<Hotel Diamond Stay>

Hoshi and Woozi had secured a table for them which was booked by Hoshi beforehand. Their order was served and they were eating peacefully.

"I didn't know you were serious about the dinner." Woozi chuckled.

"Why not?" Hoshi asked.

"I don't know, I thought you were just joking or will forget." Woozi shrugged.

"Hey I'm not that bad." Hoshi was jokingly offended, "I do follow through my words."

"You really felt the need to explain yourself?" Woozi grinned, "Don't worry, I didn't mean it. I just didn't expect you to actually do it."

"I don't like to be underestimated, thank you so much." Hoshi smiled cheekily.

"I get it." Woozi laughed briefly, "Anything else I should know about you, boss?"

"Well, I'm charming, you know that right?" Hoshi joked, "Embarrassing too, I guess?"

Woozi cackled, "I'll take the charming part. Anything else?"

"Well, just know there's a lot more to me than just a charming face." Hoshi chewed on his food.

Woozi choked on a bite of food as he started coughing.

Hoshi stood up and walked around the table to pat his back, "Are you okay?"

"I-" Woozi calmed himself as he gulped down a glass of water, "I'm fine, thanks."

"You sure?" Hoshi patted his back while handing him his handkerchief.

"Soonyoung, I'm all good." Woozi chuckled, "I won't pass away by choking on food."

"Well, excuse me." Hoshi's hand still rested on the other's back, "You went from normal to choking in like, two seconds. It was a bit panic-inducing."

"It's okay, you're way too worried." Woozi assured.

"I was just- looking out for you." Hoshi went to sit back on his seat, "Can't have one of my employees coughing to unconsciousness on my watch."

"Of course, it's all about professionalism." Woozi's voice laced with sarcasm, "You're always this protective with all your employees?"

"Protective? Me?" Hoshi cleared his throat, "No way."

"C'mon sir, accepting the truth won't hurt." Woozi teased.

"Oh please, spare me." Hoshi rolled his eyes playfully, secretly admiring Woozi in every possible aspect.

But soon enough, his smile got replaced with a dark demeanor.

Someone was following him.

It was all fine for him until he realised the fact that Woozi was with him. He calmed himself and tried to act normal.

After they were done with dinner, they went to the parking lot. Hoshi opened the door of the passenger's seat while he got into the driver's seat.

Hoshi looked at the side mirror and it got confirmed, someone was definitely behind him.

"Woozi-" Hoshi cleared his throat, "I know we don't know each other well enough for you to trust me blindly."

"Suddenly?" Woozi was puzzled.

"Either close your eyes or put all of your trust in me." Hoshi focused on the front as the engine roared.

Woozi couldn't understand what Hoshi actually meant. He gasped as the speed of car kept increasing exponentially.

"Slow down- Soonyoung-" Woozi kept switching worried glances between Hoshi and the road, "Where are you even going?"

"I told you something Woozi, just trust me or close your eyes." Hoshi's brows scrunched.

"What-" Woozi's eyes widened when Hoshi pulled out a gun, "Why do you have this?"

Hoshi rolled down the window of his side, firing bullets against the cars that were behind them.

Woozi quickly looked back to see three black cars close behind them.

"These fuckers." Hoshi clenched his jaw as he handled the steering wheel with one hand and the gun with another.

Woozi couldn't believe his eyes over what was he even witnessing. But all of his thoughts disappeared when the car came to a halt with a jerk.

Hoshi inhaled a deep breath, the rage in his eyes boring holes through the car's window.

Woozi looked up to notice one car in front of them while two at the back.

Before Hoshi could fire another bullet, a man from the car at front spoke through a small device to make his voice louder, "Hoshi, we're here with just a message. Mr. Min wants to see Scoups, as soon as possible."

Hoshi? Scoups? Mr. Min?

Hoshi pulled out a similar device, "What makes you think we'll agree?"

The man walked out of his car and stood in front of Hoshi's car, "Our job was just to transfer the news, now it's between you and Mr. Min. But hey, I want to have a personal talk with you."

The man gestured the cars at the back to leave and within a few moments, they disappeared. Now, there were just three people and two cars at the dead silent over bridge.

"Come out, will you?" The man chuckled wickedly.

"Stay here." Hoshi mumbled to Woozi and got out of the car, locking it.

Woozi's heartbeat raced, he could hear everything as the window beside the driver's seat was slightly open.

"What the fuck do you want?" Hoshi glared at him.

Hoshi knew that he was going to talk about something apart from Hyeseok's business that's why he had sent his guards away.

The stranger grinned, "Him." He pointed at Woozi, "I don't really know him but he looks tempting. Just hand him to me for a while and-"

Hoshi grabbed his neck and slammed him against the bonnet of the car while pointing the gun against him.

Woozi flinched at the sudden gesture even though he was inside the car.

"You really made a mistake by sending your backup away and then eyeing- him." Hoshi grunted.

"Possessive much?" The man laughed like a maniac, "C'mon sharing is caring."

"You really have no idea what getting on my nerves mean, right?" Hoshi pierced the gun against his throat.

Woozi felt a cold chill run down his spine. He could see the tension in Hoshi's body, the steely determination in his eyes.

"Oh, I have a great idea. Threatening me like that, it's fun isn't it?" The man mocked, "But both of us know, you won't shoot me."

"I literally have no problem in doing what needs to be done." Hoshi's grip on the gun tightened, "My fingers are just itching to push the trigger."

"You're no fun, but that one inside the car, definitely is." The man remained steady beneath the gun, "I'd really enjoy breaking him. Have you tried already? C'mon give me some reviews."

"Getting eager to lie on the death bed?" Hoshi's jaw clenched, anger flaring through his eyes.

"No brother, on another bed." The man's tone was suggestive, "With this guy-"

Before he could complete, the loud noise of the gun echoed. The bullet went right through the man's throat who clearly had never expected it.

But Woozi didn't expect it either. He never knew he would get to see someone losing his life right in front of his eyes. His gaze were fixated on the lifeless man on the ground as Hoshi stepped away.

Hoshi pulled out his phone and made a call, "Dino, I'm sending you my location. There's some mess here, send someone to clean it. Quick."

Hoshi got into the driver's seat, keeping his gun out of sight. He glanced over at Woozi, his eyes taking in the younger's pale face and wide eyes.

"Woozi-" Hoshi's voice was soft and tender, "Are you- okay?"

"I-" Woozi couldn't find the right words to speak.

Soon enough another car arrived and a few men began to clean up the mess as if it had never happened. Hoshi nodded at them and started the car. The drive was silent, Woozi took his time to collect himself as the car halted after a while.

"Where-?" Woozi looked around the unknown area.

"My place." Hoshi stated, "You- you can't go to your home right now."

"What?" Woozi's eyes widened, "What are you saying?"

"Woozi, please- I know it's hard but let me explain-"

It was when Hoshi's phone rang. He picked it up, "Yeah? Coups hyung?"

"That bastard bombed our port."

"Hyeseok?"

"Yeah that fucker. Mingyu was there to manage some shipments and out of nowhere the sector-2 got bombed. Then he got a letter for me to meet him."

"And we all know why he wants to meet you. Well, I haven't been any better."

"What happened?"

"His men followed me. I got into a gun fight but they had the same news for me to transfer you."

"I swear I'll ruin that bitch. Anyways, no one saw you right?"

Hoshi looked at Woozi who was still wide eyed, "No. No one saw me, don't worry."

"Good."

Hoshi hung up the call.

"Why did you lie?" Woozi asked.

"I need to explain everything to you before telling him the truth." Hoshi sighed.

"And who was he?" Woozi questioned.

"Seungcheol hyung."

Woozi gasped, "MR. CHOI?!"

Hoshi nodded as he went on to explain everything to him briefly. What was there to hide anymore?

Woozi couldn't even blink. He never knew the casual dinner would turn into this kind of night.

"Apply a leave for a week or so and live with me until I say." Hoshi stated.

"Are you for real?" Woozi frowned.

"I'm very serious." Hoshi sighed, "I'm not asking. It's for your own good."

"You can't order me around like that." Woozi scrunched his brows, "I don't even know why I got into all this and now I've to live with you."

"After what happened just now, they KNOW you." Hoshi emphasized, "You really think I'm going to leave you alone?"

"And what if I refuse?" Woozi raised a brow.

"I never gave you a choice?" Hoshi's voice was low and dangerous, "Either you're coming with me willingly or I'm dragging you in."

"You can't force me for fuck's sake!!" Woozi was clearly annoyed, "That initial act of yours, being all gentle, what was that? Why didn't you tell me already that you're quiet the opposite?"

Hoshi inhaled a deep breath, "It wasn't an act and this isn't one either. It depends on you over which side of mine you want to witness. If I say you're staying with me, you're staying with me. Simple as that."

"This is ridiculous." Woozi cried out in distress.

Hoshi walked out of the car, opening the door of Woozi's side, "Stop whining already."

"Why are you doing this to me?!" Woozi frowned.

"What else am I supposed to do? Leave you on their filthy intentions?! You heard what that man talked about you, right?" Hoshi scoffed, "Listen here Woozi, my place is the safest one for you. Just come with me decently or I won't hesitate to lift you up."

"I regret going on dinner with you, Mr. Kwon." Woozi walked out of the car as Hoshi guided him to his apartment

<Min Mansion>

It was morning as Seungcheol, Hoshi, Mingyu, Jun, Seokmin, Vernon and Dino stepped into the mansion of Min Hyeseok. They were welcomed warmly as if Hyeseok hadn't annoyed them to the core previously.

The place was well packed with guards and luxuries. After all, what else was expected by the hub of nearly all the illegal activities one could imagine?

They were all seated in the living room along with Hyeseok.

"Welcome, boys." Hyeseok smiled widely.

"Mr. Min, we need to talk very sincerely." Seungcheol began, "The way you called us here is not acceptable at all." 'Bastard, you're so dead.'

"I know, I just couldn't help, son." Hyeseok chuckled, "You know I love to play games and you ignored my texts and calls. I had to find a way."

"But-" Seungcheol was intervened by a loud noise of blast which came from outside.

All of them stood up and hastily made their way outside. Their eyes widened as they saw Hyeseok's cars getting bombed one by one.

"WHAT THE HELL?!! STOP THIS!!!" Hyeseok yelled, "These cars have stock worth millions!!"

"Sir, going there means to lose life-"

"I DON'T CARE!!" Hyeseok grabbed the guard's collars, "Your lives do not mean more than my business."

The guards nodded as he left. But nothing could stop the ten cars that flew over along with a huge fire. The staff somehow handled the disaster but the hustle was not being tamed.

The Rose Quartz Clan was just watching all of it, clearly unfazed by the entire drama. They had nothing to do with all that and they were low-key satisfied to see Hyeseok losing his sanity.

It was when Seungcheol's phone beeped and he casually pulled it out to see the texts.

Enjoyed the show, darling?

He bombed your port, didn't he?

No one touches MY man's business!!

Love You!!

Seungcheol's eyes widened at the texts. He read them twice to make sure he wasn't tripping.

He quickly looked up to the other members and gestured at his phone. All of them gasped as they understood the situation. Seungcheol asked them to stay quiet for now and carry on as if they didn't know anything while taking their seats in the hall.

"Who the fuck dared to do this?!" Hyeseok walked back into the hall, "I swear that person is in a huge trouble."

'As if.' Seungcheol thought to himself.

Hyeseong sighed and composed himself, "Nevermind. So yeah, I need to talk about something important, Scoups."

"Yeah, I'm listening." Seungcheol nodded.

"You know-" Hyeseok laid back with a grin, "Areum, is ready to marry."

Everyone else apart from Seungcheol grunted to themselves. All of them knew what Hyeseok was here for. His psychotic, obsessed and moreover drug addict daughter wanted to marry Seungcheol.

The room fell silent as everyone looked at Seungcheol, anticipating his reaction to the news. Seungcheol's expression remained impassive as he listened to Hyeseok.

"C'mon son." Hyeseok made his voice extra friendly, "You know how much Areum adores you. This is an opportunity for you to do the right thing. She's young, beautiful and from a wealthy family. She's perfect for you."

Seungcheol's jaw clenched, "Yeah, I know how perfect she is."

"Exactly!" Hyeseok remained unfazed, "She's intelligent, talented and has genuine affection for you. You'd be a fool to turn her down."

"I see." Seungcheol nodded as his expressions remained neutral, "I had actually started to consider this when I was in LA. But you know, I came back here and got busy."

Hyeseok leaned forwards, his eyes glimmering with hopes, "So? What is your answer?"

"I'll marry her." Seungcheol chuckled, "She loves me for so long. I shouldn't hurt her."

"Has he gone crazy?" Hoshi mumbled.

"For real, what is he talking about?" Jun frowned as he whispered back, "Till yesterday he wanted to kill them both?"

"Please meet her and tell her the news yourself." Hyeseok chuckled, "The staff will guide you to her room."

Seungcheol picked up a package, "I brought gifts for her."

"Ay, I know you'll be a great husband." Hyeseok patted his shoulder.

As Seungcheol left, Mingyu frowned, "Hyung-"

"Don't." Hyseok intervened, "He has finally agreed. Instead of manipulating him, you all should be happy and enjoy his wedding."

"We don't need suggestions from you, thank you Mr. Min." Vernon retorted.

"Plus, he's not a kid to get manipulated by us." Dino added.

"The decision is his and we'll respect it." Seokmin scoffed.

Meanwhile, Seungcheol reached Areum's room, closing the door behind himself. As expected, she wasn't sober, her eyes were swollen and lazy.

"Coups!!" Areum giggled as she tried to stand up from the bed, "Are you actually here or I'm dreaming again?"

Seungcheol's eyes fell on another lady who was probably in charge of taking care of Areum. The lady seemed to be in her late 30s and were clearly not very fond of her job.

"Welcome, sir. I'm Hana, her caretaker."

"Caretaker?" Seungcheol raised a brow, "Of a grown up who's absolutely healthy?"

"Not mentally." Hana sighed, "She's almost never sober. And rehabilitation is a curse word in this mansion."

"You bitch-!" Areum kicked her while lying on the bed, "Stop spitting non sense."

Seungcheol sighed as he helped Hana to stand up again, "You may leave. I need to talk to her."

Hana bowed as she whispered to Seungcheol, "Please don't marry her at any cost. Don't ruin your life." She left immediately while closing the door shut.

"Areum." Seungcheol sternly stated, "Stand up, I've to talk to you."

"Come here." Areum chuckled as she patted the spot beside her, on the bed, "Lay down and talk."

"I agreed to marry you." Seungcheol sighed, "You can at least stand up straight, for me?"

"WHAT?!" Areum smiled widely and quickly stood up, "You'll- you'll marry me?!"

Seungcheol clenched his jaw to take a deep breath. He walked towards her and clasped a necklace around her, "Don't lose it. Ever."

"A gift?! Thank you so much, I'll never lose it." Areum sat down on the bed as it was hard for her to stand without feeling dizzy.

Seungcheol could feel how intoxicated she was, "I've also bought you a car. I heard you are going to the club tonight, go in it."

"Club?" Areum tried to recall, "What club?"

"Oh you forgot Areum." Seungcheol convinced, "You have to go to your favorite club, tonight."

"Yeah, I must have forgot." Areum massaged her forehead, "But- Wow, we'll get married. I love you so much!!"

Areum stood up to embrace Seungcheol, but he stopped her by piercing his gun against her waist, "You're not going to be very happy with this."

"Ah! You're joking right?" Areum giggled as she fell back on the bed, her senses long gone in the haze of drugs, "That's your charm. Sorry for asking dad to ruin a sector of your port though."

"Yeah, why not?" Seungcheol chuckled bitterly, "Goodbye." He left the room and reached the hall.

"Mr. Min, be sure to send Areum to her favorite club tonight, in the car which I bought for her." Seungcheol chuckled, "She wanted so and I'll receive her there."

"Okay, son, don't worry." Hyeseok nodded. After a while of meaningless chatting, the Rose Quartz members left.

"Hyung-" Jun cleared his throat as they were in the car, "Why are you marrying her?"

"Because I want to?" Seungcheol shrugged.

"Why would you marry her?! She's- she's a freaking drug addict." Hoshi intervened.

"She's not the problem, Hoshi, her upbringing is." Seungcheol scoffed.

"Are you crazy?" Mingyu raised a brow, "You think you can fix her attitude?"

"I know what I've to do to bring her on line." Seungcheol nodded.

"Oh, is it?" Seokmin grinned, "Says the one who couldn't bring one particular employee of his, on line."

"Exactly." Vernon agreed.

"Are we talking about Mr. Yoon?" Dino asked.

"Stop bringing him in every matter for no reason." Seungcheol scoffed, "I'll marry Areum, that's it. No discussions."

A/n : Welcome to the wedding ig?
Lol I'm so excited for this book.

Anyways take care everyone!
-Jeonghanneyonghaseyo