Baekhyun had landed himself in a tough spot as part of Sotto's retribution. His task: cleaning the Don's room for a full week. It was a consequence of his reckless act, pointing a gun at the Don, and today marked the commencement of his unusual chore. Typically, he would have tackled this during daylight hours, but his school commitments and the Don's strict "no-entry" rule during the day had forced him to wait until evening.

On this particular evening, Baekhyun found himself engrossed in scrubbing Chanyeol's bathroom when the door swung open, revealing the imposing Mafia boss, looking surprisingly pristine, like a freshly baked pastry. Chanyeol's genuine astonishment at finding cleaning supplies outside his room made it clear he hadn't anticipated encountering anyone at this hour. "What's going on here?" he asked.

"I'm cleaning your bathroom, sir," Baekhyun replied, avoiding direct eye contact. His heart raced, though he couldn't quite explain why. Being in close quarters with Chanyeol made him uneasy, an inexplicable urge to run. It wasn't as if they hadn't made amends; the playful retaliation with baking flour after the apology note had convinced Baekhyun that Chanyeol had forgiven him for their earlier clash.

Chanyeol's brow furrowed. He couldn't recall asking Baekhyun to clean his bathroom; that was the housekeeper's job. "Who told you to do this?" he inquired.

"Sotto Capo Minseok instructed me to clean your bedroom before he left, so I assumed you'd want the bathroom cleaned as well," Baekhyun explained. Chanyeol let out a weary sigh, noting Minseok's relentless efforts to bring them closer, leaving him emotionally drained. As he glanced at his watch, it read 6:30 p.m., and he needed to freshen up before his evening plans. He began to unbutton his shirt. "How long will this take? I need to shower," he asked. As soon as Baekhyun realized Chanyeol's intention, he hurriedly fetched his hand towels. "I can come back when you're finished, sir," he said, gathering his cleaning supplies. Before Chanyeol could respond, Baekhyun had vanished like a lightning bolt, giving Chanyeol the privacy he needed.

Chanyeol stood there, hands on his hips, perplexed by the younger man's actions, until something on the floor caught his attention. He picked up a crumpled piece of paper and started to unfold it. The contents initially bewildered him, but as he read on, he realized it was about him. Truly intriguing.

Chanyeol took his bath after Baekhyun had hastily left his bathroom, and he could still feel the lingering warmth of their close encounter. It was a strange mix of exhilaration and confusion. He knew he couldn't ignore what had happened in that bathroom, the words Baekhyun had written, and the lingering tension that had hung between them.

He had a business meeting scheduled at his casino, and he decided to bring Minseok along with him. The entire drive, his mind was preoccupied with Baekhyun – the notes, the emotions, and the unexpected attraction he felt. He couldn't get those words out of his head.

At the meeting, they signed important documents and shook hands with his business partner, but all Chanyeol could think about was getting back home to sort things out.

As they neared the entrance of the estate, Sehun called Minseok to inform them of the poolside party at the central pool. It was an open invitation for the Don and his Sotto, and despite Chanyeol's contemplative mood, he decided to attend.

When they arrived, the atmosphere was vibrant, filled with music, cheering soldiers, cigarettes, and liquor. It was the essence of their gangster lifestyle. Chanyeol was torn between embracing the revelry and the thoughts of the young man who had left him with an unforgettable experience earlier.

~
~
~

The night was nothing short of enchanting during the crisp fall season. A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying with it the faint scent of autumn, and the moon cast a soft, silvery glow over the scene. The Fire and Light Mafia families had gathered by the poolside after a particularly successful business transaction, their moods buoyant and jubilant. They had just sealed a colossal deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars. This monumental achievement was the cause for the extravagant celebration by the poolside.

Some of the female mafia members, dressed in elegant bikini attire, couldn't resist the allure of the pool's shimmering waters. They swam gracefully, their laughter harmonizing with the peaceful ambiance. Others preferred to sit with the soldiers and capos, engaged in lively conversations that mirrored the camaraderie within the family.

Kyungsoo and Baekhyun, the perfect duo for catering to the needs of the capos, worked diligently. The aroma of sizzling protein barbecues filled the air as Kyungsoo masterfully grilled a variety of meats, from succulent steaks, and pork to tender chicken and more. The sizzle and crackle of the barbecue meshed seamlessly with the sounds of merry laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional plume of cigar smoke that swirled into the night.

Under that canopy of stars, the Fire and Light Mafia families celebrated their success, as they raised their glasses in toasts, sharing stories of their exploits, and basking in the tranquil beauty of the night. It was a moment of unity and contentment, a testament to the bonds that held them together in the world they had chosen. The night was theirs, a brief respite from the shadows they navigated daily, and they relished every moment of it.

Seated beside the tranquil pool, away from the soldiers, Don Chanyeol and Sottocapo Minseok engaged in a conversation, surrounded by bottles of exquisite wine and packs of cigarettes. Chanyeol's involvement in the hard drug trade had never made him a junkie. He managed to maintain his composure and sobriety, even in the midst of such temptations. Before Sofia's arrival, Chanyeol had discreetly shared with Minseok the information gathered during her recent visit to Jackville. There were suspicions that a collaborator from within the Fire & Light Mafia family might be secretly aligned with Jackville, a grave concern that needed further investigation.

Sofia approached the duo, attempting to initiate an affectionate gesture with Chanyeol by moving closer for a kiss. However, Chanyeol skillfully evaded her advance, declining her affectionate intentions. He firmly requested, "Behave, will you?"

Sofia pouted playfully, her lips forming a mischievous protest. "It's just a harmless kiss, boss."

Chanyeol's eyes narrowed as he questioned her, "And what gave you the idea that you could kiss me whenever you please?"

Sofia, realizing her overstepping, shrugged and conceded with an apology, "Sorry? Jeez, boss, you're too serious, ugh."

Following Sehun's instructions, Baekhyun arrived, assisting Kyungsoo in serving the Don and Sotto some delectable dishes. As he walked away from their table, Chanyeol's gaze remained fixed on him, a swirling whirlwind of emotions, especially since he had come across that note. Impatience grew within him as he yearned to confront Baekhyun about it.

Sofia, perceptive as ever, picked up on Chanyeol's keen interest in Baekhyun as he served trays of food to the other soldiers. Minseok, sporting a cocky grin, delved into cigarettes and liquor, relishing the hint of jealousy that emanated from Sofia. He reveled in her discomfort, a subtle reminder to stay out of his affairs. With a sly smirk gracing his lips, Minseok decided to steer the conversation. "Don't you find Baekhyun charming these days, Chanyeol?"

Chanyeol responded with a perplexed expression, "Excuse me?"

Minseok nodded toward the other soldiers who Baekhyun had just served liquor, seated nearby. "I mean, what are your thoughts on him?"

Chanyeol's brow furrowed as he inquired, "What about him?"

Minseok, mischief dancing in his eyes, remarked, "I've noticed he's been exceptionally charming lately. It could be because he's back in school. It seems to bring him joy."

Amidst this bewildering conversation, Sofia abruptly intervened by snatching the cigarette from Chanyeol's hand, a clear indication that she was displeased with their discussion about Baekhyun in her presence.

As Sofia walked away, Minseok couldn't help but roll his eyes, relishing the success of his little scheme.

Chanyeol turned to Minseok, a sly grin forming as he asked, "You picked quite the moment to bring up Baekhyun, Minseok, considering my situation with Sofia. What's the play here?"

Minseok casually shrugged and quipped, "Oh, boss, just keeping you informed, that's all."

Chanyeol raised an intrigued eyebrow, the smirk still on his face, but then his expression grew serious. "But why, out of all the rooms in this mansion, did you decide to have him clean my quarters? What's your endgame with this move?"

Minseok replied firmly, "He needs to demonstrate remorse for his actions in Hell. Some housekeeping duty should serve that purpose." Chanyeol's lips curled into a half-smile as he retrieved a fresh cigarette from his pocket and ignited it. He observed Baekhyun's every move, taking a drag from his cigarette and exhaling thoughtfully. Baekhyun certainly had a knack for getting under his skin, and Chanyeol found himself wondering how the young man could be so mischievous and yet act as if nothing had transpired.

~
~
~
~

It was well past 2 a.m., and the soldiers and Capo had retired from their lively pool party, leaving Baekhyun to weave through the lingering scent of barbecue sauce and the fading echoes of laughter. Tired and slightly tipsy, he made his way into the grand mansion. The Don had already retired for the night, leaving the mansion in its calm, imposing stillness.

Baekhyun bid Kyungsoo a sleepy goodnight as they parted ways, and he headed towards his bedroom. He was thankful that he didn't have an early class the next day, the notice board had kindly reminded him that their first lecture was scheduled for 10 a.m. This gave him some much-needed time to rest and recuperate.

Upon entering his room, he quickly discarded his clothes, as they were tainted with the unmistakable aroma of barbecue and the faint scent of cigarette smoke. A warm shower was in order, and Baekhyun proceeded to the en-suite bathroom.

As the warm water cascaded over him, soothing his tired muscles, Baekhyun couldn't help but savor the rare moment of solitude. The revelry at the pool had been exhilarating, but now the quiet of the mansion enveloped him. His thoughts meandered as the water flowed, and he considered the events of the evening.

Baekhyun finished his shower, stepping out of the bathroom feeling refreshed, and for the first time in hours, he was alone with his thoughts. Taking a few moments to leisurely dry himself off, and brush his teeth, he decided to gather his dirty clothes. The laundry room could wait until the morning, but at least he could organize his clothes for washing.

He meticulously folded each piece, lining them up in a neat stack. As he finished, the habit of checking his pockets for any valuables, even though he had none, prompted his hand to explore his jeans' pocket. His face paled when he realized that the note he had written earlier was nowhere to be found. Panic flickered in his eyes as he wracked his brain trying to remember when he might have dropped it.

Without hesitation, Baekhyun dashed out of his room and rushed down the grand staircase to the dimly lit living room and out of the mansion. On his way, he encountered a couple of soldiers who were quietly patrolling, no doubt for security reasons. One of them paused when he spotted Baekhyun.

"Why are you out so late?" the soldier inquired, his tone cautious. "And where are you headed to?"

Baekhyun, panting from his haste and looking genuinely distraught, stammered out his response, "I'm looking for something... a note I had earlier."

The soldier seemed to sense the urgency in Baekhyun's voice and offered to escort him to the poolside. Baekhyun readily accepted, and they made their way through the mansion's grandeur and out into the night.

As they arrived at the poolside and combed the area in search of the elusive note, Baekhyun's heart pounded with fear. The adrenaline coursed through his veins as the minutes ticked by without any success. Realizing that he couldn't find the note, he decided to head back into the mansion and retrace his steps.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Baekhyun, Chanyeol harbored his own intentions and had gone to Baekhyun's room, knocking persistently but receiving no response. Turning to Hawk, he called to seek answers about Baekhyun's whereabouts. Hawk informed Chanyeol that Baekhyun was currently with one of the soldiers at the poolside.

Chanyeol couldn't help but feel a sense of victory as he understood that Baekhyun was likely searching for the note. He decided to bide his time in the dimly lit living room, the faint light casting eerie shadows across his features. As he watched Baekhyun's worried figure return to the mansion, he smirked to himself. The stage was set, and the game was afoot.

Baekhyun couldn't ignore the growing knot of anxiety in his chest as he retraced his steps through the mansion. He wished he could remember what had happened to the note, his insides clenching with the fear that its contents could bring unwanted consequences. As he reached the entrance of the kitchen, he paused, rubbing his forehead in worry.

Unbeknownst to him, Chanyeol had silently observed this entire ordeal. He had been lurking in the shadows, an unseen presence that witnessed Baekhyun's distress. When he noticed Baekhyun's puzzled expression, Chanyeol couldn't help but revel in the situation. It was almost like a game to him now.

Just as Baekhyun summoned the courage to step into the dimly lit kitchen fully, the quiet of the night was shattered by a deep, low voice that seemed to emanate from the very shadows themselves.

"Looking for something, Baekhyun?" Chanyeol's voice was as cold as ice, sending a shiver down Baekhyun's spine. As he slowly turned around to face the source of the voice, he realized, with a sinking feeling, that he wasn't alone. Baekhyun's eyes widened as he turned to face Chanyeol, who had emerged from the shadows. His heart raced, and he tried to keep his composure.

"I was just... I came here to grab a bottle of water," Baekhyun stammered, his voice trembling slightly. He forced a small smile, trying to mask his unease.

Chanyeol, however, couldn't contain a scoff at Baekhyun's feeble attempt at deception. He took a step closer, his tall and imposing figure casting a long shadow. "Water?" Chanyeol's voice dripped with skepticism. "At this hour? It's a bit late for thirst, don't you think?"

Baekhyun felt a bead of sweat forming on his forehead as he struggled to come up with a more convincing excuse. "It's... it's just water." Baekhyun stuttered, he knew that Chanyeol wasn't buying his feeble attempt to deflect the situation.

"Asshole,"

"Pervert,"

"Bitch,"

"Does any of this ring a bell to you, Baekhyun?" Chanyeol asked.

"Sorry, sir, I-I don't quite comprehend what you mean," Baekhyun stammered, and Chanyeol scoffed upon hearing that. "You see... if you've been writing rather unflattering things about me, now that we're alone, it might be more appropriate to address me by my name, as you did the other night, don't you think, Baekhyun?"

What did he mean by writing unflattering things about him? A sly smirk crept onto Chanyeol's face as he observed Baekhyun's frustration. Suddenly, Chanyeol reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper that Baekhyun instantly recognized. "Looking for this?" He furrowed his brow, scrutinizing Baekhyun. It was the very paper with the harsh words he had written about Chanyeol. Baekhyun's eyes widened in shock, and he attempted to snatch the paper from Chanyeol's hand, but the man was quicker, withdrawing it just out of his reach. "Don't even think about trying to annoy me further, Baekhyun. Step back!" Chanyeol warned before proceeding to switch the lights on to enable him to read what was written on the paper.

Reading it aloud, he began, "I hate you. You're an asshole, a pervert, and a bitch. I meant every word I said."

"Please, Sir, let me explain," Baekhyun implored, his heart racing.

"I truly detest you. Yes, you, Park Chanyeol," Chanyeol continued reading the note. "Is that true?" Chanyeol inquired, raising an eyebrow. He seemed taken aback by what he was reading.

"No, I-I don't hate you," Baekhyun stammered.

He continued reading, "Even though you're attractive and good-looking, I don't see you as one. So, don't assume I'd fall for you." Chanyeol paused briefly to absorb what he had read in the letter, while Baekhyun was begging. Massaging his temple, he displayed a hint of annoyance in his clenched jaw. When he glanced back at Baekhyun, he was torn between anger, frustration, and perhaps even a touch of hatred for the younger man at that moment. Nevertheless, he continued.

"I found you very attractive the night you first entered the room after that unfortunate incident... I admit I was drawn to you, but you ruined it when you slapped me. So, for every time you've struck me, I hated you even more. I hate you for disrupting my life, for blaming me for your misfortunes, and for holding me hostage as collateral even though it wasn't my fault. I hate how you've made me question my own identity. I hate that I've become a mere shadow of myself because of you. I hate that I'm drawn to you in a way I've never experienced before, inappropriately so, and I hate you for making me feel so vulnerable whenever you're near. I hate that you occupy my thoughts constantly. How can you expect me not to fall for you, when you look at me the way you do?"

In that instant, Chanyeol locked eyes with Baekhyun, maintaining a strong, unwavering gaze. He scrutinized Baekhyun with great intensity, his eyes revealing an unmistakable hunger. His gaze traced a path from Baekhyun's face down to his body and then back to his face. Without breaking eye contact, he turned the paper over and resumed reading the contents on the reverse side.

"I've noticed that you bring happiness to people. Everyone seems happy around you except for Baekhyun. But... I want to be happy when I see you too. I want to smile when you look at me. I don't want to feel frightened when we're in the same space. I want to like you... a lot. But I know you wouldn't allow that, so I hate you."

"Are you kidding me? Really, Baekhyun? You took the time to sit and write all of this about me?"

"No," Baekhyun shook his head.

"What do you mean, 'no'?" Chanyeol shot him a piercing look.

"I didn't sit; I was standing," Baekhyun replied, his embarrassment growing.

"What?" Chanyeol's brow furrowed.

"I'm sorry... I can explain," Baekhyun responded with a touch of remorse.

"You've got ten seconds," Chanyeol stated, crossing his arms as he awaited Baekhyun's explanation.

"I was just feeling really upset... and frustrated with the way my life has turned out. I didn't know what else to do—"

"So you decided to insult me?"

"I didn't mean it that way—"

"What do you mean? That I'm not good-looking enough? That I can't ask you out or date you? Well, news flash, Baekhyun, I hate you just as much as you seem to hate me! How does that feel, huh? Terrible, I presume? Just who the fuck do you think you are?" Chanyeol growled, annoyed, and advanced towards Baekhyun, who instinctively retreated into the kitchen proper.

As Chanyeol drew nearer, Baekhyun found himself staring at the towering, impeccably sculpted figure in front of him. He stood there, transfixed, as Chanyeol leaned in, his hands on either side of the counter, looming over him. Then he asked, "Are you comfortable in this position?" observing Baekhyun's distressed expression. But when Baekhyun shook his head, indicating discomfort, Chanyeol smirked wickedly and with satisfaction. "That's right, you shouldn't be comfortable because I'm about to make you very uncomfortable."

Baekhyun blinked, his expression void of emotion, acutely aware of the encroachment of his personal space by the Mafia Lord. "Why are you acting so frightened and tensed, Baekhyun? Did my timing catch you off guard? Or did you not see this coming?" He had the capability to push Chanyeol away with the limited space between them. With his palms pressed firmly against Chanyeol's well-built chest, he could have done so. However, he found himself hesitating, his open palms balling into fists against Chanyeol's chest, struggling to gather the determination to push him away. It wasn't that he couldn't; it was more that he didn't want to, as if he were oddly drawn to what was happening and eager to observe how this encounter would unfold. Instead of pushing, his open palms transformed into trembling hands, now exploring Chanyeol's chest.

"I can tell from what you've written that you truly hate me. I'm quite certain of it—" Chanyeol started, fully aware of the current predicament.

"I swear I don't—"

"Hush," Chanyeol interjected, placing a gentle finger on Baekhyun's lips in an attempt to silence him. "You only speak when I give you permission. Do you understand?" Chanyeol's voice was barely above a whisper, "I didn't hit you just because it pleased me; I hit you because your actions were foolish, you pulled a gun at me," Chanyeol breathed out at the thought of how that scene played out down in hell, his words hanging heavy in the air. "This situation is absurd, and I can't believe I'm entangled in it with you. But what's truly bewildering is that it's not just about what you wrote about me; it's how you consume my thoughts, even though you consider me an enemy. I despise that you're all I seem to think about lately." Chanyeol's intense gaze bore into Baekhyun's tired eyes, seeking answers.

"This hatred you mentioned... I want to know if it's genuine, Baekhyun. Do you truly have no feelings for me?" Chanyeol asked abruptly, his voice resonating with depth. His half-lidded eyes lingered on Baekhyun's petite form and trembling hands against his chest. "Can you, Baekhyun, look into my eyes for three seconds and honestly claim you feel absolutely nothing for me? Not even a shred of emotion? Explain where all this animosity is stemming from because, secretly, I've seen the way you look at me when you believe I'm not watching, and you must have noticed that I can't... I can't tear my gaze away from you either. Why? Because, internally, I'm drawn to you. I can't focus when you're near."

For a brief moment, Baekhyun forgot to breathe. Did Chanyeol just admit he couldn't look away and that he felt drawn to him too? His mind raced with questions. Had he mistakenly believed he was the sole one entangled in this emotional turmoil from the beginning? "I apologize, sir. I never regarded you as an enemy or looked at you in that way," Baekhyun managed to say, cheeks flushing a delicate shade of pink as he tried to avoid Chanyeol's intense gaze.

"Is that so? But your note says otherwise." Chanyeol tilted his head, a sly smile playing at the corner of his lips as he observed the younger man's bashful demeanor. Baekhyun nodded, stars glistening in his eyes. "I never did. I thought you hated me, so I couldn't help but vent my frustrations in that note. I'm sorry; my emotions got the best of me. I wrote those things a long time ago, and I was planning to dispose of the note eventually."

"So, instead of discarding it, you chose to carry it with you everywhere, hoping I'd stumble upon it, didn't you?" Chanyeol inquired, his voice now softer. "Am I right? You wanted me to be aware of your feelings and how much you detest my presence, correct?" Chanyeol took a shaky breath, his dark eyes darting momentarily before locking onto Baekhyun's. Baekhyun, with his heart racing, released a trembling breath of his own. "That's not true. I only wrote that last line today, which is why I still had the note. I intended to destroy it eventually."

Chanyeol stared at Baekhyun, a whirlwind of emotions stirring within him. His initial anger had subsided, replaced by a complex mix of uncertainty, longing, and even a flicker of tenderness. He needed to be sure of something, to understand the enigmatic pull he felt toward this young man. "Did it bring you satisfaction to write those things about me?" Chanyeol questioned, leaning in closer to tease Baekhyun, who leaned back against the counter, propped up only by an elbow, his palm against Chanyeol's sculpted chest, keeping him at bay. "P-please—" Baekhyun stammered, and Chanyeol grinned in triumph. "Please what—Baekhyun? you've never been this close with a man before?" Chanyeol asked, barely above a whisper, his velvety voice barely audible. Baekhyun's heart trembled as he shook his head, murmuring, "No," his cheeks ablaze at Chanyeol's provocative words.

"Why not look me in the eyes as you speak?" Chanyeol inquired, attempting to tuck Baekhyun's hair away from his face. Baekhyun turned his head away, out of Chanyeol's reach, and muttered, "I don't want to." His blush deepened, and the lies he told himself became more apparent. What was this lingering feeling he couldn't ignore? What was happening to his heart?

"Why, Baekhyun?" Chanyeol asked, leaning back slightly to get a better view of Baekhyun's flushed face. "Let me guess: you're worried that I might kiss you if you do, and you might just fall for me," Chanyeol said, his half-lidded dark eyes trailing down Baekhyun's form as he spoke. "You think you're the only one with emotions, huh?" He chuckled, shaking his head. "You have no idea, Baekhyun. I bet you don't even want to know a fraction of what goes through my mind when I think of you—the things I do while imagining how you taste down there."

"Ex-excuse me?" Baekhyun stuttered, and Chanyeol smirked triumphantly. "You've never been intimate with a man also, have you?" Chanyeol inquired, leaning closer to Baekhyun, his lips hovering just inches from Baekhyun's ear, his deep, velvety voice barely rising above a whisper. Baekhyun's heart trembled as he shook his head, his voice a faint murmur, "No,"

"Do you even know all the ways a man can be seduced?" Chanyeol bites on his lips seductively, sending a shiver down Baekhyun's spine, causing him to quiver under Chanyeol's presence. "All those places where you can be touched in just the right way that'll make you forget how to breathe because it feels so damn good, huh? I bet you don't, do you?" Baekhyun's breath caught in his throat, warmth filling his lungs as he looked at Chanyeol, oh god. He blushes unabashedly at Chanyeol's suggestive words, feeling exposed and aroused in a way he's never experienced before, fuck. It's both painful and shamelessly enticing, a whirlwind of emotions and sensations that stirs butterflies in his stomach. Baekhyun's breath hitched again, and he mumbled, "No," barely above a whisper too. His heart raced, and he struggled with the strange mix of discomfort and desire Chanyeol ignited within him, "Sir—"

"Say that you feel nothing for me and don't care about me at all, Baekhyun, and I'll leave right now, and never look your way again." Chanyeol murmured, eyes locked on Baekhyun's lips.

Baekhyun was at a loss for words, unable to decipher the situation. Moments ago, Chanyeol seemed ready to confront him, and now... now, he couldn't muster the strength to think properly due to their closeness. "I'll take that as a yes, then," Chanyeol concluded. Strangely, Baekhyun had never been this physically close to Chanyeol before, inhaling his fresh post-shower scent and feeling his minty breath on his forehead. It felt strangely good, in a disconcerting way. Baekhyun tried once more to free himself from Chanyeol's firm grip on the counter so he could move away, but his efforts were in vain. "Sir..." Baekhyun's frustration reached its limit, causing him to whine deeply as he grappled with the torment. "My feelings should not concern you, and trust me, you are not my type." he asserted.

"Is that so?" Chanyeol narrowed his eyes as he stared at Baekhyun, his jaw tensing slightly. When Baekhyun confidently claimed, 'You're not my type,' it was as if a gauntlet had been thrown, challenging Chanyeol's expectations and stirring a peculiar mix of emotions in him. His pride was pricked, and yet he couldn't deny that this defiance intrigued him. Suddenly, Chanyeol's hand moved behind Baekhyun's head, pulling him closer until their faces were mere inches apart, poised for a kiss. Baekhyun frantically moved his head from side to side, attempting to evade Chanyeol's approaching lips. Every fiber of his being quivered in Chanyeol's presence. Eventually, Chanyeol managed to forcefully capture Baekhyun's lips and held them in a demanding kiss. When Chanyeol's hot tongue pushed at Baekhyun's lips, his mind briefly went blank. "Oh no, not this," Baekhyun thought, struggling and screaming into the kiss. He tried to punch and push Chanyeol away with his small hands, but the Mafia Lord's strength easily overpowered him. Baekhyun eventually succumbed to the relentless kiss.

Moreover, Chanyeol's firm grip on Baekhyun as they kissed made him weak. In that moment, Baekhyun lost the will to resist further. His body seemed to betray his desire for this attention, despite his mind's plea for it to stop. Baekhyun made another attempt to push Chanyeol away, but it proved futile. The kiss began to overwhelm him, causing his grip on Chanyeol to loosen. Baekhyun realized he was surrendering to the kiss as his lips instinctively responded, seeking reciprocity.

Chanyeol, sensing Baekhyun's response, gradually withdrew from the kiss. His half-lidded eyes met Baekhyun's, amused, before descending to his lips. This silent exchange seemed to signal another intense round of kissing. Baekhyun suddenly pulled Chanyeol closer by his nape, engaging in a deep and passionate kiss where their tongues intertwined, both seeking dominance. As they had locked lips, the lines between anger and desire blurred. It was as if their lips were the battleground for their unspoken feelings, a place where past grievances melted into passion.

The moment their mouths met, there was a searing electricity in the air, a magnetic pull neither could resist. The taste of each other's lips, the way their tongues collided and danced, it was an intoxicating blend of desire and surrender. Baekhyun couldn't help but let out soft moans as Chanyeol deepened the kiss, drawing him into a vortex of emotions that he had never experienced before. A hushed silence enveloped them in the kitchen, broken only by the sound of their fervent kiss and Baekhyun's subdued moans in response to the sweet kiss. Soon after, Chanyeol's free arm encircled Baekhyun's waist, effortlessly lifting him onto the counter for a more intimate embrace. Then, as if both of them had been entwined in this passion for eternity, he kissed Baekhyun with greater depth and fervor, assuming control of the moment. It was evident that he had long yearned for this, just as Baekhyun had been secretly yearning for the same passionate kiss.

Eventually, Chanyeol broke away from the kiss, turning his attention to Baekhyun's neck, where he planted soft kisses and gently caressed his delicate skin. Simultaneously, his eager hands slipped beneath Baekhyun's shirt, yearning to explore his skin. "Oh god! Please...no. Please, I can't," Baekhyun begged, yet Chanyeol responded with another tender kiss on his neck, eliciting a shudder and a soft groan from Baekhyun. "Do you really want me to stop?" Chanyeol whispered into Baekhyun's ear while continuing to kiss his neck. Baekhyun let out another suppressed moan, signaling his growing surrender to the overwhelming sensations. "Stop!" Baekhyun pleaded, summoning one last ounce of strength to push Chanyeol away, who willingly complied. Baekhyun, with his short legs, leaped from the counter and made a dash for the stairs, with Chanyeol in pursuit. With ease, Chanyeol grabbed one of his wrists and pulled him closer, "Baekhyun–"

"I'm not gay. I-I swear I'm not." Baekhyun breathlessly said to him, catching Chanyeol off guard.

"Excuse me?"

"I mean, y-you can't just k-kiss me like that. I don't know what you want from me," Baekhyun found himself in the midst of a swirling storm of emotions, unsure of what he truly felt and equally uncertain about the enigmatic Mafia lord's sentiments towards him. Chanyeol, never one to mince words, shrugged nonchalantly and admitted, "I just might like you."

Baekhyun couldn't help but snicker at the ambiguity in Chanyeol's response. "You just might like me? You don't even know what you want."

Chanyeol's answer was forthright, and it resonated with a sincerity that cut through the confusion. "That's why I want to spend some time with you. To find out what I want."

A shiver ran down Baekhyun's spine, and he looked into Chanyeol's eyes, an air of vulnerability creeping in. "Don't hold that against me."

Chanyeol's tone softened as he clarified, "I'm sorry that came out wrong okay? But, I'm not holding anything against you." He released an exhausted sigh, his emotions laid bare. "I just want you to be honest, Baekhyun. Do you feel something when you're with me?" Chanyeol's free hand tenderly caressed Baekhyun's cheek. "Do you feel this—like right now?" he leaned in slowly and captured Baekhyun's lips in another kiss. As their lips met once more, it was an exploratory kiss, a quest for answers, a touch filled with longing and desire. Baekhyun responded to the kiss, his breath hitching, but he pulled away after a few moments, gasping, "I don't know!"

Chanyeol's gaze bore into Baekhyun's, the intensity unwavering. "If you're straight, why did you kiss me back? If you don't feel anything, why did you kiss me? Doesn't that make you question your own feelings, Baekhyun?"

The question lingered, casting a palpable tension that swirled between them. They found themselves on the brink of self-discovery, their hearts and desires entangled in a complex dance of emotions. "I can't go on with this... I'm sorry," Baekhyun uttered, his eyes glistening with tears, as he pulled his wrist free from Chanyeol's grasp and hurried up the stairs, making his way to his room without a backward glance. But then, in a sudden turn of events, he sprinted back down the stairs, snatching the paper that had ignited the kiss, before fleeing once more, leaving Chanyeol in stunned silence.

As Baekhyun sprinted away after that scorching kiss, Chanyeol's heart raced, and his legs threatened to give way beneath him. The intensity of his desire to chase after Baekhyun, to envelop him in a passionate embrace, to taste his lips once more, was almost overwhelming. Yet, a deep-rooted sense of respect for Baekhyun's boundaries held him back. It was a maddening dichotomy, the pull between what he longed for and the need to respect Baekhyun's space.

The night had unfurled in a way Chanyeol hadn't anticipated. His initial intention had been to confront Baekhyun about the secrets written on those haunting pages. He had expected confrontation, perhaps even conflict. But fate, it seemed, had other plans. In the raw, unbridled moment that they kissed, Chanyeol couldn't deny the magnetic attraction that surged between them. He couldn't deny the depth of emotion that swelled within him, a torrent of feelings that he hadn't dared acknowledge.

Chanyeol knew that he was in love with Baekhyun, a truth as undeniable as the stars above. But the complications of their initial encounter weighed on him, casting a shadow of doubt. Would Baekhyun ever be able to look at him the way Chanyeol gazed at him, with love, with longing, with vulnerability? It was a question that gnawed at him, but he was determined, resolute. He was willing to fight for this newfound connection, to show Baekhyun that he was more than just a Mafia lord, that he could be the man who showered Baekhyun with unbridled love, tenderness, and devotion. This, Chanyeol knew, was the challenge he was willing to embrace, the path he was eager to walk, for a love that was extraordinary and worth every risk.

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Authors Note 📝

If you have read this far, thank you 🙇 ❤️

Q: Is it just me or did this chapter make you blush? 😭😭