read. You say he is into me, but I can't tell."

"It's nearly midnight on a Saturday, and he either stayed sober or awake so he could pick you up. What more evidence do you need?"

She chuckled. "I know he cares, but what should I do when he gets here?"

I took my time answering her question, again noticing the way she smiled for Jackson and he wasn't even here. Such a reserved woman had the ability to be soft and giddy for someone, and even after all my efforts and proven loyalty she still couldn't be this vulnerable with me.

"Be yourself." I replied, looking away from her. "Stop overthinking, and just do what you want."

"It's that simple?"

"Yeah, that simple."

Makayla blushed, looking down to the ground as silence filled the air around us. However that silence was overcome by the mighty roar of a black 2024 Ford Mustang when its driver pulled up in front of us and parked the car.

Jackson then stepped out of the driver's seat looking manly and effortlessly handsome dressed in slim jeans, a black crew neck layered with a dark green bomber jacket, and white Air Jordans.

"Makayla, you okay?" He checked, placing his hand on her bare shoulder.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry you had to wait for so long."

"It's cool. I didn't mind it." The two smiled to each other, activating my third-wheel syndrome. "Wow, you look good. I've never seen you outside of your active wear. I had no idea you even owned a dress."

"I had the same reaction." I replied, reminding Jackson I was standing beside him as well.

"Hey Paul. I didn't know you'd be here too." He chuckled, his brows furrowed.

"We ran into each other." Makayla answered. "His mentor hit on mine in the lounge, and they are hitting it off as we speak. We just got the boot to give them privacy."

"For real? That's too funny!" Jackson said. "Do you need a ride home too, Paul?"

"No, I'm good. My Uber should be here any minute now."

Jackson nodded, likely grateful for my decision to reject his offer.

"Shall we get going then?" He asked Makayla.

"Yeah, let's go." She chimed, and as she stepped beside Jackson he placed his hand on her lower back.

I watched as he guided Makayla to the passenger side of his car, the pair smiling like fools as they made plans to enjoy a late night meal together. But just as Makayla was about to take her place in the seat, she looked to me over the hood of the Mustang.

"Text me when you get home?" She requested.

"Sure." I replied as I forced a smile on my face.

Makayla waved goodbye before she got settled in Jackson's car, and when she was taken care of he nodded goodbye to me while he climbed into the drivers seat.

I made sure to maintain a smile as I clenched my teeth beneath my lips, and as they drove off I found myself feeling even more unsettled.

I suddenly felt warm beneath my navy blue button-up and a weird sensation of pressure formed in the pit of my stomach. I couldn't understand this confusing feeling I was experiencing, but one thing was certain.

It appeared every time I saw Makayla with Jackson.

____

Author's Note: 'Hey Siri, play Jealousy by Monsta X.' :)

I hope you enjoyed the update! I had fun writing it and pulling Johnny back into the storyline!

As you can see, Paul and Makayla's worlds are coming together more and more each chapter! How will Paul deal with this "confusing" feeling he's just noticed - especially with the upcoming Fall Break he and Sam will be spending with their families in Canada? ;)

Please remember to vote and comment! All interactions help get the story noticed, and it's fun speaking with those who comment! 

Thanks for your support! 

- Zelene