In the underworld of Seoul, a discreet yet dominant gang wipes out threats law enforcement can’t touch. The syndicate is run by Choi San and Choi Wooyoung, a married power couple whose reputation commands fear and loyalty. Their right-hand man, Hwang Hyunjin, 23, is sharp, composed, and known for never missing a shot — in business or blood.

Their tight circle includes trusted allies: Ryujin, Jihyun, Soohyun, Bambam, and Woojin — all dangerous in their own right.

Then there’s Kim Seungmin. He isn’t part of the business — not officially. But he lives with them, cooks with them, laughs with them. He’s sunshine wrapped in sarcasm, the group’s baby brother. Especially close to Hyunjin, he’s the kind of person you protect, not weaponize.

But lately… Seungmin has changed. He flinches. Avoids eye contact. Keeps his arms wrapped around himself like armor. And he’s been avoiding Woojin — the only one who doesn’t seem to mind.

No one expected the truth: one night, while the others were out on a job, Woojin touched him. And Seungmin didn’t stop him. He let it happen — because for once, he wanted to feel desirable. Pretty. Worthy. But now… that warmth he felt has turned to guilt. Shame. And he doesn’t know how to tell the others… especially Hyunjin, whose gaze sees everything — except this.

When the truth comes out, the house built on loyalty and love threatens to fall apart — and someone might not survive the fallout.

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Story:

The mansion was quiet. Too quiet.

Hyunjin sat at the edge of the granite kitchen island, a black hoodie pulled over his head, a glass of whiskey in his hand. It was 3 AM. Everyone else was asleep — or pretending to be. He stared at the soft flicker of the under-counter lights, waiting.

Waiting for the creak in the hallway that always came around this time.

There it was.

Bare feet padded down the hallway like a ghost afraid of its own presence. Seungmin.

Hyunjin didn’t look at him right away. But he heard the soft rustle of his hoodie sleeves — the same hoodie he always wore even in summer. Always covering up.

“Couldn’t sleep again?” Hyunjin asked, voice low.

Seungmin didn’t respond. Just grabbed a glass, filled it with cold water, and clutched it with both hands like it was the only thing grounding him to the earth.

Hyunjin turned. “You’re scared of something.”

Seungmin’s lip twitched. “What makes you say that?”

“You flinch when Woojin talks to you. You always sit across from him, never next to him anymore. And you haven’t let anyone hug you in weeks. Not even me.”

Seungmin said nothing. But the way he stared down into his water — like it would drown him if he looked away — told Hyunjin everything.

Hyunjin stood. “Did he hurt you?”

Silence. Tense. Crushing.

And then Seungmin whispered, “Not exactly.”

Hyunjin’s brows drew together. “Min…”