Come Looking for Flowers Chapter 2.3 - Polar night

Noticing Yoonjo’s condition with keen perception, Manager Jung hurriedly led him toward the staff restroom.

“Manager Jung!”

It was just as Yoonjo disappeared into the restroom. At someone’s urgent voice, the heads of those standing guard in front of the restroom whipped around. An employee who had just rushed up, barely catching their breath, pointed toward the corridor they had come from.

“Director Park has shown up at Cheonghung Palace, and it’s chaos again…!”

“Didn’t we tell them to stop letting that guy in?”

“That’s what I’m saying! Please come with me for now. At this rate, we’ll be cleaning up a body…!”

“Sigh…”

Rubbing his eyebrows with his fingertips, Manager Jung glanced at the restroom with a troubled expression. Swallowing a small sigh, he tapped the shoulder of the man standing beside him.

“Hold the post. Take him straight to the boss when he comes out.”

“Yes, sir.”

Leaving the men behind, Manager Jung vanished down the noisy corridor with the employee. The commotion persisted, but the men guarding the restroom remained unaffected by the chaos.

“What are you doing standing there instead of stopping it!”

The gazes of the unmoving men turned toward the voice. Nia, dressed in an ornate gisaeng hanbok, approached with sharp, narrowed eyes. A loud crash, the sound of something breaking, cut through the air.

“Didn’t you hear someone’s about to die? Go stop it!”

“Manager Jung ordered us to hold this position. The boss’s guest is inside.”

Nia’s red lips chewed on a curse. Despite her murderous glare, the men didn’t flinch. Closing her eyes tightly for a moment before opening them, Nia glanced at the chaotic corridor and spoke in a resolute voice.

“I’ll take responsibility, so go stop it.”

“No can—”

“I said I’ll take responsibility!”

Nia’s eyes were red as she shouted. Her tightly clenched fists turned white. Her elaborately painted nails dug into her palms.

“I’ll take full responsibility, so go stop—”

Nia’s words didn’t reach their end. Spotting Yoonjo emerging, wiping his wet mouth with the back of his hand, her expression hardened. Yoonjo, noticing Nia, stopped in his tracks.

“…Joy?”

Unlike the flustered Nia, Yoonjo showed no agitation. He simply stared at her quietly, and the men approached to stand by his side.

“Let’s go.”

“…Is something going on?”

His voice was rough. Nia, who had been standing dazed, quickly regained her composure and bit her lip. Glancing at the still-noisy corridor, she muttered in a voice where her anger had subsided.

“…There’s a bit of a problem inside.”

The rage that had been brimming, ready to burst, cooled the moment Nia saw Yoonjo. She couldn’t bring herself to ask, even politely, what he had been through or if he was doing alright. The rumors that Won Kangho was toying with him didn’t seem to be lies.

Unaware of Nia’s thoughts, Yoonjo gazed calmly at the noisy corridor. Even in that brief moment, sharp screams and the sound of something shattering rang out in succession.

“I’ll go alone, so do as he says.”

“No can do.”

Yoonjo let out a wry smile, as if he had expected that response.

“There’s nowhere to escape anyway. Eyes are everywhere.”

“Still, no—”

“Do you know where the boss is?”

His lifeless voice cut off the man’s words. There was no trace of vitality in Yoonjo’s eyes as he looked at Nia. After a moment’s hesitation, Nia pointed toward the inner corridor.

“…Down that corridor, all the way to the left. He’s probably there.”

“I’ll go on my own, so help the manager. I won’t run.”

“…”

“I’ll head there first.”

With a slight bow, Yoonjo started walking. Those left behind could only stare blankly as he vanished like smoke. Even then, the commotion at Huayudam continued.

Leaving Nia and the men behind, Yoonjo headed toward the place where the man was said to be. His condition looked so poor that it wouldn’t have been surprising if he collapsed on the spot. Even after vomiting, his stomach churned again. The pheromones leaking from every room he passed were nauseating.

Ugh. Forcing down the bile threatening to rise, he covered his mouth and nose, dragging his feet forward. The unnecessarily vast interior seemed endless. His insides twisted as if he had swallowed garbage.

“Well, look at this?”

He was barely moving, leaning against the corridor wall, dragging his limp body along, when a door opened. An alpha, reeking of foul pheromones, waddled toward him. Yoonjo, too dazed to dodge, stared blankly at him.

The heavyset alpha grabbed Yoonjo’s chin, inspecting his face, then let out a mocking laugh. His greasy face looked like it could drip oil at any moment.

“They’ve got something like this and didn’t show it to me? Those bastards.”

“Ugh…!”

“This place needs a serious overhaul, doesn’t it?”

The balding alpha reeked of alcohol and a disgusting mix of unknown pheromones. Sniff. He buried his nose in Yoonjo’s neck, inhaling deeply. His exhaled breath was filled with ecstasy.

“Goddamn, smell that. It’s got me rock hard…”

The stench made Yoonjo gag, rendering his earlier vomiting pointless as nausea surged again. Covering his mouth, he mustered all his strength to shake off the man’s hand.

“Let go, let me go…!”

“Let go? Why the hell would I let go? Big brother’s gonna take good care of you—”

The thick hand gripped Yoonjo tightly. The pheromones clinging to his skin were revolting. Ugh, the nausea overwhelmed him, and his body collapsed.

“Hey, this bastard…”

With a sharp crack, Yoonjo’s head snapped to the right. The sudden slap left his cheek numb, his ears ringing.

“With a person standing in front of you, you gag?”

The alpha grabbed Yoonjo’s hair and dragged him into a room. Unaware of the blood trickling from his nose, Yoonjo was pulled along like luggage, clutching the man’s wrist.

The room he was dragged into was utter chaos. People, regardless of gender or traits, were entangled, moaning in a frenzy. It was like a scene from an orgy. But worse than the sight was the thick stench of pheromones filling the spacious room. Yoonjo thrashed wildly, struggling to break free.

“I-I have to go…! Let me go, ugh!”

A far stronger force than before struck Yoonjo’s cheek. His body hit the floor again. His arms and knees ached from the impact. He had no strength left to stand.

“You’re dripping with scent and still acting all high and mighty?”

Drunk on alcohol and drugs, the heavyset alpha was out of control, treating people like objects. He threw Yoonjo onto a sofa and climbed on top of him. Sniffing at his neck like a beast in heat, he was insatiable.

“Smell that… They dared hide something like this?”

I’m going to puke. As Yoonjo writhed in agony, the alpha slapped his cheek again. The inside of his mouth tore, blood seeping out. It trickled down his lips.

A fleshy hand clamped around his fragile neck, cutting off his air. Heat rushed to his face, and his consciousness faded. His weak hands barely clung to the alpha’s wrist.

“Let… let go…”

“Omegas, always the same. Selling your holes and still so damn mouthy.”

Laughing mockingly, the alpha released his grip. Yoonjo coughed violently as air rushed in. Seizing the moment, the alpha tore at Yoonjo’s clothes.

“If you’re here to sell, just spread your legs quietly. You’re nothing but a toy…”

Bang! A deafening crash cut off the man’s words. The sound was so loud it shook the room.

The moans filling the room stopped instantly. The only sound was Yoonjo’s hacking cough, sounding as if he might cough up blood.

“What the hell?”

The heavyset man turned toward the noise. Someone stood at the door, backlit, unmoving. Annoyed by the interruption, the alpha’s face twisted.

“What’s this? Get that guy out of here!”

“…”

“These damn guards, taking money and not doing their job—!”

The figure at the door strode forward. In an instant, he was in front of the alpha, grabbing his greasy face and slamming his head into the wall. Thud. The dull sound echoed ominously.

“President Choi.”

Yoonjo froze at the familiar, chilling voice.

“I believe I told you before. Don’t touch anyone who isn’t sent to the rooms.”

“Guh, ugh… Boss Won…!”

“Why don’t you listen when I speak nicely? You know better.”

“It’s not like that, let me explain—”

“I’ll go easy on you for old times’ sake, so bite down hard.”

Won Kangho loosened the alpha’s tie and stuffed it roughly into his bloodied mouth. The man’s oily eyes widened in terror.

“You’d better remember what happens when you touch what’s mine.”

“Ugh!”

Thud! Thud! The sound of fists striking flesh filled the room. The others in the room froze in shock.

No one dared speak during the brutal assault. Under everyone’s gaze, Won Kangho beat the man mercilessly. The man’s face, now a bloody mess, was unrecognizable.

The light from the corridor illuminated the violent scene starkly. As Yoonjo stared blankly, Won Kangho’s men entered, ushering everyone out.

Once everyone was gone, only Won Kangho, Yoonjo, and the barely human heap remained. It looked like a corpse.

When Won Kangho released his grip, the man’s body fell to the floor like a ragdoll. Yoonjo swallowed a sharp breath, stifling a sob. The perpetrator, however, looked relaxed, pulling a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it. Blood splattered on Won Kangho’s hands and face glowed red.

“Smells like shit.”

The cigarette tip glowed. Crackle, crackle, the paper burned, scattering acrid smoke. Yoonjo remained frozen. His wide eyes brimmed with tears.

“Clean it up.”

“Yes, sir.”

The men at the door dragged the limp man away. Silence clawed at Yoonjo. One cigarette, two, three. As the chain-smoking continued, no words passed between them.

Yoonjo finally stirred, standing up. He adjusted his stretched cardigan and wiped under his nose. Blood smeared on the back of his hand.

The fourth cigarette fell to the floor. Won Kangho crushed it under his shoe and stared at Yoonjo. The sharp gaze felt like it could cut.

“Come with me.”

With that single command, the man strode out of the room. Yoonjo, left alone, couldn’t even take a deep breath. His trembling hands gripped the sofa tightly. Silence, an unwelcome guest, enveloped him.

His feet felt heavy, as if stuck in a swamp. The situation was unbearable. Swallowing his tears, he closed his eyes tightly. The tears fell in streams.

The worst or the lesser evil. What was Won Kangho? Was it truly a good thing that he had saved him? Unanswered questions flooded in like a tidal wave.

Once the tears started, they flowed endlessly. Yoonjo left the room, head bowed. The stench of blood lingered.

Waiting outside, Won Kangho began walking as Yoonjo emerged. Yoonjo followed, head down, not lifting his gaze even as they passed through the corridor, the lobby, and into the elevator.

The car carrying them retraced its path. No one spoke. The silence stabbed painfully.

The silence persisted until they reached the penthouse door.

Won Kangho opened the door and grabbed Yoonjo’s nape, shoving him inside. The large hand gripped his neck tightly, dragging him along.

“Wash.”

Only upon reaching the bathroom connected to the bedroom did the hand release him. The cold command was laced with anger and tangled emotions.

Won Kangho was visibly furious. To Yoonjo, it was incomprehensible.

Why? Why is he angry? Confusion tore through his mind.

As Yoonjo stood staring, Won Kangho’s expression grew colder. The man stepped closer.

His wrist was grabbed, and he was dragged into the shower stall. His body slammed against the wall, unable to resist the force. Cold water poured over his head.

“In case you didn’t hear, I’ll say it again.”

Despite it being summer, the water was freezing. His jaw trembled. The red stains under his nose washed away, swirling down the drain.

“Wash. You reek.”

His clothes, still on, soaked through. Water dripped from his hair, streaming down his face. His tears vanished without a trace Hastag 1: trace.

“I don’t sleep with omegas who stink.”

“…”

“Wash thoroughly. Until the smell’s gone.”

The cheek, likely already bruised, was tapped firmly by the large hand.

The man left the bathroom. With a loud thud, the door closed, leaving only the sound of dripping water.

Leaning against the wall, Yoonjo’s body slid down. Holding his cheek, he dropped his gaze. Pain surged in late.

It hurts. His cheek, his heart, his body. Every inch of his skin and muscles writhed in agony.

“Ugh…”

Yoonjo bit back the sound trying to escape, clenching his teeth. Water carved paths through his tightly shut eyelids. The water passing his bitten lips turned pink. His silent tears drained away.

He left the bathroom only after the water had reddened his pale skin. Water dripped from his wet hair. Like Hansel and Gretel, he left a trail wherever he went.

…?

The moment he entered the dressing room, confusion filled Yoonjo’s face. His eyes, searching the room, wandered aimlessly.

The clothes that had filled the dressing room were gone without a trace. Intending to grab some loungewear, Yoonjo tightened his robe and went to find the man.

Finding Won Kangho wasn’t hard. Following the faint ripple of pheromones was simple.

But for Yoonjo, each step was heavy and laborious. The closer he got to Won Kangho, the more his breath tightened.

Won Kangho was in the living room. His back, smoking while gazing out the large window, came into view. The man in a pristine suit contrasted sharply with Yoonjo, barely covered by a robe. Today, he felt especially pathetic.

“Washed clean?”

“…”

“Should I check?”

The man, cigarette in mouth, turned and scanned Yoonjo’s body. Yoonjo fidgeted with his hands before mustering the courage to speak.

“…The clothes are gone. Do you know where they are?”

His voice, hoarse from crying, was low. He didn’t bother to hide it, instead lightly gripping his throat.

“What clothes?”

The voice was almost casual, clueless. The man didn’t smile.

“Why would you need clothes?”

“…”

“You won’t be going out anymore.”

White smoke curled from his lips. As if to shake off ash, the man walked to the table by the sofa. Their distance closed.

Tap, tap. Ash fell into the crystal ashtray. He crushed the half-smoked cigarette.

“Baby, Yoonjo.”

The large hand gripped the ashtray. Examining it, the man spoke Yoonjo’s name. Tense eyes met Won Kangho’s.

Crash! Shatter!

The ashtray grazed Yoonjo’s cheek, smashing into the wall behind him. The sharp sound of breaking glass froze him in place.

With a long exhale, anger filled Won Kangho’s face. He ruffled his neatly styled hair, eyes sharpening.

“Why doesn’t our Yoonjo ever learn?”

“…”

“Do I have to teach you everything? Even not to spread your legs for other alphas?”

A piercing gaze struck down. More terrifying than the look was the reckless pheromones pouring out to dominate him.

His body collapsed, unable to withstand it. Hands in pockets, Won Kangho approached slowly, looking down at him.

“How much more do I have to let slide?”

“Ugh…”

“Speak, Yoonjo. How much more does the boss have to put up with, huh?”

Like a lion, the man crouched before him. At barely a hand’s breadth, Yoonjo faced Won Kangho. The reflection in those black eyes was like a herbivore before a predator.

His jaw, gripped tightly, ached. Despite the bone-crushing pain, Yoonjo couldn’t whimper, only trembling. Fear ruled his mind and body.

“Why’d you go there?”

“…”

“It’s fine with any alpha now? You tried it once, so you’re fearless?”

He wanted to close his eyes and ears, to escape the man who insulted him so casually.

“You’ve got a mouth, so speak. I’m giving you a chance to explain.”

Won Kangho forced a finger between Yoonjo’s tightly shut lips. Fear clung to the edges of his forcibly parted mouth.

“Nothing to say?”

“…”

“Nothing?”

Not averting his eyes was a miracle for Yoonjo. Unaware, Won Kangho withdrew his wet finger. A large hand stroked his pale cheek.

“Bite down, Yoonjo.”

A dull thud brought searing heat and pain to his cheek, like paint splattered across it. His fragile body couldn’t withstand the man’s strength. Blown back by the slap, Yoonjo gasped for air.

“I’m trying to treat you nicely, so why won’t you cooperate, huh?”

For a moment, it felt like his ears had gone deaf. Won Kangho seemed to be saying something, but Yoonjo couldn’t make out exactly what it was.

Clutching his slapped cheek, trembling on the floor, Yoonjo was subdued by the man’s gaze. With an exasperated sigh, Won Kangho loosened his tie and roughly grabbed Yoonjo’s still-damp hair.

“Argh…!”

“Goddamn, this is pathetic.”

Just like in the office before, Yoonjo clung weakly to Won Kangho’s wrist as he was dragged across the floor, barely crawling. The pain felt like his scalp was being torn off.

Entering the bedroom, Won Kangho threw Yoonjo to the floor. Yoonjo let out a short groan, writhing in pain. His entire body ached as if it had been sliced with a knife.

“This is why you can’t be too nice to young ones. They start climbing all over you.”

The events from earlier flashed through his mind.

Won Kangho had called him to the office, and on the way, he was grabbed by an alpha reeking of nauseating pheromones and dragged away. Won Kangho had pulled him out of a near-assault, and for some reason, Won Kangho was furious.

Instinctive fear screamed at his body to flee. Slowly, hesitantly, he inched backward. But it was no use; he was still in the palm of the man’s hand.

“Don’t test my patience.”

“Ugh…!”

“My mood’s already shitty as it is.”

“Hic, it, it hurts…!”

“Hurts?”

His ankle was seized, and he was yanked forward. The distance between them closed instantly. Their foreheads touched, burning hot. He could feel his slapped cheek swelling. He couldn’t bring himself to meet the man’s eyes.

“Lee Yoonjo.”

As Yoonjo, unable to bear it, slightly lowered his gaze, Won Kangho grabbed his small chin, forcing his eyes back up.

“Don’t look away without my permission. Before I crush you.”

“…”

“I’m holding back from killing you right now.”

A large hand fully untied the tie. The fabric that had been around the man’s neck slid down. The gray tie covered Yoonjo’s eyes. His vision darkened instantly, heightening his other senses.

“I’m really pissed off, Yoonjo.”

Won Kangho spat out each word as if chewing on them, his voice clearly suppressing rage.

“You come back reeking of that trash and expect me to be kind?”

“Sob…”

“Our Yoonjo’s got some serious delusions. Did I pamper you too much?”

The trembling didn’t stop; it grew worse. Yoonjo, terrified to the point of his teeth chattering, was met only with Won Kangho’s icy stare.

Suddenly, his wrist was grabbed, and his stomach and chest hit the floor. Won Kangho climbed onto the fallen Yoonjo, tying his wrists behind his back, leaving red marks. The untied robe dragged across the floor.

Overwhelming fear and intimidation crushed his body. He couldn’t breathe properly.

The gray tie soaked up the darkness quickly. Tears streamed down his face, unable to be contained.

Should he beg for forgiveness now? Would groveling make a difference? His mind was flooded with thoughts when a sharp, familiar sound cut through the air, halting all thought.

“Argh!”

“For a disobedient bastard, a beating’s the answer.”

What followed was excruciating pain. His back burned as if torn apart. The pain was so intense he couldn’t even groan properly. Yoonjo rubbed his forehead against the floor, swallowing his sobs. His sweat-drenched face contorted in agony.

“Boss.”

As the man raised his hand again, an urgent voice interrupted. Yoonjo, struggling to breathe through the pain, curled into a ball.

“You need to go now. They’re waiting.”

“Who.”

“The chairman.”

“…Goddamn old bastard.”

The belt buckle clattered sharply as it fell. Yoonjo’s body flinched at the sound, like lightning striking.

“Put him to sleep. Make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid.”

The man lit a cigarette, pointing at Yoonjo crawling on the floor. As soon as the order was given, burly men restrained Yoonjo’s body.

Struggling against the unfamiliar hands, Yoonjo was pinned down as the men expertly held his limbs and pulled out a syringe.

The cap rolled across the floor. A familiar, sharp pain pierced his neck. The smell of cigarette smoke brushed his nose.

The unknown drug spread quickly. His stomach churned, his struggles ceased, and his movements slowed.

The hands binding his limbs released. A weary breath escaped the limp Yoonjo. His vision was still filled with darkness.

Maybe this was for the best. At least with this drug, he could sleep without dreaming. His fading consciousness trembled as his eyelids fluttered.

The world blinked into darkness.

When he opened his eyes, his stomach didn’t churn. He wasn’t dizzy, nor did his body feel heavy like water-soaked cotton.

Blinking slowly, sunlight filtered into Yoonjo’s hazy vision.

Had he grown used to the drug? He felt pathetic for thinking it was nice to sleep without dreams, not even knowing what the drug was.

Yoonjo stared blankly at the ceiling pattern for a long time. Eventually, he let out a long sigh, covering his eyes with his arm. A strange sense of déjà vu made him pull his arm away.

“…What’s this?”

An unfamiliar sensation touched his skin. A thin silver bracelet was on his wrist. Devoid of even a simple cubic or engraving, the bracelet’s seam was barely visible. It fit so perfectly, as if custom-made, that not even a finger could slip through.

He tried prying the seam open and pulling it toward his hand, but the bracelet didn’t budge. After struggling for a while, Yoonjo clenched his aching hand and let out a small sigh.

“Oh, you’re awake?”

Knock, knock. The door opened with the sound, and Manager Jung stepped in. Yoonjo, clutching his hand, only looked at him without speaking.

Manager Jung gave a slight smile, bowed, and stepped aside. Sensing someone else entering, Yoonjo gripped the sheet, hiding his tension.

“It’s our first time meeting with you fully awake. You can just call me Dr. Choi.”

The man with a warm voice was unfamiliar. Introducing himself as Dr. Choi, he approached Yoonjo, checking various things and asking about his condition.

Yoonjo responded to Dr. Choi’s questions one by one but couldn’t relax. His wariness toward strangers was instinctive.

“You’re up?”

A knock followed the voice. Facing Dr. Choi, Yoonjo’s expression hardened upon seeing Won Kangho. Glancing at Yoonjo, Dr. Choi naturally stepped in front of him, gently scolding Won Kangho.

“I told you to minimize the drugs.”

“Did you?”

“You’ll regret ignoring an old man’s advice. Especially when you’re already in poor health.”

“I’ll handle that. If you’re done, you can go. Manager Jung, see him out.”

The words were a suggestion but felt like an order to leave. Dr. Choi looked at Yoonjo with concern before following Manager Jung out. Before their footsteps faded, Won Kangho closed the door and approached Yoonjo.

Yoonjo gripped his braceleted wrist and stared directly at the man. The wariness in his amber eyes was met with a mocking smirk.

“You look well-rested.”

“…”

“How’s the gift? Like it?”

The man’s lips curved softly. His face showed satisfaction, as if he didn’t care about Yoonjo’s feelings.

“I hope you like it. I put some thought into picking it.”

His arm was grabbed tightly. The bracelet gleamed under the light, its shine sharp enough to sting his eyes.

Yoonjo yanked his arm free with force. The brief grip left red marks on his skin. The man’s gaze on his heated wrist was fierce.

“Doesn’t seem like you like it.”

“…”

“Better than handcuffs, isn’t it?”

Won Kangho seemed to find the situation amusing. As if Yoonjo’s escape from his grip meant nothing, he reached out again.

“If you don’t like it, I can switch it to handcuffs.”

“…”

“But those might hurt. I’d fasten them tight.”

“Ugh…”

The force was on another level. The grip, strong enough to break his wrist, drew a pained groan from Yoonjo.

“Answer me.”

The upturned corner of his mouth was sharp.

“The boss is asking, Yoonjo.”

“…”

“Do you like it?”

Huh? The questioning voice was gentle, but the hidden blade was unmistakable. His eyes reddened.

The man swung Yoonjo’s silent body as he pleased. The distance closed so much their breaths mingled. It felt like he’d be devoured by those black eyes. The alpha pheromones creeping out slithered over his pale skin.

“No answer?”

His trembling body was weighed down by coercion. Tears finally spilled. Blood seeped from his bitten lips.

The robe’s tie came undone, revealing his pale body. The marks left by the man were fading faintly.

The hand stroking his inner thigh and wrist was terrifying. He didn’t know when it would turn to hurt him. Like before, he feared another strike.

Yoonjo quietly lowered his eyes. Nodding twice wasn’t his will. He was too scared of what the man might do otherwise.

“You like it?”

Nod. He nodded again.

“Good.”

Only then did the man retract his pheromones. Haa, Yoonjo let out a held breath, tears dripping. His resentful gaze fell on his wrist.

“Don’t take it off. Not that you could anyway.”

Though on his wrist, it was a leash.

A leash he couldn’t escape, its end tied to Won Kangho.

He recalled wearing such a leash before. Won Kangho’s image, treating him like a dog sleeping in a kennel, surfaced.

“Can’t take your eyes off it?”

“…”

“Worth the effort, then.”

Lips touched his nape. He struggled not to react, biting his ragged lips to stay silent.

Yes, this was his place. A toy to offer his body and earn money to pay debts. That was his role.

“If you take it off.”

The man’s fingers traced the bracelet. A sharp pain struck his nape.

“Next is your neck.”

“…”

“Think carefully, baby.”

Yoonjo’s body fell back. He didn’t push away Won Kangho climbing atop him.

Familiar ceiling. Familiar patterns. Familiar lights.

A self grown familiar with a place he didn’t want to know.

Ah, this is my abyss. There was nowhere lower to fall. With shackles on, he couldn’t think of a place to return to or want to return to.

He wanted peace. Feeling the cool air on his skin, he closed his eyes. It was time to play the “toy.”