By Zephyria 
nineteen
“Explain.”
Keith Knight Pittman gnashed his teeth, glaring at Grayson, who sat across from him.
“Explain this article.”
Grayson’s mansion was located in a large complex where only the wealthy resided, so entry was strictly controlled. As a result, the gathered reporters were blocked at the management office, milling about without even getting close to Grayson’s penthouse. This made it difficult for normal visitors to enter, but for Keith, waiting in line like everyone else, enduring the tedious wait, presenting his ID at the management office, and obtaining the owner’s permission was out of the question.
Grayson greeted him with a yawn, his face still bearing the marks of sleep, thanks to the visitor who had arrived early in the morning by helicopter. Keith pushed past Grayson without ceremony and stormed into the house, standing in the middle of the hall and looking around.
“Where is that bastard?”
At the abrupt question, Grayson scratched the back of his head and yawned again. Of course, Keith immediately noticed that this time it was a deliberate act.
“You…!”
“Second floor.”
Keith, who was about to shout, paused, and Grayson pointed upwards with his second finger.
“Wait in the drawing room on the second floor, I’ll be there soon.”
Leaving Keith, who was seething with anger, behind, Grayson whistled and went up to the second floor first. And while Keith was suppressing his anger in the drawing room, he brewed coffee in the snack room and brought it in. And now, here they were, sitting face to face.
Keith didn’t even glance at the espresso triple shot that Grayson had bothered to make, gnashing his teeth instead.
“Spence asked us if we were getting divorced.”
Spence, or Spencer, was Keith and Yeon-woo’s first child. Grayson looked surprised at the harsh words. What was wrong with this guy, had he realized the seriousness of the situation? Keith paused, and he continued.
“I knew you two weren’t meant to be.”
Keith’s face immediately turned grim at the sight of him sighing and shaking his head. But Grayson, unconcerned, brought his coffee to his lips and, uncharacteristically, offered advice.
“If it’s about alimony, you should see Nathaniel, Keith. He’ll make sure you don’t get fleeced of a single penny. His fees are a bit high, but it’s better than giving up half your assets…”
“I’m not getting divorced. Damn it, Yeon-woo and I will never break up!”
Keith couldn’t control his temper and shouted. His clenched fist turned white at the knuckles, but Grayson’s reaction was nonchalant.
“It’s hard to tell what Yeon-woo is thinking.”
A vein popped out on Keith’s neck. Even as gold mixed into his deep purple eyes, Grayson continued casually.
“Yeon-woo has endured this long, you have to admit. Just enduring your temper is enough to show how much Yeon-woo loves you.”
I should have brought a gun.
If Yeon-woo were here, he might have slapped Grayson across the face. Yeon-woo was usually gentle, but he did what needed to be done.
As he imagined Yeon-woo slapping Grayson with all his might, Grayson added.
“Seeing that Yeon-woo’s heart has cooled, you must have really screwed up. You should have toned down your temper.”
I should have shot him with a gun after all.
He was about to take out his cell phone, thinking of calling Whittaker, the head of the security team, to bring up a gun, when the phone rang. Checking the caller ID, he saw it was Yeon-woo. His face, which had been full of anger, softened slightly.
“It’s me, Yeon-woo.”
Keith.
Yeon-woo’s voice flowed from the other side as soon as he spoke. He continued in a worried tone.
Whatever Miller says, just ignore it. He’s always like that. Don’t get too angry… okay?
As if he had seen the situation unfolding before his eyes, Yeon-woo pleaded. As if he was worried that Keith might kill someone. In fact, he was on the verge of doing so, so Keith didn’t say much. Instead, he sighed in frustration and ran a hand through his hair. In fact, Yeon-woo had told him not to respond at all and just ignore it. After all, it was just gossip and these kinds of rumors weren’t new, so this time it would pass too.
But hearing about the divorce from Spencer had completely exhausted his already limited patience. He couldn’t stand it unless he grabbed Grayson by the collar or punched Dane Striker in the face.
Yeon-woo, who knew his temper well, couldn’t help but worry as he sent him off. Even in this situation, there was no doubt about his concern for him. He loved Keith this much, so what? Divorce? That bastard…
Keith, it’s okay to be angry, but don’t use violence, okay? Think of me and the kids.
“…I know.”
Keith managed to utter a word, barely suppressing his rising anger. Yeon-woo said gently, as usual.
Yeah, I think you’ll do well. Come home soon, the kids miss you. I’m waiting to have breakfast with you too.
Hearing those words, his anger subsided in an instant. Of course, it hadn’t completely subsided, but some reason had returned.
I love you, Keith.
At Yeon-woo’s last words, Keith returned the same words.
“I love you, Yeon-woo.”
After hanging up, his mind was as cold as usual. Keith breathed out again and warned.
“Don’t involve me and Yeon-woo in your personal life anymore, got it? If something like this happens again, I’ll sue you.”
“I didn’t write the article?”
Grayson asked, sounding wronged, as Keith stood up. Keith fastened the button on his suit jacket and glared at him with a menacing gaze.
“Is that trashy tabloid still intact?”
Meaning he had already taken care of it. After leaving the final warning, Keith left the drawing room. As he boarded the helicopter, the heavy aircraft soon took off with a loud noise.
As Grayson came out onto the balcony and looked up at the helicopter that was causing a commotion and flying away, he suddenly felt a strange feeling. He raised his head and his face immediately brightened. Dane was leaning against the railing of his room’s balcony, looking down at Grayson.
Dane, who waved one hand lightly at Grayson, who was waving his arms happily, said with an indifferent face.
“Let’s talk.”
The moment Grayson’s eyes sparkled, Dane added.
“While eating breakfast, in the snack room.”
The light in his eyes disappeared. Dane didn’t want to hear what he was imagining, so he just took his body off the railing and went into the room without saying anything.
Desire Me if you can
“Station Chief gave us a vacation.”
“A vacation? Suddenly?”
Grayson, who carefully received the plate of breakfast that Dane had made, asked without taking his eyes off the plate. The perfectly fried egg, the slightly cooked bacon, and the bread were perfect, and in addition to that, Dane had even served a salad today. It was because the vegetables in the refrigerator were about to go bad. Without mentioning that he had stopped trying to make a sandwich, he put the bowl of vegetables on the bar table and started eating.
“There are reporters camped out in front of the fire station. They said it’ll die down in about a week, so don’t even go near the fire station during that time.”
“Then we’ll go on our honeymoon.”
“Instead, it’s an order to go volunteer.”
At Dane’s indifferent words, Grayson stopped moving with the bread in his hand. Dane continued to speak.
“There are several organizations affiliated with the fire station. Go there and do fire inspections, provide education, play with the kids… Fucking hell!”
Dane, who was speaking, suddenly cursed and punched the bar table.
How did this happen?
Dane couldn’t understand it at all. Until now, his life had been satisfying. He had been living a quiet, inconspicuous, ordinary life, earning just enough money and having plenty of sex, peacefully.
Suddenly, what was this?
138 – 138
“Damn it.”
He cursed again and shifted his gaze, only to see Grayson staring at him with wide eyes. He was frozen in place, mid-action of placing bacon and eggs on the bread, only blinking. Embarrassed, Dane scratched his head and muttered,
“Sorry, eat up.”
Grayson finally resumed his actions as Dane awkwardly used tongs to add salad to his plate. Dane stared blankly at Grayson, then tilted his head back to look at the ceiling and sighed. What’s done is done. He could only hope it would quietly fade away.
“Why did that bastard come?”
At Dane’s question, Grayson looked back at him. Dane said patiently,
“Keith Pittman.”
“Ah.”
Grayson soon replied with his usual grinning face.
“Because of the article.”
Just as he had expected. He knew that man wouldn’t just let it slide, but he didn’t expect him to show up in a helicopter.
He must be really pissed.
But thanks to that, things will be resolved quickly. Now that Yeon-woo has been mentioned, he’s definitely not the kind of guy to just sit back and take it.
“He warned us not to get involved with Yeon-woo anymore.”
Just as expected.
Dane just blinked listlessly at Grayson’s grinning remark. It was a natural consequence. This matter would now be concluded like this, but…
The problem was that he was stuck doing unwanted Community service. When Dane first heard about the week off, he thought it was great. He imagined lounging around, swimming in that vast and wonderful outdoor pool, and sunbathing, which naturally made the corners of his mouth lift. But Station Chief set a condition as if he had seen it all.
“Go do Community service during that time.”
The moment he heard those words, Dane, who had been so relaxed until then, felt rage surge from within.
“Station Chief!”
“Go!”
Station Chief shouted as loudly as Dane. Dane paused, overwhelmed by the force, and Station Chief quickly seized the opportunity to continue.
“Do you know how messed up the fire station is because of you two? Everyone’s swarming in, saying they’re here for coverage! And the number of calls we’re getting! Prank calls, obscene calls, emergency calls, they’re all pouring in, and it’s all because of you and Miller! Am I wrong? Huh? Am I wrong!”
Overwhelmed by the barrage, Dane had no choice but to mutter,
“…You’re right.”
“Right?”
Station Chief became emboldened and spewed out the next words.
“I’ll send you the dates and locations by email. Make sure you finish everything and come back, and report to me as soon as you’re done!”
“…Understood.”
Station Chief added to Dane, who replied listlessly.
“Tell Miller exactly what I said. I’ll send Miller’s location separately by email, so tell him to check it.”
Dane paused at those words.
“Are Miller and I, no, Miller, doing Community service separately?”
“Of course! What kind of trouble are you two going to cause if you stick together again! Stay apart! Don’t ever be together again!”
It didn’t end there.
“If I ever see you two together again, I’m docking both of your pay for six months!”
“Station Chief!”
“One year!”
Station Chief immediately hung up the phone. Dane could only stare blankly at his cell phone.
And now.
Dane was deep in thought with a serious expression. Seeing the puppy in front of him blithely talking about honeymoons, it was clear he hadn’t heard the news yet. When does this guy check his email? Surely he doesn’t just not check it at all?
“Haa.”
Dane, who let out a sigh close to a deep breath, looked at Grayson’s face. Now he had to make a bombshell announcement. He was inwardly anxious about how this brightly smiling face would soon change, and he opened his mouth.
“Station Chief sent you an email.”
“Really?”
Seeing his seemingly uninterested face, Dane continued,
“Check it. I’m leaving first.”
“What?”
Leaving him puzzled, Dane quickly cleared the dishes and left the snack bar. Grayson, who was about to get up to follow, realized that the breakfast Dane had made for him was still there and quickly sat back down. After quickly emptying his plate, he cleared the dishes as well and followed Dane into the hallway.
“Dane, where are you going? We should go together.”
Grayson, who had finished getting ready and was coming out, shouted urgently. Dane pretended not to notice him and brushed past him, muttering,
“Check your email.”
“What email…”
He looked back and forth between his cell phone and Dane, then irritably opened his email and froze.
“What is this?”
Ignoring the bewildered shout from behind, Dane hurriedly left the mansion. And before Grayson could chase after him, he quickly started the car and drove towards his destination. By the time Grayson rushed out, Dane’s car had already disappeared without a trace.
Desire Me if you can
Damn it, goddamn it, fucking shit.
Grayson was stepping on the accelerator with a very angry face. After grasping the situation, the first place he headed to was, of course, the fire station. He was going to grab Station Chief, who had issued such an absurd order, and persuade him to withdraw the order, but it was impossible. As Dane had said in the morning, there were numerous reporters and paparazzi camped out in front of the fire station. If he got out of the car, he would be surrounded by them and unable to do anything, let alone meet Station Chief.
Fucking hell.
Grayson slammed his fist on the steering wheel, but there was no other way. Moreover, a special warning was added to the email.
If either of you doesn’t complete the Community service properly, I’m docking both of your pay.
Of course, Grayson didn’t give a damn about the warning. But it was different for Dane. If a pay cut was imposed because of Grayson, Dane might strangle him.
Reluctantly, Grayson gritted his teeth and headed to the first location, and after being tormented all day, he was finally on his way home. This wouldn’t do. He had to come up with a plan with Dane. Let’s think of something. Dane wouldn’t want this either…
“No way.”
But Dane flatly rejected Grayson’s idea.
Thanks to leaving first and heading straight to his destination without doing anything foolish, he had returned early, finished showering, and was having a beer. He opened his mouth in a nonchalant tone to Grayson, who was about to protest immediately.
“Stirring things up will only make the period longer. Not only that, but we might even get a pay cut. Just shut up and do as you’re told, a week will pass quickly.”
“But not together, but separately…”
“Just do it.”
Dane sighed and shook his head.
“Station Chief is stubborn. Once he makes a decision, he never backs down. Talking to him will only backfire.”
He was probably right. But Grayson couldn’t give up so easily. Already less than half of the promised period remained. A week out of that was a huge, fatal blow. If he couldn’t reason with him…
“If we keep our mouths shut and do it for about 3 or 4 days, Station Chief might soften up a bit. Maybe we can talk to him again around then.”
Grayson paused and looked at him. Dane took a sip of his beer and continued.
“If we buy him a drink and talk to him, he’ll come around quickly. The problem is timing.”
He looked at Grayson out of the corner of his eye and raised the corner of his mouth. It was the face of a villain plotting a scheme that anyone could see.
“Just you wait, you damn old geezer. Do you think I’m going to do free Community service for a whole week like this?”
“Dane…!”
As Grayson, moved, clasped his hands together and called out his name,
♬♪♪♩♬♪…….
The sound of the front door bell ringing loudly throughout the house made them both pause. Grayson looked at Dane for a moment, then tilted his head and headed to the hallway. Dane, who was only wearing training pants, shirtless with a towel around his shoulders, wondered and moved to the balcony.
Stretching his body out and looking down, he could see several unfamiliar cars parked in front of the house. The moment he saw people who looked like bodyguards spread out, Dane frowned.
Could it be…
With an unpleasant feeling, he went out to the hallway and strolled down the stairs. And hiding behind the wall and peeking down, he was soon able to know the answer.
Just as he thought.
Dane grimaced and sighed. He saw Koi hugging Grayson and Ashley Miller standing a few steps away.
139 – 139
“Sorry for coming so suddenly.”
Koi gave a bright smile with a face full of fatigue.
“I thought I’d stop by on my way back from France. I won’t stay long.”
Ashley just looked at his son without saying anything. He actually had a lot to say, but he kept his mouth shut. Koi had repeatedly warned him and given him instructions until right before coming here.
“Even if this is the last time, let’s just trust Grayson one more time, let’s just encourage him.”
He couldn’t ignore his earnest plea. Even though he thought it was futile, he might have been secretly hoping for it too.
“I’m glad I could see your face, you’re doing well. Has anything happened in the meantime?”
“No, nothing. …Would you like some tea?”
The last words felt reluctant. Ashley paused at that fact. He had harshly taught him to speak and act according to the situation, so his son had always said and done the prescribed words and actions. But what was this strange feeling? If he had been taught correctly, Grayson should have smiled cheerfully and offered.
But the grinning face was exactly the same as the son he had seen. Leaving the confused Ashley behind, Koi shook his head.
“No, I’m leaving soon. I brought gifts for you and Dane…”
“Gifts?”
At Grayson’s question, Koi nodded and took one of the two boxes Ashley was holding and handed it to his son.
“This is for you. Open it when you’re alone.”
Then he peered behind Grayson and asked.
“Where’s Dane? Hasn’t he come yet?”
“Ah…”
Again.
Ashley could now be sure. His son looked reluctant.
…What’s going on?
Feeling a slight shock, he looked on, when suddenly a sharp whistle sounded. When everyone looked up at the same time, they saw a man leaning against the stair railing.
“Dane.”
When Koi called his name happily, Dane, who had made a circle with his thumb and forefinger and whistled, waved his hand with his usual indifferent face. And before anyone could stop him, Koi ran up the stairs and greeted him.
“It’s been a while, how have you been? I missed you!”
Ashley and Grayson looked up at Koi hugging Dane tightly and Dane patting Koi’s back with unpleasant faces.
It can’t be helped. Ashley thought. Koi had been incredibly fond of Dane from the first time he met him. Even to the point of making secrets from him.
So far, the only secrets Koi had kept from Ashley were birthday presents or similar events. They were all related to Ashley, so they were revealed in just a day or two, or they were just trivial secrets of friends that didn’t need to be known. So he didn’t feel particularly offended or curious, but this time it was different.
He was very upset at the time, but soon he found out why.
Koi had confessed in the past that he felt a connection as soon as he met an Angel. Judging from that, the reason why he treats Dane Striker so casually was ultimately one thing.
Trait.
Ashley came to a cold conclusion. It made sense that way. So he was going to leave it alone even though he didn’t like it…
Suddenly, Grayson moved. He was puzzled to see his son rushing up the stairs three or four steps at a time. He followed his movements, and he saw him reaching Dane and Koi in an instant and forcibly inserting himself between them.
“I’ll prepare some tea, so why don’t you go to my room? Papa too!”
The last words were clearly added forcibly. Ashley was surprised once again. Goodness, he couldn’t believe it. His son was jealous.
“Ash!”
Ashley, who had been staring blankly, came to his senses at the sound of his name being called. Koi was waving his hand, telling him to come up quickly. Only then did he return to reality and walk up the stairs. Koi came down a few steps and took the gifts Ashley was holding and handed them to Dane.
“It’s a gift. I hope you like it.”
“Well, thank you.”
Dane’s answer was lukewarm, but Koi still couldn’t hide his delight. Grayson, who looked at them alternately, quickly spoke.
“Then you two, let’s go to my room. It’s this way. Dane, good night. See you tomorrow!”
Grayson quickly added his greetings and started walking ahead. Dane stared at the departing family with an expressionless face, then took the gift Koi gave him and sauntered to his room.
Even as he headed to the room following his son’s guidance, Ashley still felt dazed. What am I seeing right now?
They sat side by side at the tea table in his room until Grayson returned with the tea. Koi asked Ashley, who was lost in thought, organizing what he had seen and felt in his head.
“What are you thinking so hard about?”
At the face asking while holding his hand affectionately, Ashley sighed and confessed honestly.
“I was replaying the words and actions Grayson made today.”
Koi looked at him with sparkling eyes.
“Right? Something’s different, isn’t it? Huh?”
Even the dull Koi noticed.
If it was like this, he couldn’t just keep suspecting. Ashley nodded willingly.
“It might be Dane Striker’s influence.”
“Anyway, it means our kid is feeling and reacting to something!”
Koi shouted, overjoyed.
“You’re going to trust Grayson now, right? Huh? Like I said, you’re going to trust him and watch over him, right?”
“…That’s why I came here.”
“Thank you, Ash.”
Koi called his name in an excited voice and added.
“Let’s go back and think slowly about what Grayson needs.”
It was when he smiled and kissed him. There was a knock, and then Grayson opened the door.
“It’s herbal tea. I thought you might be tired.”
Koi smiled brightly and greeted his son as he put down the teacups with a smile.
“Thank you, Grayson. You’re such a considerate child.”
Knowing that it was just a mechanical action learned by rote, he always said that. Even though he almost died after eating the cake his son made, Koi continued to accept the food his children gave him without hesitation. But Ashley had to check what he ate first.
This time too, it was only after Ashley drank the herbal tea and put it down that he finally brought the teacup to his lips. He felt the fatigue disappear as the warm tea spread throughout his body. He felt his lips relax naturally and put down the teacup, when suddenly something came to mind.
“Come to think of it, weren’t you using the room next door?”
When Koi asked, realizing that the room Grayson was using now had changed, Grayson grinned and replied.
“Yes, I switched with Dane. That room has a much better view.”
“You gave it up, that’s great.”
Koi exclaimed and quickly kicked Ashley’s foot under the table. Ashley opened his mouth with an expressionless face.
“You were considerate of others. Well done.”
“You gave Dane the best room, right?”
When Koi immediately chimed in, Grayson gave a bright smile. The moment Ashley blinked in surprise at his expression, which he had never seen before, Grayson said.
“Instead, I can use this connected room. Look, I can meet Dane through this window. Like Romeo and Juliet. Of course, Dane is Juliet.”
At that moment, Ashley stopped moving. The blood drained from his face in an instant, but the two didn’t notice.
Bernice was the only one who knew how much Ashley hated Romeo and Juliet. At least she understood to some extent because she was the secretary of the previous generation. She had seen firsthand what his predecessor, Dominic, had done to his ‘Juliet’.
But others didn’t know that at all. Even though it was just a coincidence, Ashley felt his heart grow cold when that name came out of Grayson’s mouth.
“Ash?”
Koi, who belatedly noticed him stiffening without saying anything, called his name in confusion. When he came to his senses, Grayson and Koi were looking at Ashley. He hurriedly composed his expression and brought the teacup to his lips. Koi, unaware of his somewhat uncomfortable reaction, spoke.
“It’s a romantic story, but Grayson, Romeo and Juliet have a sad ending. How about changing it to a couple that ends happily?”
“Hmm.”
That made sense. Grayson pondered for a moment, then snapped his fingers.
“How about Catherine and Heathcliff?”
At his son’s suggestion, Koi fell into serious thought.
“Well, I don’t think they were happy either.”
“That’s not true. Heathcliff digs up Catherine’s grave after she dies, right? It means they were lovers who were together even in death.”
There was even madness in Grayson’s shining eyes. Koi looked back at Ashley in embarrassment, but Ashley, who had already returned to his usual self, nodded.
“That makes sense. Let’s go with Catherine and Heathcliff.”
Actually, anyone was fine as long as it wasn’t Juliet. Having regained his peace, he emptied the remaining tea and spoke.
“It’s late. I should go back.”
“Ah, then I’ll say hello to Dane. I have something to talk about…”
“Do that.”
Ashley nodded at Koi’s words. In fact, he had something to say to Grayson too. After Koi left the room, Ashley was left alone with Grayson. Suddenly, a cold silence fell.