The World of Contrasts Vol. 1 Chapter 10

Seol Daeyoung clicked his tongue and muttered under his breath. Jaemin, his wrists firmly restrained, struggled to pull his lips apart, which trembled as he spoke.

“Why… ha… are you doing this to me? You insane… bastard.”

Seol Daeyoung’s gaze lingered on Jaemin’s damp eyelashes, stuck together and glistening. Slowly, he licked his lips, his voice low and guttural, like a growling beast.

“Is that… really what you have to say to me right now?”

“Ugh… ngh… ah…!”

“Do you have any idea how much I’ve let you get away with?”

His words carried an air of justification, as if his actions were warranted. He spoke as though enduring so much had earned him this right. Jaemin couldn’t comprehend it.

“You… ngh… seriously, are you crazy?”

In the past, whenever Seol Daeyoung grinned slyly, Jaemin found it irritating but predictable. He could anticipate what Daeyoung might do. But recently, Daeyoung’s actions had gone beyond anything Jaemin could foresee. He had no idea how to deal with this version of him.

Gripping Jaemin’s tear-streaked face, Daeyoung asked in a low voice.

“…If I really lose it, do you think you can handle it?”

There was no further conversation. Seol Daeyoung thrust into him with such force that Jaemin’s head tilted back involuntarily. It felt like a train was crushing his body. His back arched uncontrollably, and fluids pooled and trickled from his stretched entrance, molded to the shape of Daeyoung’s relentless intrusion.

“Ha… ngh…”

Seol Daeyoung’s voice, rough and strained, betrayed how close he was to release. When Jaemin wrapped his legs around Daeyoung’s waist, the latter collapsed onto him, pressing his weight down and quickening his final thrusts.

The room was thick with the pungent scent of release. The softened, overstimulated opening foamed from the intensity of their union. Jaemin could only cling to him, burying his face into Daeyoung’s firm shoulder, gasping for air as he endured.

Their first time had been in a darkroom, the second in a car, and now, finally, on a proper bed. Yet ironically, this was the hardest to endure of all those times.

No, perhaps the more they had sex, the more monstrous Seol Daeyoung became. If this continued, Jaemin felt like he might truly die.

…Jang Jaemin…

Hearing someone call his name, Jaemin opened his eyes. Lifting his unbearably heavy head, he saw Seol Daeyoung staring down at him.

Their lower bodies were still joined, producing a faint squelching noise with every subtle movement. Leaning against the headboard, Daeyoung had Jaemin sprawled on top of him, lazily moving his hips in a teasing rhythm.

“Did you pass out?”

Jaemin must have briefly succumbed to extreme exhaustion and mild dehydration. As he slowly blinked and glared at Daeyoung, the latter smirked.

“Even when you pass out, you look handsome.”

Bastard.

Despite the endless cycle of sex, Daeyoung seemed to have regained his composure. His smirking face, back to its usual smugness, made Jaemin want to punch him.

“But honestly, the way you glare at me like that is still the best.”

“Ah, fuck,” Daeyoung muttered, grabbing Jaemin’s dark hair. Unable to hold back, he licked Jaemin’s eyelid, causing the latter to recoil and clutch his arm in disgust.

“Ngh… can we talk, damn it…”

“Talk. Say whatever you want.”

Jaemin was starting to wonder how a person could be this shameless. Sure, he’d occasionally provoked Seol Daeyoung in the past, he could admit that. But compared to what Daeyoung was doing to him now, everything Jaemin had ever done felt like a joke.

If not for Chairman Jang, Jaemin would never have considered asking Seol Daeyoung for a favor. But Seol Daeyoung, knowing Jaemin was an omega, was too dangerous to keep near the Chairman.

“Hey, have you ever thought about working with me and my family?”

Jaemin forced the words out through his rough, dry throat. Instead of answering, Seol Daeyoung chuckled. He didn’t need to speak; Jaemin could hear his thoughts loud and clear. What kind of nonsense are you spouting now, Jaemin?

“My father seems to like you.”

“…Hmm, guess your family genes have a thing for guys like me.”

Jaemin’s neck flushed red against his will. Ignoring the comment, he continued.

“Maybe it’s because you fought me when we were kids and left an impression, or maybe he just took a random liking to you. My father’s obsessed with dominant alpha traits.”

“But,”

Seol Daeyoung asked indifferently, oblivious to the gravity of the situation, which only frustrated Jaemin further.

“My father has this thing where he has to get whatever he’s interested in. Whether it’s money or people… it means he’ll eventually make it his.”

“Oh, impressive. As expected of Jang Jaemin’s father.”

Jaemin grabbed Seol Daeyoung’s face firmly, cutting off his playful response.

“If you don’t want to get dragged into this world… stop getting involved with me. Stay away from me.”

“So, what you’re saying is, even if you piss me off, I should just suck it up and let it go like some pushover, huh?”

Jaemin swallowed the urge to yell that he’d been doing exactly that all along. This was the first time in his life he was trying to persuade someone.

“The thing with Kwon Yoojin… that was my mistake…”

Jaemin’s words were cut off as Seol Daeyoung kissed him. Pulling away, his lips lingering with warmth, Daeyoung whispered.

“Then don’t make that kind of mistake again.”

His voice was disturbingly gentle. Jaemin bit the inside of his cheek, unsure why his face felt so hot. Daeyoung’s soft tone continued.

“From what you’ve said so far, it sounds like the prince is deeply worried about me. Scared your father might offer me a gangster recruitment deal or something.”

“…”

If it were just a simple offer, Jaemin wouldn’t be this stressed. Daeyoung, clueless about the situation, grinned like an idiot.

“That’s why you suggested I study abroad? So you wouldn’t have to see me running around as your lackey with a knife?”

“…It’s because the thought of seeing your face while working disgusts me.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Daeyoung smiled, his shadowed eyes crinkling with amusement. He didn’t seem to believe Jaemin, but it didn’t matter. Jaemin swallowed dryly before asking one last thing.

“You’re not thinking of leaving Korea, are you?”

“Not at all.”

Jaemin sighed briefly before revealing his next plan. Unless his father found a new interest, he wasn’t going to let go of Daeyoung easily.

“I’m going to tell my father I’ve decided to work with you. But I’ll tweak the way you’re used.”

Daeyoung stared at Jaemin, listening intently. His gaze was unwavering and intense, making Jaemin want to look away.

“My father has been lobbying in the political world for a long time. And the most influential politician right now is someone even a kid would know—Kwon Sangdo.”

With Daeyoung still silent, Jaemin laid out the conclusion he’d reached after much thought. This was the best way to separate Daeyoung from his world.

“This way, there won’t be any issue with you hanging around Kwon Yoojin, and it won’t affect whatever you want to do in the future. I’ll use you to create the appearance of working behind the scenes with Assemblyman Kwon.”

“And what is it I supposedly want to do?”

Daeyoung’s hand slid gently down Jaemin’s spine.

“You want to enter politics.”

Jaemin didn’t push his hand away, thinking this might be the last time they’d be this close. The tightness in his chest was probably due to lack of sleep.

“And why do you think that?”

Daeyoung smiled faintly, his fingers tracing Jaemin’s back. The ticklish sensation made Jaemin flinch slightly.

“You don’t seem like the kind of guy who’d be satisfied as a prosecutor.”

Jaemin, maintaining a serious expression, clearly stated his thoughts to Seol Daeyoung, who let out a laugh.

“So, do whatever you want. And from now on, let’s live without clashing as much as possible. You do your thing, and I’ll do mine.”

Just like they always had.

“Did you understand what I said?”

“Yeah.”

Seol Daeyoung nodded, then abruptly leaned back, pulling Jaemin with him. With his head resting on the lower part of the mattress, Jaemin frowned. The sudden shift in position made him keenly feel the movement of Daeyoung’s cock still inside him. As Daeyoung flexed the veins on his shaft, he leaned in to whisper.

“Just like you said, let’s get along without any unnecessary clashes—and have lots of sex.”

What the hell did he take from what I just said?

“You do your thing, I do mine. And we… get to know each other better.”

Daeyoung slipped his thick thumb into Jaemin’s slightly agape mouth. Jaemin tried to twist his tongue away from the invading digit, but there was nowhere to escape within the confines of his mouth. Daeyoung stroked his tongue gently and whispered.

“But you know you can only have sex with me, right?”

“…What…?”

Jaemin mumbled, biting down on Daeyoung’s hand in protest. In response, Daeyoung pushed his finger deeper, causing saliva to pool at the base of Jaemin’s tongue.

“If you sleep with anyone else, I’ll tear that bastard’s dick—and your ass—apart.”

✽ ✽ ✽

“……”

“Same goes for women. If you go around swapping spit with some alpha chick just to try her out, I swear to god…”

At Seol Daeyoung’s vulgar choice of words, Jaemin’s body trembled. His phrasing was so reminiscent of Chairman Jang’s mannerisms that it made Jaemin’s blood boil and his face flush with anger.

Seol Daeyoung grabbed Jaemin’s face, smearing his own saliva-slicked lips against Jaemin’s.

“I’ll get mad.”

“…Ha…”

Jaemin gasped under Seol Daeyoung’s weight as he began moving again.

“Don’t worry. Luckily, I’m not the type to dwell on the past.”

Seol Daeyoung’s eyes gleamed darkly as he grinned.

“Just do well from now on.”

He was truly insane.

✽ ✽ ✽

Dining out with Chairman Jang was not a frequent occurrence. Jaemin parked the car in a lot overlooking a traditional Korean-style house and got out. The aftermath of his recent night with Seol Daeyoung still lingered, leaving his hip joints sore with every movement.

“Shit.”

Even now, just thinking about that night made him curse. Seonho, oblivious to the fact that someone had been swapped midway, remained none the wiser. Jaemin couldn’t decide whether to berate Seonho for his incompetence or be relieved that he hadn’t figured out the truth.

Jaemin stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray near an ornamental tree and wet his lips. He didn’t want to be bothered with thoughts of Seol Daeyoung here; there were far more pressing matters at hand today.

“Welcome.”

A manager dressed in a hanbok with her hair neatly tied in a bun greeted Jaemin politely.

“I’ll show you to the room. The Chairman arrived five minutes ago.”

Beneath a small, artificial waterfall, vividly colored koi fish swam leisurely. Jaemin walked slowly past tightly closed rooms, listening to the plucking of a gayageum in the background.

“Is Assemblyman Kwon’s family dining here now?”

At Jaemin’s question, the manager gave a subtle nod. Privacy for VIP guests was paramount in a place frequented by figures from the political and business worlds.

“Open the door.”

At Jaemin’s command, the wooden door slid open quietly. Through the window in the room, a twisted pine tree presented a strange, picturesque view. Chairman Jang, sipping his drink beside the scenic backdrop, nodded at his son.

“You’re here.”

“There was traffic, so I’m a bit late.”

The manager, familiar with the routine, took Jaemin’s coat and hung it on a rack.

“Thank you.”

Jaemin pulled out his wallet and handed the manager a tip. She deftly folded the five bills into her jeogori and bowed before disappearing behind the wooden door.

“How’s school?”

“It’s break.”

“Did you come with Seonho?”

At Chairman Jang’s question, Jaemin raised his head.

“Yes. He’s waiting outside.”

“Tell him to come in and eat with us.”

Jaemin had no reason to refuse. Being alone with his father was still an uncomfortable ordeal. He called Seonho, who quickly joined them.

“Must be hard keeping up with our Jaemin, huh?”

Chairman Jang smiled at Seonho as if he were a benevolent boss. Seonho, kneeling, briefly answered, “No,” and immediately emptied the glass of liquor that had been poured for him.

“You always look good. Your face is gentle like a bear’s, but you seem strong and manly.”

Jaemin pondered why Chairman Jang was suddenly complimenting Seonho but couldn’t think of any particular reason. His father didn’t seem to be in a bad mood. However, his unpredictability was the problem.

Jaemin, as usual, didn’t relax and downed his drink. He was used to hard liquor, but on an empty stomach, his esophagus and stomach burned.

“It feels new to be here after such a long time.”

This was a restaurant Chairman Jang used to frequent. Years ago, he had been attacked here by the head of another organization while dining with his omega lover, and his visits had become sparse since then. However, before that incident, he had been a regular—enough to have his chief of staff seated naked while serving drinks.

“Assemblyman Kwon Sangdo has been visiting here often lately.”

“Oh, really?”

“It’s good to create connections if you meet by chance.”

After wiping his hands, Jaemin picked up a piece of raw fish and responded nonchalantly.

He had deliberately chosen this place after obtaining information that three people had made a reservation under the name of Kwon’s chief secretary. Despite his unpleasant past encounters with the omega who gave birth to Kwon Yoojin, he now had to lobby that family.

“Right. New wine should go into new wineskins. What’s the point of thinking about that bastard Assemblyman Choi? It only ruins the taste. Anyway, this sea bass is decent today.”

As Chairman Jang chewed the sashimi, Jaemin swallowed dryly, holding his breath. It felt a bit early to bring up the topic, but delaying it seemed even more uncomfortable.

“If Assemblyman Kwon runs for mayor next year, his election is almost certain.”

“I hear he’s gained popularity by exploiting his omega ties, that young guy.”

This referred to Yoon Jungha, Kwon Sangdo’s wife. It was true that thanks to Yoon Jungha, Kwon Sangdo had garnered significant support among omegas.

“The world’s gone mad. If someone like him goes into politics, this country’s doomed.”

Clicking his tongue, Chairman Jang continued.

“Politics is always a game played on the pillow. From what I hear, that Yoon Jungha might have even bigger ambitions than Kwon Sangdo.”

Though his words seemed dismissive, if Chairman Jang were to meet Kwon Sangdo, his attitude would undoubtedly take a 180-degree turn. Without his political connections, Chairman Jang would already be spending his old age in prison.

Jaemin swallowed dryly and calmly spoke.

“They have a daughter, Kwon Yoojin. She enrolled in the same school as me this year.”

“You mean the dominant alpha born from an omega?”

“Yes.”

“Impressive. So?”

“That Kwon Yoojin is in a relationship with Seol Daeyoung.”

Jaemin emphasized the last part. Chairman Jang listened intently, his expression intrigued.

“Oh, really? They’re fooling around, are they?”

“…It seems serious on the girl’s side.”

Jaemin clenched and unclenched his fists, watching Chairman Jang chuckle and light a cigarette. Seonho, sitting next to him, was so quiet he might as well not have been there.

“What about the guy?”

“He seized an opportunity.”

Chairman Jang raised his thick eyebrows with a smile. Despite his age, his sharp eyes gleamed with interest.

“So, Seol Daeyoung sees Kwon Sangdo’s daughter as a ladder, huh? Ha ha. Well, if you’re a talented but poor alpha, one thing for sure—you’d covet that background. You can’t change your parents, after all.”

Chuckling with satisfaction, Chairman Jang downed his glass.

“That kid’s got some romance in him.”

Unable to suppress a scoff, Jaemin replied with barbed words.

“I don’t know about romance, but I think he has ambition, so I brought him into our group.”

“Really? Is that so?”

“Yes.”

Chairman Jang laughed heartily.

“Turning alpha kids into gangsters isn’t an easy task… Our Jaemin is quite capable.”

“Didn’t you know?”

“Ha… Listen to this brat talk. Haha. Seonho, did you see that? If a gangster screws up raising his kid, this is what happens. Be careful.”

Seonho silently lowered his head instead of answering.

“But how’d you rope him in?”

Chairman Jang’s question sounded unpleasant, given what had transpired between Jaemin and Seol Daeyoung. Jaemin twisted his lips, trying not to waver.

“There wasn’t much roping in needed. He was born with gangster blood. I just had an eye for him. I played the right card at the right time, that’s all.”

“So, what’s your plan?”

Jaemin’s answer seemed to land well with Chairman Jang. Though this was the part Jaemin had agonized over the most, the key lay in eliciting Chairman Jang’s “understanding.” From the start, Jaemin’s father had always been like this.

“Assemblyman Kwon is someone riding a wave of public support. He started out as a penniless omega human rights lawyer and emphasizes his integrity. He wouldn’t want to be associated with an organization as conspicuous as ours.”

Before Chairman Jang could counter, Jaemin spoke up again.

“Even though, deep down, he’d love to be.”

Jaemin understood better than anyone else how his father thought and how he operated. There was nothing Jaemin hadn’t tried in order to live as his father’s son.

“There’s no one in this world who doesn’t like money. But when someone like Assemblyman Kwon has watchful eyes all around him, making any rash moves is impossible.”

“Get some schooling, and you’ve got a long tongue to match, huh.”

This was a command to get to the point quickly. It also implied that Jaemin’s bait seemed tempting.

Jaemin filled his own glass and continued.

“Seol Daeyoung will use Kwon Yoojin to get close to Assemblyman Kwon and work from the inside. We’ll establish a new corporation to make sure there’s no apparent connection to us. On paper, it’ll be completely independent, but in reality, the ownership will lie with Jang Hyun Construction.”

“If I just listen to the story, there doesn’t seem to be a single problem.”

Chairman Jang’s faint smile hinted at the opposite—something was bothering him.

“You don’t like my plan?”

Jaemin asked bluntly.

“No, no. That brain of yours, inherited from Joohee, doesn’t disappoint. If that Seol Daeyoung properly plants himself with Kwon Sangdo’s daughter, it’ll be good enough. His hometown is Kwon Sangdo’s voter base, and, well, my turf too.”

“……”

What Chairman Jang said was new information to Jaemin. Was Seol Daeyoung originally from that region?