A/N

For exclusive POVs, chapters, scenes and advanced content, Join my Patreon today! You can join for FREE and decide to join any tier of your choice later!

https://www.patreon.com/rosenoirwrites or
search rosenoirwrites on the Patreon app!

***

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆
𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫

"Hyun-a!" Wu Mi-sun yelled through her end on the video call, "My baby boy looks so handsome, ah, you better take some pictures at this event!" She said in Korean, bringing a smile to her son's face as he set the iPad on his dresser and attempted to fix the tie of his suit.

"Omma," He drawled through flushed cheeks and a bright smile. He loved seeing his mum this happy, which he'd been able to illicit from his numerous achievements so far. "It's a small event, I doubt that I'd be able to take any pictures."

"You better take some for your mother, you little brat." Her face filled the screen suddenly as she gave an intrusive view of her narrowed eyes. "And I hope you're taking a date along?"

He froze at that, hoping she would let the topic breeze by as he moved to fix the cufflinks of his dress shirt. "No, I'm going with the boys."

"My other children? Where are they?" She peeked around like she could look around the room by stepping through. "Aren't you boys a little too old to be tagging along at events? You're not getting younger, and neither am I..."

Here it comes, Hyun thought, resisting the urge to roll his eyes at her next statement.

"You should find a young, responsible lady to hang on to until at least we approve of her for marriage." She enunciated the lady like usual, slowly easing the tension in place. "A successful man needs his support system and partner... you should really consider the last girl your father arranged."

Hyun let his hands drop at his side as he leveled his mum with a blank stare. He hated how scarce their contact was these days and he was tempted to end her call when it came through but he missed her, them. But he knew there was no avoiding the elephant in the room when talking to them.

Their obvious denial.

He'd never outrightly come out to them but he was sure they knew. With the same senses a parent used to know when something was up with their kids but they chose to ignore it. Moreso, his father had avoided speaking with him like it was a plague. He'd set up numerous dates over the years for him and all had failed cause Hyun found a way to either pay the girls off and at one point had even faked a relationship with one, keeping them happy until he left for the states.

With no news of any relationship and how uncomfortable he got when they specifically mentioned him getting it on with women, He had come to the conclusion that they were just pretending to be delusional.

And he wondered how long he could keep up with their little tirade before blowing the lid on both of them.

"I'm not interested." He deadpanned and moved to shrug on his suit jacket, carrying the iPad with him as he left the room, settling it on the kitchen counter as he waited for the crackheads to get ready.

"In what?" She challenged, her lips forming in a frown. "Look, Hyun-a, your father and I are worried about you. It seems that this America of a place is changing you."

"Really?" Hyun quirked a brow as he reached for a bottle of water, "Changing me in what way?"

She remained silent and when he looked back at her, he could see the haunted look riddling her features. He simply looked away. "Omma, I'm fine, I've never been better."

"Huh." The words rolled out with a trace of anger hidden in them.

"Where's dad?" He asked in a bid to diffuse the growing tension.

It was her turn to look uncomfortable as she stared at something off screen before cracking a small smile. "You know you're father, very busy. He told me to send his wishes, I'm sure he'll be here for our next video chat." If there would be another one, He thought, replicating her smile.

"I know how he is, always too busy for anyone." He said half-heartedly, watching her smile fall in an instant.

"Hyun-a! Don't talk about your father like th-"

The doors to the guest rooms opened then as Yutaka and Benji emerged, fully dressed in dark blue matching suits as they'd all chosen. Yutaka made a beeline to the iPad at the mere sound of Mi-sun's voice. "Is that my favorite mother? Omma!"

"Omma!" Benji joined in, both of them filling the screen as they waved and talked with the little Korean they'd learnt from Hyun over the years.

Hyun was thankful for the intrusion but at a glance at the clock, he butted in and grabbed the device. "Alright Omma, we need to leave now but we'll talk later. Bye!"

"Wait, we need to finish this convers-"

The call ended quickly and he let out a pent up breathe.

"C'mon dude," Yutaka grumbled, "We were just catching up with Omma."

"Can you stop saying it like that?" Hyun laughed.

Benji scrunched his nose, "We say it exactly how you do, just say you're jealous."

"No I'm not," Hyun shook his head, "There's nothing to be jealous of, now can we leave?"

"Sure, sure, whatever you say,"Yutaka said with his hands up in surrender, "At least we got to speak with our favorite mum, you should really give us her number."

"I second that," Benji nodded as they made their our way out.

"I'll never do that."

"See, jealous!" Yutaka screeched, earning an eye roll from Hyun and laughter from Benji.

***

On getting to the hospital, Hyun was sure that he was either out of his element or had lost the concept of welcome or farewell parties. The whole building was decorated with banners, confetti, lights and a red carpet rolled out by the entrance. Flashing cameras from paparazzi and anyone really, trying to get a shot at the guests who stepped out took over the main entrance.

He was thankful for heeding to Lindsay's advice to switch his initial casual outfit plan for a suit.

"Fucking hell," Yutaka muttered from behind the wheel, staring ahead as they eased closer to the entrance, being held of by the traffic of cars coming through every entry point. "I thought you said it was just a farewell party."

"I'm guessing farewell parties here and at other places have way different concepts." Hyun muttered, swallowing back the bile rising up from his stomach at the sight of the cameras. He should have expected more from a hospital that based itself on it's popularity and renowned shareholders.

All he could hope for was to make it past the entrance without rushing back into the car and hiding from the unnecessary attention.

"Here we go," Benji said as the car eased at the front. They all stepped out and a valet rushed to them, taking the car keys from Yutaka and urging them forward.

In a split second after their feet stepped on the carpet, the barrage of flashing cameras and questions turned to them. Hyun felt sick at the attention and prayed to still have his vision intact by the time he made it inside.

"Chin up, buddy." Benji leaned in and whispered. He was attuned to the attention of the press, taking the flashing cameras and loud voices in stride. Working for a popular restaurant like Carlson's would train anyone for moments like this.

Hyun just wanted to go home at this point.

But he owed it to Lindsay to at least, last an hour.

When they made it through, Hyun was sure that this wasn't the same hospital he'd been to at least five times since he arrived. The interior had been transformed with black and gold decorations adorning every nook and corner. The main entrance was used for the party as people mingled around the space and for some reason, Hyun wondered how they would attend to patients with all this.

"I think I'll find Lindsay first," He said, turning to his friends, only to find them on their separate destinations around the space. "Figured."

He moved through the space before finding the signature auburn hair of his friend. She stood in a circle talking to several suited men whose backs were to him. But she caught a glimpse of him and beckoned him over.

"Hyun, you made it," She said once he'd closed the distance before turning his attention to the men standing there.

His eyes widened at them, feeling the pressure grow by the minute but Lindsay was already introducing him before he could regain his composure. "This is Wu Hyun-seok, my multi-talented replacement at the department. And this is-"

"Leonelli Gianpiero." The first man spoke and offered his hand to him. Hyun took it in a daze and forced a smile on his lips.

"It's an honor."

"No, the honor is mine." Leonelli said, releasing his hand and gesturing to Lindsay. "I've heard so many great things about your track record and achievements, my brother here showed me your profile and I'm highly impressed."

Hyun glanced at a rather serious Dario who stood next to his brother like a soldier in battle. He'd never seen the man so rigid. "Thank you so much, I'm hoping to bring in more achievements to the hospital's name."

"I expect nothing less." Leonelli spoke with as much certainty that Hyun felt chills run over his spine when the man spoke. His eyes moved to the other man standing next to them, typing away at his phone and paying the conversation no mind.

"Damian." Leonelli called, drawing the man's attention to the group. He visibly paused then broke a small smile and tucked the phone away.

"Oh, hello." He reached out a hand to Hyun who shook it carefully. How he'd managed to meet all the Gianpiero men in one night, he'd have to thank Lindsay later cause he was struggling with being starstruck. "You're the new talent here, aren't you? Dario has had a lot to say about you, I trust his judgment that you'd be an amazing asset to us."

"T-thank you." He muttered, letting his gaze rest on the man in question. But Dario didn't spare him a glance. He focused his attention on the glass of champagne in his hands.

"We should check on the other guests but let's make some time to discuss more. Let us know if you need anything at any time." Leonelli handed him a business card and parted with a firm smile.

Hyun stood for a few seconds with the card in his grasps before meeting Lindsay's grinning face. "Did that just happen?"

"You better believe it," She mused, nudging his shoulders playfully. "I think they love you, I mean, what's there not to love?"

She linked her arms through his and drew him towards the snack bar before handing him a glass of soda. "I need you sober tonight, I know how much of a lightweight you are."

"No I'm not," He muttered but took the soda from her.

"Yes you are and I need to introduce you to some key figures tonight. If they like you, you can guarantee your smooth sailing through all the political wars and shit at the hospital, you'll become untouchable."

"Were you?"

She simply quirked a knowing brow that told him all he needed to know. "It comes with its rewards, I promise. Now, wait here while I set them up." With that, she left him at the bar.

He waited patiently, eyes roaming over the crowd and observing. His eyes settled on Dario, who followed his brothers and greeted guests and workers alike. He had a reserved aura about him tonight, Hyun wondered if it was due to the presence of his brothers or the fact that they were in a serious setting.

He couldn't deny that he looked good. With a designer velvet waist coat beneath his unbuttoned suit jacket and matching pants. They clung to him and enunciated every curve of his body and when his hands moved, his forearms flexed and strained against the material of his suit.

Hyun took a long sip of drink to quench the heat peppering every part of his body, and settling between his thighs. Not that he found the man attractive or anything.

He was simply good to look at and frankly, he hadn't gotten laid in weeks.

Not to mention the pressure he felt from merely standing in the room with so many people. That was it, probably. It was the only explanation he could come up with anyway.

"See something you like?"

Hyun tore his gaze from Dario and met a petite brunette with a broad smile fixed on her lips. Heat rushed to his cheeks. "Excuse me?"

The woman leaned against the bar, close enough that their voices wouldn't be heard by a third party. "He's some piece of work to stare at, isn't he?"

"I don't know what you mean, do I know you?"

She turned to him with a sly smile. "Millie Fuentes, senior resident. You?"

"Wu Hyun-seok." He hesitated but took a deep breathe.

"So, you're the new hot shot therapist, and you seem to have eyes for the boss."

"No I don't."

"It's not a crime," she laughed, "He's actually prettier than most people like to admit but they have a reason for not admitting it. They're smart to see trouble from a mile away."

"Trouble?"

Millie shrugged, "Look, call me whatever you want but sometimes I feel it's right to warn newbies right off the bat so you don't end up in some ditch half dead."

Hyun turned his full attention to her and noticed that any traces of humor had left her face. "What?"

"He's bad news, Hyun-seok. People die when they get involved with him, the only person that's still alive is another threat to anyone who gets close to him, it's fucked up."

He closed his eyes and took a settling breathe. This was why he hated entertaining new conversations or people, with their unsolicited opinions and thoughts. For some reason, he felt enthralled by her warning. When had he ever shied away from someone telling him he couldn't do something?

Not that he wanted to do Dario or anything - fuck, maybe he needed that drink. Or had Lindsay given him something other than soda? Cause his thoughts were having independent opinions.

He shook his head, opening his eyes to peer at the bubbling soda in his hands. "Thanks for the warning, uh, um..."

She scoffed, "Millie."

"Right, thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

He half-expected her to nod and leave or something but the girl was taking a liking to her position. So, Hyun decided it was his cue to move.

"Wait." She said, reaching into her bag and got a paper, scribbling her number on it. "Here's my number, we can keep in contact in case you need to talk or whatever, having a friend in this shit show is necessary."

Hyun eyed the paper for a minute before taking it in his hands. "Noted."

And walked away from the weird conversation. He would sure as hell not be calling her before she offered him social rules and regulations of what to and not to do. Intrusive people like her pissed him off.

For the next hour, He mingled about and made small conversations with some shareholders that were eager to meet him, even communicating with a journalist who was eager to speak with him at a later date. Then Lindsay popped out from nowhere and grabbed unto him, pulling him to the side.

"Where have you been?"

She looked around frantically before turning back to him. "I was bit occupied... I, uh, had an impromptu therapy session with Dario and... he's not really himself right now and I need to find a way to sneak him out unnoticed."

"Why don't we tell his brothers, they could maybe help-" He was moving to find them when she gripped his wrist so tight, he whipped his head back to her.

"Listen to me," Her voice was so hard, Hyun was afraid for the next words. "You can never, and I repeat, never inform his brothers or anyone if you ever see him have a breakdown or anything close to it in the future, do you understand?"

Hyun nodded and she loosened her grip, releasing a pent up breathe. "I won't lie that this isn't tiring but I need your help, he's not well and I think my leaving is making him worse."

"Don't blame yourself for that, if he wasn't well before, this has nothing to do with you."

She flapped her hands impatiently, "I know, I know that but I need your help sneaking him out and making sure he gets home safe."

"Fine, take me to him."

She led the way to a back entrance cordoned off by signs, with a man sitting on the floor in the corner. When they got closer, Hyun noticed the velvet suit, the jacket discarded on the floor and waist coat flaps unbuttoned. He pulled at his tie as they approached, angling his head in their direction.

"What's he doing here?" Hyun was taken aback by the strain in his voice.

"He's here to help." Lindsay said and motioned for Hyun to help him up. Once he was on his feet, Dario pushed away from him and walked towards the underground parking in slow strides.

"We can take my car." Dario let out through bated breathes as they moved to the VIP parking lot and located the black sleek Audi parked. He handed the keys to Lindsay but she gave them to Hyun.

"I can't leave yet but I'll let your brothers know you had to leave early." She helped Dario into the passengers seat then turned to Hyun. "And I'll talk to the boys, just get him home and if you can, you can meet us back here."

Hyun nodded and got into the car, driving through the barricade and soon unto the highway.

He watched Dario from his periphery, watching him struggle against the seat, breathing harshly and aggressively pulling against the button of his shirt. He wound down the windows and let the cool night's breeze fill the car. Within a few seconds, Dario's breathing stabilized but it didn't stop his struggle.

Hyun followed the GPS until he got to an underground parking.

"Where do I park?"

"Don't, move up ahead." Dario directed him to an elevator at the end of the parking lot and he eased the car in after inputing a code. The elevator ride was smooth to the top of the building and slid open to reveal a minimalistic penthouse.

He was busy gawking when Dario pushed out of the car, falling over and landing on the floor. Hyun was quick to get to his side and helped him up. "What's going on with you?"

He followed Dario's pointing and directions to his room and flopped him on top of the bed. "Pi...Pills... I just need the pills."

Hyun moved to the large bathroom and searched until he found a drug cabinet. "What's the name?" He called out and when Dario yelled out the name, he brought the bottle to him.

"Let me get you a glass of water."

"No need." He popped three pills at once and swallowed them dry.

Hyun watched him visibly relax against the plush silk sheets, running a hand over his dark brown curls as his breathing evened out. He waited for a while for the pills to take effect, staring at the man sprawled out, shirt undone, revealing his ripped torso and glimpses of his biceps.

"How do you feel now?"

Dario's eyes met his slowly and a small smirk tugged at his lips. "Much better, thank you."

Hyun nodded, breaking eye contact from him and sending a quick text to Lindsay to let her know that he was okay. "I'm glad, you should get some rest, I'll take my leave now."

He turned to go but felt warm slim fingers cling unto his wrist. He turned to meet Dario sitting up, hair disheveled and eyes pleading.

"Please... don't go yet."