“You came.”
“You told me to.”
Theo plopped down on the sofa opposite Hunter.
“I didn’t think you’d be so eager to hear my sincerity.”
“Really, you didn’t know?”
In response to Theo’s sharp retort, Hunter calmly looked down at the cocoa cup on the table. Going to hold back words again. Theo let out a cynical laugh as if he’d expected this.
“Don’t think about speaking in riddles that I can’t understand, and answer me clearly. So what is this sincerity of yours?”
“Rushing things too much tends to ruin them.”
As soon as Hunter finished speaking, Theo jumped up and pushed the table over to the side. The ashtray and cocoa cup on the table flew to the wall, breaking with a dull sound.
Theo grabbed Hunter’s collar. Compared to Theo’s blazing eyes, Hunter maintained his composure.
“How long are you going to play with me?”
I told you not to talk in circles. Do you still find me amusing? Theo bared his teeth like a beast.
“The adult games are over, Hunter. I’m no longer some clueless kid. If I wanted to, I could crush, torture, and kill you right now.”
Theo raised his palm in a claw-like shape and thrust it threateningly in front of Hunter’s eyes.
“With these hands, I’ve gouged out the eyes of traitors, and ripped out the tongues of worms who slandered me to get to where I am. You no longer have the right to disrespect me.”
“You must be so proud of yourself.”
At Hunter’s sarcasm, Theo retorted nonchalantly.
“Of course. I’m very proud. After all, someone taught me to be this way.”
Don’t worry, you’ll soon get used to this too! Theo said, clenching his gums. That’s exactly what you said to a seven-year-old kid who had just lost his scum of a father.
“Don’t you find it pathetic? How you ran away with your tail between your legs when you received a confession from a kid you looked down on so much. Were you afraid? Afraid I’d force myself on you?”
Hunter, who had been frowning with displeasure, suddenly pulled Theo’s head back forcefully. In the blink of an eye, Theo found his lips against Hunter’s. Between slightly parted lips, Hunter slipped his tongue in, running it over Theo’s teeth. Dazed by the sensation, Theo reflexively intertwined his tongue with Hunter’s.
Sticky sounds passed between them. The two stared at each other without blinking, as if in a contest.
Hunter gently placed his hand on Theo’s neck. After caressing it a few times, he firmly pressed his finger against Theo’s Adam’s apple. Caught off guard by the attack, Theo pushed him away, coughing. Unlike Theo, who was coughing with a flushed face, Hunter maintained his cold expression as he picked up a tissue from the floor and wiped his mouth.
“Now you’ve finally quieted down.”
You should try to develop a bit more patience. Hunter tossed the crumpled tissue at Theo.
“You’re nothing but my cute little slave, now as before, Theo.”
That’s my sincere feeling. Hunter emphasized. Theo, who had been licking his own lips, let out an incredulous laugh.
“What nonsense.”
Then what was that kiss? What, was that some kind of slave encouragement? Theo said.
“It was manipulation. After all, you do have considerable influence here.”
“I’m touched you recognize that.”
Hunter slightly adjusted his glasses. His expression gradually turned serious.
“A war is about to break out.”
“A war?”
“Yes. Just like six years ago.”
“Huh.”
On what basis? Theo erased his smile.
“Enya told me. She said Federico has once again proposed an alliance.”
“Alliance, my ass. That old man was quiet all this time, so what wind is suddenly blowing now?”
“Maybe it’s because he found out I’m here.”
“Oh come on, how would he know that? You haven’t even been here a full day yet.”
Say something that makes sense. Hunter, ignoring Theo’s reprimand, fell into thought by himself.
“It must be Michael acting on a whim.”
Hunter rubbed his forehead as if he had a headache. Theo, who had squinted his eyes as if he’d misheard, asked for confirmation. By Michael, do you mean Ghost?
“That’s a name I haven’t heard in a long time. It still makes me feel dirty.”
“That child must have influenced Federico.”
“How would he know you’re here…?”
Theo closed his mouth. He remembered when Michael had previously mentioned something about his father. It definitely seemed like something he would know.
“Always nothing but trouble, that bastard.”
Hunter nodded quietly in agreement and continued.
“Things are getting interesting, aren’t they?”
“They are. If a real war breaks out, I’ll be the first to put a bullet in that guy’s forehead.”
Theo declared, remembering Michael’s eyes that had looked down on him 11 years ago.
A small and frail kid who was nonetheless full of spirit. Except for being tiny as a millet seed, he resembled my past self quite a bit. Thinking about it, Theo became curious about Michael’s recent appearance. Had he grown taller?
He had known early on that Michael had become part of the Gostin Family along with Herick. He could also guess that his influence there was significant.
In a way, it was natural. Hunter, who had been an executive of the Gostin organization since 11 years ago, had been keeping him close, and during the shootout in the Caysenderson area at that time, Herick had talked about the intruders trying to kidnap or kill Michael, so Theo had somewhat sensed it from then.
That Michael was a more dangerous being than expected.
“So which side are you on?”
“Hmm?”
“I mean, if another war breaks out between us and Gostin, whose side will you take?”
Theo asked, suddenly curious.
“I won’t take anyone’s side. I tend to prefer peace over war.”
“Who? You?”
Theo burst into laughter. Your sense of humor has improved, Hunter! He exclaimed mockingly.
“Still, I’ll help this place for now.”
As things stand, Cenaline is at too much of a disadvantage. Hunter ignored Theo’s mockery and muttered seriously.
“What disadvantage is there? That old man’s prime ended right after you betrayed him big time, didn’t it?”
“As long as Michael is by his side, even someone like Enya won’t be able to easily subdue Gostin.”
“What’s so special about that Ghost?”
“Seems like you’ve also underestimated his abilities. Why do you deny it so much?”
“What abilities? All he knows how to do is flap his lips and go against the grain.”
“That’s exactly what you should be most wary of.”
He manipulates people by messing with their minds. Hunter tapped his own head. It’s scarier because you can’t see it. On the outside, they might seem fine, but inside, their sense of self is dead, leaving them in a puppet-like state.
Theo didn’t hide his discomfort. The more Hunter described Michael, the more he thought of eleven years ago.
“The one reassuring thing is,”
Hunter pointed to the room next to his. A confident smile was now drawn on his face.
“This time, Hyungoh is with us.”
