Yeongsoo arrived at Red Phoenix, one of the most luxurious and popular hotels in the city. The hotel boasted an expansive bar and lounge area on its top floor, frequented by the city’s elite. It wasn’t just a place for socialites—it was a hub for high-profile meetings, with its private rooms catering to people who preferred discretion in their affairs. As the owner, Yeongsoo made sure Red Phoenix maintained its exclusive, yet lively reputation.
He strode through the lobby, the clink of glasses and hum of music growing louder as he made his way to the elevators. When he stepped off onto the top floor, the atmosphere immediately shifted. The lighting was dim and elegant, with sleek decor and large windows offering a panoramic view of the city skyline. A few nods of respect from the staff followed him as he headed to one of the most private sections of the bar.
As he reached the door to the VIP room, he could already hear the familiar, carefree laugh coming from Sean. Yeongsoo pushed the door open, revealing his second-in-command surrounded by a group of women, all laughing and draping themselves over him like he was some sort of rockstar.
"Boss!" Sean called out, spotting him immediately. He grinned, raising his glass. "You finally made it! I was about to send a search party."
Yeongsoo smirked as he stepped into the room, taking in the scene. Sean had his feet kicked up on the table, women on either side of him, while a bottle of their finest whiskey sat untouched on the table.
"You’ve been back one day and already surrounded by half the city’s women. Not bad," Yeongsoo said, amused.
"You know me, gotta make up for lost time," Sean replied, grinning widely. He gave a nod to the women, who giggled and reluctantly peeled away, giving the two men space to talk. "But seriously, man, I thought I’d earned myself a drink after six months in the middle of nowhere."
"You did," Yeongsoo replied, walking over to the bar and pouring himself a glass of whiskey. "How’s it feel being back?"
Sean stretched his arms behind his head, sighing dramatically. "Like heaven, boss. That mission? Pure hell. But we got what we needed, so it’s all worth it."
Yeongsoo took a seat across from him, his expression more serious. "And the intel? You satisfied with it?"
"More than satisfied," Sean said, his tone shifting to match Yeongsoo’s. "Everything we need to move forward. Our contacts are solid, and we’re in a good position."
Yeongsoo nodded, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "Good. That’s what I like to hear."
Sean took a sip of his drink, his easygoing smile returning. "But enough about work. How’s the home front? I hear you’ve been playing house with your little omega."
Yeongsoo raised an eyebrow, though a hint of a smile tugged at his lips. "Playing house?"
"Come on, boss. Word gets around." Sean leaned forward, grinning like a kid who just heard a secret. "You’re practically living with him now, right?"
"I wouldn’t call it that," Yeongsoo replied, leaning back in his chair. "But yeah, we’ve been together a lot. He’s been dealing with some things, and I’m making sure he’s okay."
Sean whistled lowly, clearly amused. "Look at you, playing the devoted partner. Who would’ve thought?"
Yeongsoo gave him a pointed look. "Don’t start."
"I’m just saying," Sean laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "You’ve gone from running missions to running a house. I gotta respect the evolution."
"..."
"You’re also an alpha, do you ever plan on settling down?"
"..."
"Ha don’t make me laugh, I could never be tied down.."
Yeongsoo didn’t say anything and took a sip of the whiskey.
"Probably make a terrible father.."
Sean choked on his drink slightly, as his eyes glinted mischievously. "That’s more like it. But tell me, how’s the little omega doing? You know, your mystery lover you’re so secretive about."
Yeongsoo’s jaw clenched slightly, though he kept his tone casual. "He’s fine. Don’t worry about him."
Sean raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the banter. "Fine, huh? Is he cute? Wait, don’t answer that—I’ll assume he’s adorable, knowing you." He winked.
"Stop calling him little, as young as he looks...he older than you and I..."
"...."
"He’s your Hyung?!!!!!" Sean chuckled as he set the drink down "Damn Yeong I didn’t know you were into older guys.."
Yeongsoo rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the slight smirk that tugged at his lips. "Not that old, Sean. And like I said, enough with the teasing."
Sean chuckled, leaning back in his chair, clearly enjoying himself. "Hey, no judgment here. You do you, boss. But I gotta admit, I’m curious. This little—sorry—older omega must be something special to keep you so wrapped up."
Yeongsoo glanced at his glass, swirling the whiskey thoughtfully before taking a sip. "He’s... different. Not like anyone else I’ve met."
Sean raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Yeongsoo’s rare admission. "Different how?"
"He’s smart. Creative. Tougher than he looks," Yeongsoo said, his voice growing quieter. "Been through a lot, but he’s still standing."
Sean let out a low whistle. "Wow, you’re serious about this guy."
"Yeah," Yeongsoo admitted, his gaze sharpening as he looked at Sean. "But that’s enough about him. We’re here to talk business."
Sean, sensing the shift, nodded and leaned forward. "Right, right. But I still can’t wait to meet him one day. Sounds like he might even teach me a thing or two." He grinned, his playful nature still intact. "Hyung-nim, huh? Who would’ve thought?"
"Don’t push your luck," Yeongsoo warned, though there was no real bite in his tone.
Sean laughed again, clearly enjoying the moment. "Alright, alright. Let’s talk business before you start thinking of ways to get back at me."
Sean sighed as he leaned against the couch and raising his hand to push his hair back.
"To be honest boss, it was a fucking hard mission. I don’t get paid enough to go on these shitty missions.."