“Youngjae, come down for dinner.” Youngjae jumped at the sound of his mother’s voice entering his room. A horrified look on his face. Not because of his mother entering his room. It was his mother. He came out of her so there was no need for tact. It was the person behind her that made Youngjae’s horrified expression appear.

Youngjae was attempting one of Himchan’s skin treatments that the model swore on his face would make the younger’s skin baby soft. At first Youngjae refused, saying he looked fine as he was. Himchan being the sly fox he coaxed Youngjae into thinking that the skin treatment would help him in the ladies department. It wasn’t that Youngjae was lacking female attention. He was handsome, polite, rich, wealthy, and the heir to Yoo Enterprises. Did he forget to mention he was rich? There were women throwing themselves left and right at him, but they were never his type. He didn’t want the low cut dresses, s up all in his face, slits up to their kinda girl. Sure, they were fun to party with and dance with, but that was about it. A one night dream. Youngjae’s dream girl was a simple, cute, wholesome girl, with a good head on her shoulders, and a caring soul. As cliche as it sounded, he wanted someone like his mother. His mother was strong, intelligent, elegant, and kind. A classic beauty. As a wise ol queen (Himchan) once told him, ‘Beauty fades, dumb is forever.’ Youngjae took that to heart, hence when given the chance to increase his likelihood of meeting his dream girl, he jumped on that ship like a fool. The result of this leap of faith was Youngjae having pineapple hair to keep his bangs out of his face and his face covered in a gooey green mask. He basically looked like a bruised green apple in front of the last person he ever wanted to appear to in this state.

“Mom! Y-you should have knocked!” Youngjae sputtered as he was trying to make himself look decent. He could hear the small snort escape from Daehyun’s lips as he tried to suppress his laughter. Youngjae shooting him a glare, but alas, a bruised apple is not a scary apple. 

“I’m your mother, Youngjae. I’ve seen everything from your cute mole on your shoulder to the one on your tushy.” Mrs. Yoo chuckled as her son turned crimson red. 

“MOOOM!!!” Youngjae practically shrieked. Why were mother’s so embarrassing? Was it an innate thing? If so, could he splice that gene out!?

“No need to look proper, Youngjae. It is nothing I haven’t seen before.” A small coy smirk appeared on Daehyun’s face. Youngjae seemed to have forgotten that Daehyun had installed cameras inside the hallway so he had seen every silly antic and appearance the younger had presented. Daehyun distinctly remembered one day seeing the younger walk down the hallway in a yellow duck onesie. The little tail waddled back and forth as the younger walked. Daehyun ultimately let out a stifled howl of laughter at the sight. 

“You know what I wish I haven’t seen? You.” Youngjae glared, giving Daehyun the finger, which earned a light slap on the back of his head from his mother. 

“Hurry and come down for dinner. We’re having something interesting tonight.” Mrs. Yoo patted her son’s fluffy hair before placing a small kiss on his cheek and leaving to head down stairs. Youngjae grumbled, washing off the goop from his face before walking downstairs. Daehyun couldn’t help but gently flick the Youngjae’s pineapple bangs, which won him a pointed glare from the younger. Daehyun merely raised an amused brow, practically challenging the younger to fight him, but Youngjae merely scoffed annoyed and rolled his eyes. 

“Why does it smell? Spicy?” Youngjae sniffed the air. “Or I guess exotic?” Usually the chefs cooked traditional Korean food since that was what his mother liked. Occasionally they would deviate with some italian and french dishes, but it never smelled like this. This was completely different, but whatever it was it made Youngjae’s mouth water. 

“Daehyun made us dinner tonight.” Mrs. Yoo chuckled at her son’s confusion and curiosity. 

“I just thought it would be a good change. It’s rare for you to be home for dinner, Mrs. Yoo.” Daehyun slightly bowed, a smile on his face. Youngjae couldn’t help but eye the elder suspiciously. Daehyun had never smiled at Youngjae. Well not like that anyways. Was the bodyguard interested in his mother!? Hell to the no! Youngjae refuuuuuuusssssseeeeeeeddddd to let that happen. He’d sell his soul to Zelo or Himchan first before he let that happen. 

“I wish I was home more often,” Mrs. Yoo smiled sadly, her brows furrowed as if she remembered something unpleasant, but quickly brushed off the thought. “Work has been piling up.” 

“Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you.” Daehyun smiled, gesturing Mrs. Yoo and Youngjae to enter the dining hall first. Youngjae stopped in front of the elder and glared. 

“If you’re trying to win my mom over then stop. Whatever this,” Youngjae moved erratically in the air, gesturing to the weird relationship Daehyun and his mother had. “ is. I am not allowing it. 1000% Youngjae rejected.”

Daehyun let out a scoff in disbelief and amusement. “You don’t have to worry. I’m not interested in your mother. There is no need to be jealous.” 

“Jealous!?” Youngjae fumed, his cheeks a vibrant red. If steam could come out of a person, it would be Youngjae. “Why would I be jealous of my mother!?”

“Your mother?” Daehyun had a playful quip of a smile on his plump lips as he raised an amused brow. “I was thinking you were jealous of me stealing your mother away. Perhaps I was wrong?” Youngjae stared wide-eyed, realizing the mistake he made. His mind was even more confuzzled.

“Yes! I mean, no! I mean-Agggh!” Youngjae scratched his head vigorously. “I mean off!” Youngjae hissed as he stomped into the dining room, with Daehyun nearly laughing his off in the doorway. 

Youngjae peeked over at his mother, noticing their elderly maid Mihwa hand his mother something. A small white bottle. Youngjae tilted his head curiously since he had never seen the bottle before in his life. Mrs.Yoo must have noticed Youngjae’s stares since she swiftly dismissed the Miwha. Youngjae attempted to open his mouth to ask the Miwha what was going on. She was his family's most trusted maid, she had been his father’s maid when he was younger and unlike many she actually cared for his and his mother’s well being. Miwha simply smiled apologetically at Youngjae before scurrying off. 

“Mom, what is that?” Youngjae pointed at the bottle in his mother’s hand. Mrs. Yoo stiffened for a moment at the question and held the bottle tightly. 

“Just vitamins,” Mrs.Yoo smiled softly. “I haven’t been well lately so Miwha suggested that I take some vitamins. You know how Miwha gets.” Youngjae in his lower lips, not buying what his mother was trying to sell. He dismissed the thoughts as soon as a fragrant smell of spices entered his nose. 

“Dinner is served.” Daehyun smiled politely placing a dish of freshly cooked lamb and mejadra in front of Youngjae and Mrs. Yoo before taking a seat across from Youngjae. Youngjae stared at the dish in awe. It smelled fantastic. He poked at the strange rice and friend concoction before putting a small amount of it in his mouth. Easy to say that he was stuffing his face with the stuff and the lamb. 

“Youngjae, slow down. You’re acting as if you’ve never eaten before,” Mrs. Yoo let out a melodious laugh before trying some of the food as well. “Daehyun, this is amazing. I’ve never had anything quite like this before.” 

“It’s just something I picked up when I was in the Middle East.” Daehyun smiled kindly before placing some food in his mouth. 

“Jew wer in te midal est (You were in the Middle East?)” Youngjae stared at Daehyun wide-eyes with twinkles in his eyes. He had never travelled much. He had been to the States a few times, but nothing beyond that. His mother travelling more than he had. His job never required him to and with how busy his mother was he didn’t feel right leaving her alone in Korea. He always wanted to travel, see the world. The adventure excited him. It would be he was in a real life video game.

“Yes, my job prior to this took me to quite a few places,” Daehyun chuckled at the younger’s starry eyed interest. It just made the elder want to . “Looks like this snail doesn’t live under a rock after all.” Daehyun smirked, Youngjae’s eyes going wide, and Mrs. Yoo simply enjoying to see the two boys get along. 

“So what were you doing in the Middle East?” Youngjae sat himself on the kitchen counter, staring at Daehyun as he did the dishes. The elder refused to let the other maids and butlers do it. Saying something along the lines of him causing a mess so he should clean it. 

“For work.” Daehyun eyes were trained in on the dishes in his hand.

“Woooow, so insightful,” Youngjae rolled his eyes. “I meant what kind of work. I mean I’m curious what a snail like you could even do in the Middle East.” Youngjae shrugged. As nonchalant as Youngjae tried to be, he truly was curious as to what Daehyun could be doing in a land so far and different from his homeland.

“What did I do I wonder…” Daehyun scoffed as he wiped his hands clean and flicked Youngjae’s little stem of hair before heading into the living room, Youngjae pouted at the action and glared, but followed after Daehyun nonetheless.

“Come on, just tell me. It’s not like it's top secret or something.” Youngjae sat beside Daehyun with a puppy pout on his lips. 

“Hmmm…” Daehyun hummed, opening his laptop to do some work. It was files on Ego that Yongguk sent him. Youngjae grumbled at the elder’s refusal to answer him, eyeing what Daehyun was working on. He stretched his neck and widened his eyes in hopes to get a better look, but the only thing Youngjae could see on the screen was the word Ego and maybe- “Your curiosity will get you in trouble.” Youngjae nearly fell off the couch from how close Daehyun’s face was to his. The elder had closed the laptop to prevent Youngjae from seeing any further and now his face and lips were only a small gap away from Youngjae’s.

Youngjae couldn’t help but stare into Daehyun’s dark eyes. His intense stare reading through Youngjae like an open book. It made Youngjae unnerved and nervous. He quickly pushed Daehyun away, scrambling away and grabbing onto a pillow. He clutched the plush square tight as he attempted to bury the blush on his cheeks, mumbling something into the fabric. 

“It’s your fault for not answering my question…” Youngjae frowned as he clutched the pillow tighter. Daehyun let out a small sigh and decide to entertain the youngers request. He’d just be very selective in the information he relinquished to the younger. 

“If you’re really curious, I worked for a...third party security agency,” Daehyun leaned back on the couch, picking up his mug of coffee and bringing the bitter liquid to his lips. “We took clients from all over the world and provided with them protection or carried out missions that were out of the scope of their own men’s ability.” Daehyun glanced over to see Youngjae stare at him with twinkling eyes of interest. He looked like a kid that found out their friend was Batman. 

“You went on secret missions?” Youngjae scooted closer, eager to learn more. “I thought you only babysat snooty heirs and heiresses?”

“I’ve had my fair share of those.” Daehyun snorted, flashing a knowing smirk at Youngjae.

“I’m going to let that slide just because I want to hear more about your missions. What kind were they? Did you protect some jewel for some royal family? Did you maybe save some princess from a rebel group? Oh-oh! How about an ultra stealth mission to find the traitor in a government take over?” Youngjae began to ramble, his eyes twinkling and his little stem of hair bouncing at the younger’s excitement as he spouted out every mission he had ever seen on TV or in the movies. 

“If I told you, then it wouldn’t be a secret mission, would it?” Daehyun chuckled at the younger’s childlike enthusiasm. Youngjae was truly a child, in the good sense of the term. He still had that innocence and bright eyed spark in his eyes. It had been awhile since Daehyun had seen that. A diamond in a mound of dirt and ash. 

“Come ooooonnnn, just one story,” Youngjae clutched onto Daehyun’s arm. Now the younger wasn’t the one to beg. Unless it got him what he wanted. He wasn’t prideful enough to let any opportunity pass him, no matter the cost of his dignity. Who needed that anyways? “It’s not like you killed people or something.”

“Right…” Daehyun scoffed, but his eyes began to wander. Bitter memories. It was for a mere moment, but Daehyun’s muscles stiffened at Youngjae’s words. Fortunately for the bodyguard, Youngjae was too immersed in excitement to have noticed. “One story. Will that satisfy you?” Youngjae grinned a bright chubby cheeked smile and shook his head vigorously in response.  Daehyun’s heart couldn’t help but twinge at the sight. Daehyun had passed the strange feeling as shock. After all, the younger had a limited range of emotions when it came to him: angry, annoyed, frustrated, and pissed. Daehyun had never expected such a genuine smile on the other. It suited the baby chick. 

Mrs. Yoo shuffled through the kitchen, grabbing a glass of wine before bed. Her doctor had told a glass of wine is good for the heart, and plus she needed the destressor with how the family get together was this weekend. She let out a small sigh. Family get together-more like the gathering of vultures. She knew that her in-laws were just waiting for the moment to swoop in, take over the company and transform it into something her husband wouldn’t have recognized. Her husband had ran the company with integrity, love, and care for its employees and clients. The rest of the family saw the company as a money making machine. Mrs. Yoo shook her head. She wasn’t going to let them taint what her husband had entrusted her with. She wasn’t going to let them hurt Youngjae. Mrs. Yoo clutched the front of her night shirt as her heart beat erratically against her chest. She took slow, steady breathes in attempts to calm the raging organ, her grip on the counter keeping her steady.

Mrs. Yoo took the glass with her, going through the other kitchen entrance when she heard a familiar snore of her mischievous son. Mrs. Yoo peeked into the living room and a soft, wide grin spread across her face at the sight before her. Daehyun had his head swung to the side, his hands resting in his lap with his chest rising slowly from deep sleep. The usual stiff expression now softened with dreams of sheep and stars. Youngjae’s tuft of messy hair and hair stem resting on Daehyun’s shoulder, the bodyguard’s arm nuzzled in Youngjae’s grasp. Youngjae’s mouth was wide opened and drool was dribbling out of Youngjae’s mouth, staining the sleeve of Daehyun’s crisp white shirt. Mrs. Yoo chuckled, wishing she could take a photo of this moment. She wholeheartedly wish this scene could last forever. It appeared that the snail and the baby chick had agreed to a cease fire. Mrs. Yoo hoped that it would last. 

“I hate ing ties…” Youngjae grumbled as he fumbled around with the silk fabric. He glared at himself in the mirror. Who the hell invented ties anyways!? He flicked the fabric around his neck like a scarf, disregarding the stupid thing with a huff. 

“That’s not how ties work,” Daehyun snorted, entering Youngjae’s bedroom with his hands in his pocket. “You told your mother that you’d be at the hotel on time.”

“Tell that to this stupid thing.” Youngjae sneered shaking the flimsy piece of fabric in his hand. 

“Come here,” Daehyun gestured for Youngjae to come over. Like a baby bird in the presence of a cat, Youngjae eyed Daehyun skeptically before taking slow steps towards him. “It’s not like I’m going to bite,” Daehyun rolled his eyes, pulling Youngjae closer to him by the tie. Daehyun skillfully tied the silk fabric, adjusting it every so often to make sure the younger didn’t choke. Youngjae turned his head to the side and puffed out his cheeks, annoyed that the stupid fabric complied with Daehyun and not him. “There it’s done.” Daehyun patted the fabric proud of his work. 

“How the hell did you do it that fast?” Youngjae stared down at the neatly knotted tied tucked into his form-fitting vest. 

“Practice,” Daehyun shrugged, flaunting his own tie. “My brother always had problems with his ties too,” Youngjae’s ears perked up at the sound of ‘brother.’ The younger hadn’t expected that Daehyun would have had a brother. Daehyun seemed like the loner type. The lonely snail. It sounded like a tragic child’s novel. “Quit staring off into space, we’re already late.” Daehyun lightly flicked Youngjae’s nose, Youngjae scrunching up his face. 

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” Youngjae clutched his nose before reluctantly following the elder. “Uhg, let’s get this stupid party over with.”

Youngjae sipped on his champagne begrudgingly. He hated family parties. Why? Because his family was a bunch of no good, dirty SOBs. The only thing on their mind was money and the fastest way to get his mother out of Yoo Enterprises. The stares, the murmurs, the looks of disgust towards Youngjae and his mother. Just because his mother didn’t come from money, she wasn’t worthy of marrying my father. And my father was a fool for tainting Yoo blood. If Youngjae could he would kick all these asshat’s asses, but unfortunately assault was still a crime. The only family members who actually cared for him and his mother in this Hunger Games type family was his grandfather and grandmother. The two accepted him and his mother with open arms and looked out for them when his father died. They were the only ones on their side. Since they had abdicated their power and control to his father, they couldn’t do much against his uncle, aunts, and cousins obvious threats and hostility towards Youngjae and his mother. 

“I’m glad you actually came, Youngjae,” Mrs. Yoo approached her son. She was breathe-taking to say the least. Her usually neatly tied up hair flowed freely and rested on side of her shoulder. Her earth brown eyes were decorated with copper and gold eyeshadow while a wine red violet tinted her lips. Her raspberry colored dress hugged her well and wasn't overly exposed like a majority of the people here. “Your grandfather was about to throw a fit about not seeing one of his beloved grandsons.” His mother placed a small kiss in Youngjae’s cheek before pushing his grandfather towards him. 

“Don’t forget your grandpapa down here.” The elderly man chuckled, gesturing Youngjae to lean down so that he could give the youngin a kiss on the cheek too. His grandfather always reminded him of a jolly santa, it was hard to imagine that he used to be a tough, take no nonsense CEO. Now a days, he always has a soft grin on his lips and a jolly chuckle, and despite being in a wheelchair, the man was as energetic as ever.

“It's good to see you grandpa.” Youngjae chuckled as he gave the elderly man a hug.

“If it's so good to see me you should visit this old man more often.” His grandpa pitched Youngjae’s cheek. Youngjae let out a small yelp before grasping onto his cheek, rubbing small circles in a soothing motion.

“Where is Daehyun, dear?” Mrs. Yoo looked around expecting the guard to be by Youngjae’s side.

“He’s hanging out near the refreshment table. I told him I don’t need to be protected from my family.” Youngjae rolled his eyes, remembering the conversation he had with the guard. 

“I don’t need you stalking me,” Youngjae refused to enter the ballroom before having this conversation. “I don’t need protection from my family.” Youngjae rolled his eyes. Daehyun’s lips formed a tightline. If only the younger knew.

“Youngjae-”

“No buts or I’ll…” Youngjae eyed around thinking about a good threat. If he threatened to leave, Daehyun would simply force him back in. “I-I’ll throw a tantrum!” Daehyun let out a sputter of laughter, holding his hand over his mouth. His trembling body and his hand clenched on his stomach made it a dead giveaway.  “I-I’m being serious!” Youngjae fumed, his cheeks puffed out. He didn’t care if he was throwing his pride and dignity. He was not having Daehyun hover around when his relatives were already going to do that. 

“Fine, fine…” Daehyun wiped away a laughter tear, ruffling the younger’s head before flashing a smile. Youngjae felt his cheeks burn, again that strange warmth. He wished it wasn’t there, but as soon as it faded he longed for it again.

Youngjae gently touched the top of his head, not paying attention to his mother’s words. 

“It’s good to see you father.” Youngjae and Mrs. Yoo stiffened at the familiar voice.

“Ji Syo, it’s good to see you.” Youngjae’s grandfather smiled and gave Youngjae’s aunt a kiss on the cheek. 

“I see that Yuri made it…” Youngjae’s aunt sneered. “And I see Youngjae dear made it as well.” Her plastic smile unnerving Youngjae. 

“Hello, Ji Syo,” Mrs. Yoo smiled amicably. Youngjae admired his mother. Youngjae knew of his aunt Ji Syo from the very frequent times they have met. None of them pleasant. On the surface, Ji Syo looked like a drama idol, a sweetheart to South Korea. In reality, the woman’s heart was bitter and dank, only money in her mind. She would smile in one moment and then stab someone in the back the next. After the death of Youngjae’s father, Ji Syo had attempted many times to get a hold of Yoo Enterprises. She was a sly fox, winning members of the board over with her false tears when in reality she could give a damn about Youngjae’s father. She was the most vocal about his father’s inadequacy to run the company, using his mother as proof. “I am glad you’re in good health.”

“I wish I could say to you, Yuri.” Ji Syo smiled sweetly, grabbing a glass of champagne from on of the waiter trays. 

“Ji Syo!” Youngjae’s grandfather glared at his daughter, but she waved off the anger as if it were nothing. “Yuri is your sister and I wish you would treat her as such!”

“Yuri? My sister? More like a poor farm girl who took advantage of my brother. The only merit she has is she gave birth to a son for him.”

“Ji Syo!”

“It’s okay, father.” Mrs. Yoo put her hand in front of Youngjae’s grandfather. Her stare cold as ice as she stared at the haughty woman. 

“But Yur-”

“It’s best of you stay out of this father,” A low chuckle penetrated the tense atmosphere. “It is best to keep out of a woman’s squabble.” A tall, clean cut man appeared before them. His suit defining his features well as his dark eyes scanned Ji Syo, Youngjae, then his grandfather. His dark hair was slicked back showing off the man’s defined features. 

“Jaehwan-Oppa, finally you show your face.” Ji Syo scoffed, sipping down the alcohol as if it was water. 

“Watch yourself, Ji Syo. Your husband wouldn’t be too happy if you returned home intoxicated,” Jaehwan cocked a brow, a chehsire smirk on his face. Ji Syo scoffed and glared at the man. “How has your health been, father?” Jaehwan smiled at Youngjae’s grandfather, patting the old man’s hand gently. “And Youngjae, it’s been ages since I last saw you.” He gave Youngjae’s shoulder a strong squeeze.

“Yeah...I guess…” Youngjae murmured. Youngjae was never comfortable around his uncle Jaehwan, despite him being on of the few relatives who weren’t outwardly hostile towards him and his mother. It was the look in Jaehwan’s eyes, the lies in his smile that made Youngjae feel like the man was nothing but trouble. True, it could be that Youngjae was just paranoid, but he could never be too careful. Especially when it came to the Yoo family. 

“Yuri, you look beautiful as always,” Jaehwan grinned, gently grabbing onto Mrs. Yoo’s hand to place a kiss on top of it. Mrs. Yoo immediately removing the hand from the man’s grasp. “No need to be so hostile, Yuri. It was merely a greeting,” Jaehwan smirked and shrugged. “Though I guess there is no harm with being cautious, especially with your darling son’s wild habits. One wrong move and he might accidentally get into a car accident with his drunk antics. ” Mrs. Yoo’s eyes went wide and Youngjae could feel his mother uncomfortableness under the other man’s stares. 

“I can assure you that drunk or not, I can take care of myself.” Youngjae stood in between his uncle and mother, growling and baring some of his teeth. 

“Youngjae…” Mrs. Yoo murmured, gripping onto her son’s shoulder in attempt to calm her son. 

“Good, good. It’s a good thing for a son to protect his mother,” Jaehwan burst into laughter at the entertaining spectacle. “There are a lot of people after your mother, Youngjae. It’d be best if you protected her.” 

“I think there is enough drama for my old heart,” Grandpa Yoo finally interjected, knowing that sooner or later violence would ensue and as much as he disapproved of his children’s hostility towards Yuri, they were still his children. “Yuri, Youngjae, why don’t you accompany me to meet some old friends of mine, hm?” Mrs. Yoo looked at Grandpa slightly shocked, but smiled sweetly and nodded. 

“Come, Youngjae.” Mrs. Yoo gently tugged on Youngjae’s shoulder. Youngjae, however, stubbornly stood at his spot, glaring daggers at aunt Ji Syo and uncle Jaehwan. The damn pricks. It wasn’t until his mother gave him a harder tug that Youngjae complied.

“I hope that you didn’t come back from your business trips just to ruffle feathers.” Ji Syo sneered at her brother. 

“Do I seem like one to leave business unfinished?” Jaehwan chuckled, grabbing a glass of wine.

“With the way you were eyeing Yuri, I thought you may have me. Perhaps I should inform your wife about your possible infidelity.” Ji Syo nearly gagged. She never understood what Yuri had that had somehow enticed both of her brothers. 

“Don’t worry, Ji Syo. Yoo Enterprises will return to its rightful owners,” Jaehwan’s eyes leered towards Mrs. Yoo, watching her violet red lip smile and soft cheeks blush. “Our brother has already passed. He can’t have his cake and eat it too,” Jaehwan took a long sip of wine. “I’ve already started with plans to get rid of the little nuisance blocking our goal.” His eyes flickering to a pouty baby bird. 

    Youngjae was shoving chocolate strawberries, annoyed at this entire thing. He wished he wasn’t here. Usually during these family events Youngjae was out with his friends. With people who actually cared about him. Who weren’t two faced wenches who kissed his feet in public, but behind his back was planning his downfall. He thought that now he could convince stupid Daehyun to let him leave, but he wasn’t around the refreshment table and Youngjae was too tired and lazy to go find him. It was Daehyun’s job to guard him, so the elder should come looking for him anyways. 

“Hello cousin Youngjae,” Youngjae really wished he was dead right now. “Why so glum? Don’t you miss seeing your favorite cousins?” Mina giggled, flipping her red dyed locks. Her low cut dress and the slit on her dress was so high she might as well had not wear the dress at all. 

“He’s so excited he’s speechless.” Jihoo snickered, shoving his hands into the pockets of his gray suit. His light auburn hair twinkling under the lights of the ballroom.

Youngjae despised his two cousins. Mina was a spoiled brat, vying from any form of attention. She always reeked of perfume and would flirt with boy that she could get her nasty grasp on. She was a young idol, making her debut just a year ago, but was now booming with popularity. She pretended to be sweet and innocent, but in actuality she was just a hot mess (and not the good kind).  Not to mention she had daddy issues. Apparently uncle Jaehwan was not home enough so she had the tendency to seek the affections of older men. Older married men apparently. But hey, Youngjae couldn’t say he totally trusted Dispatch. 

Jihoo, well, the boy was a short fuse with a knack of pissing people off. He was a hallyu star, already starring in several hit dramas. He was an entitled brat, throwing temper tantrums left and right. Not that Youngjae could say he was any better, but at least he didn’t use his mother’s connections to get him out of trouble. Most of the time Youngjae wanted his mother to have nothing to do with his shenanigans. Jihoo, on the other hand, used every chance he got. His recent scandal? Getting into a fight with one of his fellow costars, but mommy dearest easily swept that under the rug. Even got the costar fired. And that was merely the tip of the iceberg. Ji Syo always spoiled the idiot, which is why she didn’t mind that the dumbnut didn’t go to college even though she wants to make him the heir to Yoo Enterprises. Fat chance. 

The two ravished in tormenting Youngjae. The three of them were roughly the same age, with Jihoo being the youngest. When Youngjae was younger he had thought that they could be friends, but reality is a bitter pill. They’d call him mutt. Purposely push him in mud and dropped his food on the floor. They would say horrible things that a child shouldn’t even think about. They had thought Youngjae was an easy bullying target. Too bad Youngjae was not one to handle bullying very well. The three got into many scuffles, with the two idiots running to their parents crying and weeping that Youngjae had bullied them. That only cemented the idea that Youngjae was a no good son of a country bumpkin. 

“Why don’t you guys off?” Youngjae snarled, plopping a strawberry into his mouth and grabbing a glass of champagne to chug down.

“Now isn’t that rude? We were just trying to be nice.” Mina shed crocodile tears. 

“Nice? The only time you’re nice is if you want something. Or want to get into some old geezer’s pants.” Mina fumed at Youngjae’s words, while Jihoo was busting his gut with laughter. “And what are you laughing at, idiot. You’re such a momma’s boy that even if you picked a fight with me you’d still get your mom to fight your battles. 

“Why you!? You stupid mutt!” Jihoo was about to pounce on Youngjae, but Mina held him back. They were in a public place and the last thing they needed was for all three of them to get in a wrestling match.

“Tough words from a half-breed. Such unsuitable behavior for the heir of Yoo Enterprises,” Mina smirked. Her rancid, overpowering perfume burned Youngjae’s nose. “But what is to be expected from a son of a gold digger.” Youngjae glared daggers, placing his plate down and stepping closer to Mina and towering over her. 

“Say that again. I dare you.” Youngjae growled, his chest heaving out in deep angry breathes.Youngjae clenched his fist, and took a deep breathe. He knew what Mina was doing and he wasn’t about to fall for her stupid tricks. He already has enough scandals on his own let alone adding another one of him clocking his cousin. He had to try to find his happy place. It wasn’t working. 

“Gold digger. That’s exactly what your mother is.” Mina mouthed the words slowly egging Youngjae on. It was an issue if she or Jihoo took the first swing, but there would be no issue if Youngjae did. It would play to their favor after all. 

Youngjae fumed, he couldn’t hold back his anger any longer and before he knew it he felt his arm swing forward to douse the in champagne. He knew the action would screw him over royally, but it was too late. Physics wasn’t going to let him stop. He closed his eyes shut, praying perhaps that this was all a bad dream and he’d be laying plush in his bed. That he wouldn’t have to hear Mina’s obnoxious shrieking from being covered in sticky alcohol. Youngjae heard the splash and his heart dropped. There was no obnoxious scream. Youngjae was certain that the stupid wench would scream about her dress being ruined. Youngjae opened one eye to see a man standing in front of him covered in alcohol. His chocolate brown locks plastered on his forehead and his stare cold and steely. 

“It seems that there has been too much excitement for one night.” Daehyun’s voice was calm and stoney. It was so distant that it made Youngja shiver. The younger had gotten so used to the elder’s slightly teasing nature and playful quips that he had forgotten that Daehyun could be a cold-blooded guard if he needed to. 

“I-It was that mutt’s fault!” Mina shrieked, slightly star struck by how handsome Daehyun was. Her cheeks were dusted pink and her words were stuttered. Daehyun shot her a cold glare that could freeze water. Even drenched the elder was intimidating.

“It would be best if you refrain from insulting Youngjae any further, Miss Yoo,” Daehyun turned around so that he staring directly at Jihoo and Mina. “I am not liable for any future events that may occur if you keep insulting him.”

“Are you threatening us!?” Jihoo snarled at Daehyun, but immediately retreated backwards under Daehyun’s steely glare. “M-My mom told me about you! You’re just a newly hired guard that Mrs. Yoo hired. You’re nothing but a muscle for hire, probably just some gangster. How many people have you hurt, huh? Or maybe you even killed someone?”

“Jihoo!” Youngjae glared, about to wring the boy’s neck, but Daehyun had stopped him.

“Hah! Company like that suits you, Youngjae.” Jihoo had a victorious smirk on his face, but he immediately backed up as Daehyun approached him. Jihoo quivered, putting his arms up in defense, but Daehyun simply walked past him as if he were air. Youngjae quickly followed after him, shooting the idiot twins a glare. 

“Better to hang with a gangster, than a little who only goes after married men cause her daddy won’t give her any attention and an idiot with only one damn brain cell.” Mina was finally pulled out of her trance as she fumed at Youngjae’s words. Both her and Jihoo’s face turning a shade of angry red. 

Daehyun laid his head back against the velvet black fabric of the hotel lounge chair, closing his eyes for a moment. He could feel the odd stares he was receiving as the patrons walked past him. It wasn’t surprising since he was soaked in champagne and currently only wearing his dress pants and a black tank top. His suit jacket and dress shirt resting beside him to dry. He felt sticky and tired. He had thought maybe today would be an easy day and this whole reunion ordeal would go smoothly. He had too high expectations. That or what the baby chick did was exactly within in his expectations. He hadn’t decided how to take the situation just yet. 

“Here. I got it from the hotel staff.” Daehyun opened his eyes and tilted his head slightly to see Youngjae standing in front of him. A small frown on the younger’s face as he shoved a towel towards him. 

“Thank you.” Daehyun accepted the towel, quickly ruffling the soft fabric in his hair. Youngjae silently took the seat beside Daehyun, fiddling with his hands.

Youngjae watched as Daehyun dried himself off, his usually styled hair now wildly rested on his forehead. His muscles flexing and unflexing as he wiped down his arms and neck. Youngjae couldn’t help but stare. He envied Daehyun’s physiques. That’s exactly why Youngjae’s heart was beating crazily out of his chest, right? Of course. How could he not be envious of Daehyun’s perfect physique, just the right amount of chiseled muscles, yet at the same time gentle. The tight tank top accentuating those features. Was that a six pack Youngjae spied? Youngjae couldn’t help but jut his lip out due to jealousy. He tried so hard to have a six pack the best he got was just a flat tummy. Better than his previous baby squish he conceded. Youngjae jumped a bit and swallowed the spit caught in his mouth when Daehyun suddenly slicked back his wet hair out of his face, revealing his his handsome facial features before handing the towel back to the younger. 

“Why’d you protect her?” Youngjae’s voice was quiet from his usually blunt outburst. Daehyun turned to look at Youngjae, one of his brows raised. 

“I wasn’t protecting her. I was protecting you,” Youngjae looked at him confused and speechless. Yes, it was Daehyun’s job to protect Youngjae, but Youngjae hadn’t taken it all to seriously. After all, most of the time Daehyun was trying to keep Youngjae out of trouble rather than protecting him from it. “If she had gotten covered in champagne, she would have used that against you to sully your name.”

“She doesn’t need that to sully my name,” Youngjae scoffed. “The entire Yoo family just thinks I’m some mutt. That I was a mistake from my father’s insanity.” Youngjae sneered, but his expression transformed into shock when he once again comforting hand on his head. 

“Mutt or not. There is no denying you are a capable young man,” Daehyun smiled at Youngjae. Daehyun wasn’t new to insults and name-calling. It was practically his childhood. Daehyun felt sorry that Youngjae’s abusers were his own family, people that should care for him. Youngjae couldn’t even defend himself without endangering his mother’s reputation. Daehyun understood why the younger had wanted to avoid this event and a small tang of regret rang through Daehyun’s heart for not letting him do so. Daehyun knew Youngjae enough to know that his cousin must have something terrible awful to provoke the baby chick. Despite his sharp tongue and reckless actions, Youngjae was never one to get suddenly violent. “I’ve seen your work, Youngjae. You are an incredible young man and no one can take that away from you.” 

“T-Thank you…” Youngjae could feel his cheeks flare up like fire. This wasn't’t the first time he had heard flattery. Most of them were from his mother. Others were from kiss asses who simply wanted to please the younger. Daehyun was sincere and he would have never expected the bodyguard of all people to admire him. Youngjae chewed the inside his cheeks, awkward and flushed as Daehyun gently ruffled the younger’s hair. “I’m sorry about what those two idiots said to you.”

“It’s no big deal. I’ve heard it plenty of times.” Daehyun shrugged it off. Daehyun and his younger brother had grown up hearing nearly every insult people had in the book: trash, stray dogs, forgettable. As they got older and with Daehyun’s job the names changed: gangster, vagrant, murderer. Daehyun had learned that no matter how pretty and presitine society tries to act, it was wretched and rotted when you looked deeper. He had learned that nobody was going to protect him and his brother, he was going to have to do that himself. Expecting pity from the outside world was a death sentence because who would care for the outcast besides the outcast themselves.

“You shouldn’t have to…” Youngjae grumbled, crossing his arms as he thinks about the two idiots. “Hey,” Youngjae lightly nudges Daehyun’s arm. “I don’t know if this will mean anything to you, but I think your a decent human being. I’ve seen how you treat mom and well you  protected me so like...even if you were some gangster, or whatever, you probably did it for some good reason,” Youngjae rubbed his arm nervously, not used to emotions. “That’s why you shouldn’t let people insult you like that! Especially idiots like them,” Youngjae could feel himself getting fired up. “Next time they say stupid like that, I’ll kick their for you. Then they’ll know how vicious a real mutt is!” Youngjae pumped his fist in front of them with conviction in his eyes. 

Daehyun’s eyes went wide with surprised at the younger’s words. His expression softening once realization set in. A smile crawled onto his face. A genuine one that he had not had for a while, and one that only his brother and Yongguk had the privilege of seeing.A strange feeling was crawling inside Daehyun’s heart and it unsettled Daehyun a bit. He was beginning to grow fond of Youngjae, to bear some form of attachment towards the younger. That in itself was dangerous. Attachments, friendships, relationships. That can jeopardize the safety of him and his client. But Daehyun could not deny nor was he foolish to be ignorant of his attachment towards the younger. Youngjae simply refused to fall within his expectations. If only the baby chick was another annoying, haughty brat that Daehyun could simply ignore. It was a shame that Youngjae was rambunctious, stubborn, sharp-tongued, kind, witty, and pure. Qualities that conflicted Daehyun, but also drew him to the younger like a magnet. 

“I don’t think pecking them to death will work, chicklet,” Daehyun chuckled, as Youngjae quickly turned his head with a pouty glare on his face. Daehyun couldn’t help but laugh more, the usual tension in his body gone as Youngjae began lightly punching him growling about something on the lines of ‘you call these pecks!’ Daehyun quickly grabbed Youngjae’s arms to stop the younger’s pecking. A small smirk on his face as he quickly leaned in and placed a small peck on the younger’s forehead. Youngjae froze as if he were dropped into -80 degrees. His mouth was ajar, his eyes were as big as dinner plates, and his pose frozen in time even after Daehyun released him. “Thank you, chicklet.” Daehyun ruffled Youngjae’s hair before removing himself from the seat and grabbing his jacket and shirt.

“Y-You…” Youngjae quickly brought his hands to his forehead. His entire face a shade of red so bright it was practically blinding. His cheeks felt like they had built in stoves in them. “Y-you erted snail!” 
 

Thanks for reading! Comments and critiques are most helpful!

Finally the new chapter has arrived!!! Omg so progress!! Our little guard snail is warming up to the chicklet >3< What do yall think do you think Daehyun will fall first or will Youngjae? Hmmmm? Hahah I'm writing this kinda late so I'll leave at that. Short and sweet ;)