Chapter Text
Lying in bed late at night, Taeui checked whether Ilay was asleep. The latter, in turn, looked like an angel — eyes blissfully closed, his hand resting under Taeui’s head.
“Such a tactile one,” thought Taeui, immediately replacing his head with a heavy pillow.
— Damn, where’s my phone? Ilay promised to give it back tomorrow morning… — noticing the object on Ilay’s nightstand, Taeui stealthily reached for it.
But he was startled by his boyfriend suddenly rolling over. The blond kissed the pillow and fell asleep again.
— Hahaha — Taeui snorted into his fist, trying not to make a sound.
Carefully leaving the room, he headed for the living room at the far end of the house.
“Guys, wait for me!”
— Where do you think you’re going? — a deep bass voice sounded from behind Taeui. — I think I already told you to spend less time with your friends.
— Ilay! Stop treating me like a child! I’m a thirty-year-old man, — Taeui proudly declared, dodging the blond’s kiss.
— A thirty-year-old man playing Roblox? — Ilay chuckled mockingly. — Alright then, since you’re so grown-up, I’ll give you a choice.
— Is this some sort of roleplay? Ilay, I’m scared. Why are you acting like a pedophile?..
Placing a finger on Taeui’s lips for silence, the man continued:
— Either you come back to bed with me right now, or you’ll get your phone and computer back in two weeks.
— Let’s go, Ilay. You’ve got a mission tomorrow, and I… will decorate this world with my beauty.
— Good boy.
— No, Ilay, seriously. You’re acting kind of strange today…
With Leewon and Ceasar.
Lying in bed, Leewon with every fiber of his being hated Taeui and Taekjoo.
— Ceasar… — the brunette whispered. — Ceasar, are you asleep?
There was no answer. Deciding to make a control check, the guy placed his hand on Ceasar’s forehead. The blond immediately snuggled into it, wrapping the lawyer in an even tighter embrace.
“Are all Russian mafia like this? Or did I just get a clingy one…”
With Taekjoo and Zhenya.
— Mmm…Zainka, where are you going?.. — Zhenya mumbled sleepily, feeling Taekjoo get out of bed.
— I agreed to a call with the guys, — the brunet brushed his hair back and adjusted his wrinkled T-shirt.
Zhenya grabbed Taekjoo’s hand and pulled him back into bed.
— They can wait, but I can’t, — the blond pouted.
— Pff… Right now you look like a princess. So stubborn and…
“Cute.”
— And what? — Zhenya looked at him with interest, covering Taekjoo with the sheet.
— Silly! Go to sleep, bastard. I’ll stay with you, rejoice.
— I love you, Zainka…
— Love you too, bastard…
The next day, in the voice chat.
— Yeah, I couldn’t come...because I accidentally fell asleep while waiting for you, — Taeui said uncertainly, scratching his cheek with his index finger.
— Sorry, Taeui. Ceasar just wouldn’t let me go, — Leewon answered shyly.
A smug expression appeared on Taeui’s camera.
— Alright then, I forgive you…Will you donate me for a avatar?
— Ehh… What? — Leewon raised a brow in surprise. — Why would I?
Taekjoo entered the voice chat, turning on his camera. He was wearing a tank top that hugged his muscular body tightly.
— Damn, Taekjoo, why are you always so seductively ripped? — Taeui asked, blushing slightly and pulling the screen closer to his face.
Looking around and not seeing Ceasar, Leewon finally spoke:
— Taeui’s right. Stop it. I’m insanely jealous…
— Ha! Well, if you guys went to the gym with me, maybe you’d have what I have, — Taekjoo smirked, flexing his bicep for the camera.
Taeui and Leewon’s mouths fell open in awe.
— Shin’s got the same. He goes with me to the gym on Thursdays.
From Taeui’s side of the mic, a voice was heard:
— Taeui, I’m leaving for the mission now. Come see me off.
Taeui didn’t answer, still mesmerized by Taekjoo’s body.
— Taeui?
Ilay came closer, with mild surprise studying the entranced Taeui, who was practically drooling at the screen.
— Oh… and you call that “muscles”? Look over here, Taeui.
Ilay rolled Taeui’s chair slightly to the side, lifted his shirt, and revealed his sculpted body and eight-pack abs. Flexing his biceps, he took Taeui’s hand and placed it on his stomach.
— Don’t play for too long — your eyes will get tired. If anything, you know where the eye drops are. Wouldn’t want you to overstrain yourself. — Kissing Taeui on the crown, he added: — Call me more often.
Saying that, Ilay grabbed his bag and left the house.
After a minute of silence, Leewon cleared his throat:
— Now that was a performance…
— Taeui, send me later the names of the herbs your boyfriend takes. They send them straight from Arabia, right?
— Ahem… Yeah, sure. Now join me on Roblox, let’s play! — Taeui commanded, finally snapping out of it.
— If it’s another “Princess Tycoon” or “Grow a Garden,” I’m blocking you, — Taekjoo sighed tiredly.
— Well, last time “Princess Tycoon” wasn’t that bad, — Leewon noted, looking away.
— Because you won PvP against Ariel and Elsa by calling them bitches? — Taeui laughed, remembering the moment.
— Shut up. They said I was a pay-to-win, which I’m not.
— Guys, can I add Shin? — Taekjoo asked.
— Why not.
— I don’t mind.
A happy chuckle came from Taekjoo’s mic as he rubbed his hands together.
Leewon looked at Taeui in horror and disgust.
— Is he having an episode? — Taeui asked.
— I don’t know… Better just sit quietly. Then he won’t notice us.
— Shut up, bastards. I’m just happy there’ll be at least one normal person in this chat, — the mulatto calmed down.
From Taekjoo’s mic:
— Zainka, did you call me?
— No!
— Then who did you call your favorite?
— Forget it! I just misspoke.
— Oh, I forgot you call your boyfriend “bastard,” — Taeui laughed, narrowing his eyes slyly.
— That’s actually brilliant… — Leewon added.
Then Shin joined the chat.
The brunette in a shirt appeared with a garage in the background.
— Aren’t you home? We just got back from the gym, — Taekjoo asked in surprise.
— I decided to stop by the garage — check on my baby, — the man patted the hood of his car.
— That’s cool…
In the background of Taekjoo’s camera, Zhenya walked past with an unfriendly look.
— By the way, how about a little vacation? — Shin suggested. — It’s beach season in America right now.
Leewon and Taeui hesitated.
— Well, I definitely can’t. Ilay and I are going to Bali for two weeks, — Taeui mumbled, scratching his head.
— Same here, but we’re going to France, — Leewon added.
— And you, Taekjoo? — Shin asked.
— Well… I think I could come, — he said, shyly looking away.
Hearing the English words, Zhenya sharply turned around.
“I’ll book a ticket to Australia. Then they definitely won’t run into each other,” he thought with a smirk, heading back to the bedroom.
— Well, have fun then, just send pictures! — Taeui said cheerfully.
Leewon nodded in agreement.
— So, shall we play? — Taeui cracked his knuckles and entered a horror game, sending invites to the others.
Two hours later.
— Finally, I thought we’d be stuck here all day, — Taekjoo grumbled, stretching in his chair.
— If Taeui hadn’t been hiding in the closet the whole time instead of collecting artifacts, we’d have finished ages ago, — Shin added with a laugh.
— Big deal… at least I stayed alive! If it weren’t for me, we’d still be playing!
— Taeui, if you hadn’t been hiding, we’d have finished in an hour! — Leewon exploded. — Do you know how many heart attacks I had?!
Just as the lawyer finished speaking, an eardrum-busting sound filled the room — “BOOMBAYAH!”
— Oh, I think that’s mine, — Taeui said, looking at the computer screen as Taekjoo fell out of his chair clutching his heart; Leewon also grabbed his chest, while Shin didn’t even flinch.
— Hello, Ilay, why are you calling? I’m still playing… Yeah? What package? Okay, yeah, love you. Bye, — Taeui set the phone aside, bewildered.
— Oh, Leewon, stop pretending — it wasn’t even that loud, — the brunet clicked his tongue and thought.
— What was that about, Taeui? — Shin asked, wiping off another wrench.
— Ilay asked if I’d changed my Roblox profile. I said yes. He said he liked it and that he’d send me a package around lunch.
— Wasn’t your avatar that bald black guy in the ugly suit? — Taekjoo finally got up from the floor.
— No, I just changed it.
— Seriously, Taeui? An anime boy with cat ears and a tail? — Leewon looked at the animated character in disgust. — Damn… I think I get it. I’ve had that kind of “gift” — don’t expect anything good.
— What kind?
— Don’t ask… I don’t want to scare you ahead of time.
An hour later.
They were still playing on video call. Shin, unfortunately, had left, claiming he was tired.
Taeui sat in his chair, playing Dress to Impress, his eye was twitching nervously. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Signing for and grabbing the package, the brunet quickly sat back down.
— Guys… the box is here, — he whispered into the mic.
— Prepare your will, — a voice sounded somewhere.
— I’m recording, — Shin added after reconnecting, — so later I can edit it into a horror reaction with the thumbnail “He opened the box and regretted it.” Perfect for YouTube Shorts.
Taeui swallowed hard and slowly reached for the lid. A bow was on top. Pulling the ribbon, it came undone… too easily.
Inside was — a roll of fabric, something soft… and an envelope.
— Envelope, — Taeui croaked.
— That’s already a bad sign, — Leewon said.
— Well? What’s in it? — they all asked in unison.
— “You said you wanted to cosplay. Put this on before I get back.”
— Is that… a threat?! — Taeui shouted and unrolled the fabric.
A second. Another. Silence.
— Fuck…
— Haha, well what is it, Taeui? — Taekjoo waited for the boy’s answer.
— This is some kind of joke, I’m calling him right now. Hold on, — Taeui disconnected from the voice chat.
“Yeah? Did you get my gift?” — Ilay’s voice came from the receiver.
— Ilay, what is this?
“Cat ears and a tail. And lingerie at the bottom, haha.”
— This isn’t funny! — Taeui blushed, struggling to find words.
“Why not? You said that you wanted to dress up as some character…” — Ilay chuckled, as if already picturing Taeui in the costume.
— I was talking about Gojo, not my Roblox character! — Taeui almost yelled, stuffing the lingerie back in the box.
“Well, close enough, haha… Put it on before I get back, darling. We’ll have a little themed evening.” — And the line went dead.
Taeui stared at the phone in utter horror.
— Fuck… — he exhaled and slowly returned to the voice chat, where sly grins and a concerned Leewon awaited him.
— Well? — the lawyer, arms crossed, looked at him sympathetically.
— What was that “Oh fuuuck…” and “This isn’t funny”? — Taekjoo teased.
— He wants me to wear it, — Taeui exhaled, clutching his head. — Ears, tail, and… lingerie. Fishnet. With bows. This is humiliating…
Taekjoo coughed from laughing, Leewon silently nodded as if confirming his worst fears, and Shin was already editing a teaser: “When the guy opened the box and saw something that shocked him… (18+)”.
— He said “before I get back”? — Leewon repeated. — Sounds like a script for an adult movie. Are you sure you’re in a relationship and not in a casting?
— Maybe he’s got his own OnlyFans and you’re the top star without knowing it? — Taekjoo was nearly falling off his chair laughing.
— Screw you both! — Taeui yelled.
— You said you wanted to try something new… — Shin began, but Taeui showed him the middle finger.
— I meant sushi with mango, not pretending to be some fetishized femboy!
— Good luck, bro, — Shin crossed himself. — We’ll remember you.
— Hopefully he will at least feed you before the “themed evening,” — Taekjoo said through laughter.
Taeui slowly sank into his chair, covering his face with his hands.
Meanwhile, in another room…
Zhenya, was lying in bed with his phone, lazily scrolling through Instagram; French chanson played in his headphones. He suddenly sat up and looked toward his suitcase.
— Australia… or maybe Brazil? Where’s less chance Taekjoo and Shin will see each other? — he sighed and opened his browser.
“Tickets to Tokyo.”
— Safe. And Zainka will like it.
Chapter Text
Just after hearing the good news, Taeui instantly rushed into the voice chat. After three minutes of waiting, he finally heard Leewon’s sleepy voice.
— Taeui? Why are you calling so early?
— Wait a little, I need everyone to join.
After another attempt, Taekjoo and Shin joined the chat.
— Fuck… wasn’t it obvious the first time that I was sleeping?— Taekjoo’s hoarse voice hinted he’d gone out to the balcony.
— Deal with it, you’ll survive. Shin, you here? — Taeui rubbed his hands in excitement.
In the background, there were curses from the mulatto and Shin’s snoring.
— I’m here… speak, I’m listening, — Shin mumbled.
— Turn on your cameras, I want to see your reactions! — Taeui’s smile seemed like it couldn’t get any wider.
— I swear, Taeui, if this isn’t important, I’ll… steal all your… I don’t know… creatures in Steal a Brainrot.
Leewon almost laughed seeing how Taeui’s mood shifted.
— Speak already, everyone’s got cameras on, — the lawyer added.
— Listen carefully! Ilay and I are going to Russia! More precisely — to Moscow. By the way, he has some meeting with Evgeny, Caesar, and Shin.
Taeui watched as the men’s faces shifted through emotions.
— Are you fucking kidding me? Why didn’t that bastard tell me? — Taekjoo went back to the bedroom, forgetting to turn off his mic and camera.
— Wake up, Zhenya, wake up.
— What’s wrong, Zainka? — Evgeny mumbled sleepily.
— Why didn’t you tell me you had some meeting with Leewon’s boyfriend?
— I forgot… so what?
— Nothing. Go back to sleep.
Taekjoo returned to the balcony.
—You looked so hot — Taeui said shyly, rubbing his hands.
Leewon nodded, shaking his head.
— Shut it, pervs. Better tell us — do you have a place to stay?— Taekjoo asked.
— Are you worried? — Taeui squinted.
Taekjoo covered his face with his hand and sighed.
— Taeui, we’re serious. Right now hotels in Russia, especially all-inclusive, cost crazy money, — Leewon’s tone grew serious. — Even though we know Ilay has no money problems, why not stay with Caesar and me, or with Taekjoo and Evgeny? Same goes for you, Shin.
— Mmm… what? Did you say my name?”— the man suddenly lifted his head. — Jake will decide, I don’t care.
— Pff, whatever you say, — Taekjoo smiled.
— Then I’ll go and tell Caesar,— Leewon chuckled.
— So we’re done? I’ve still got to pack my suitcase,— Taeui almost bragged.
— Yeah, — the three answered in unison.
That evening.
— Ilay, did you pack everything?” — Taeui ran around the room.
— Yeah, we can buy whatever’s missing, — Ilay replied calmly, watching the glowing brunette.
— Our flight’s in two hours, I’m so nervous. Haven’t seen guys in so long…— Taeui sighed dreamily.
— You already made a plan of action? — Ilay rose almost silently and approached from behind.
Taeui turned and hugged his waist, nodding.
The business-class flight wasn’t too bad. Taeui was afraid of flying, but in Ilay’s arms he fell asleep within thirty minutes.
They were met by Leewon, Taekjoo, Caesar and Evgeny, as well as Shin and Jake who had also flown in.
Taeui instantly rushed to the guys, hugging them.
— I’ve missed you so much! — he exclaimed, squeezing Leewon, Taekjoo, and Shin.
— We too… — Leewon smiled.
— Mhm… — Taekjoo awkwardly hugged him back.
Shin just patted him on the back while smoking.
When Taeui turned around, he noticed Ilay greeting three blondes.
Evgeny, sensing the stare, turned and smiled restrainedly, quickly approaching.
— Ilay, this is your boyfriend, right? — after Ilay nodded, Evgeny continued. — My name’s Evgeny. And you must be Ted?
— Leewon, Taekjoo, translate. I didn’t understand anything except ‘Evgeny’ and ‘Ted,’ — Taeui whispered.
— He introduced himself and asked your name, — Leewon translated.
— Nice to meet you, — Taeui recited a phrase he’d learned from the internet.
Evgeny smiled wider and shook his hand.
— Caesar.
— Nice to meet you!
The same happened with Jake.
— Let’s go to our place. Caesar agreed to host us at his estate, — Leewon cheerfully announced.
Taeui bowed to the surprised Caesar and Evgeny. Ilay snickered, turning away.
— Leewon, what’s he doing?
— Taeui, stand up, please! — the lawyer said in Korean. — He’s expressing gratitude. In Korea that’s the custom.
Evgeny also bowed and smiled at Taekjoo, who was clearly displeased, pulling the blond upright.
Jake remarked dryly:
— Let’s check in. We’ve got a conference with high officials in an hour. Would be bad to be late.
— Yes, I thought so too,— Caesar added, pulling Leewon closer.
Jake was deep in conversation with Shin, so he didn’t linger on the topic.
At Caesar’s estate.
— Time’s tight, so we’ll head out, — Caesar kissed Leewon on the lips.
— Zainka, I’ll miss you! — Evgeny threw himself into the mulatto’s arms, kissing his face.
— Get off me, bastard. I’ll miss you too…
— Taeui, don’t drink more than three cans of beer. The doctor strictly told you to stick to herbal infusions. They’re in my sports bag,— Ilay gently stroked Taeui’s cheek, noticing his embarrassment.
Shin simply nodded to Jake and joined the others.
Once the blondes left, Taeui shouted:
— So, now clubbing?
— I thought you wanted to stroll around Russia, — Leewon suggested hesitantly.
— I could drink a beer right now, so I’m with Taeui’s idea, — Shin added.
— There’s nothing to see in Russia anyway. Besides, those bastards will sound the alarm the moment we step off the property,— Taekjoo said.
— So by your logic, if they see us in a bar, there’ll be no problem? — Leewon gestured sarcastically.
— They won’t even notice, — Taeui rubbed his hands.
Three pairs of eyes stared at him in disbelief.
— I planned ahead and brought disguises. Do you think they’d suspect twenty-year-old women?
— What do women have to do with us… Wait, don’t tell me… No, Taeui! — Taekjoo doubled over laughing, sinking to the floor.
— If you like drinking — you need to like crossdressing,— Taeui grinned triumphantly, pulling out a bag of strange clothes.
— Nobody says that,— Taekjoo muttered.
Shin almost choked with laughter, cigarette in mouth.
— You seriously brought wigs and rags?
— They’re not rags, they’re… dresses! High-quality. Skirts, glasses, stockings. I even bought fake boobs.
Leewon smacked his forehead.
— God, I’m a lawyer, not a cabaret actress…
— Trust me, it’s the perfect plan. Nobody will guess.
On the way to the club.
— Hey, Taeui, why do you have the biggest boobs? — Taekjoo stumbled on heels, clutching his sundress hem.
Taeui proudly stuck his fake chest out:
— Because I’m the leader of this mission. A leader must stand out. Besides, they cost as much as a kidney, and I’m not wasting money on you guys.
— You’re not a leader, you’re an idiot, — Leewon muttered, fixing his slipping wig. — And this skirt’s tight!
Shin blew smoke aside:
— Leader, huh… One more step and I’ll hand you to Rick myself.
— Don’t whine,— Taeui waved it off. — You’re the sexiest businesswoman I’ve ever seen.
Shin snorted, but at a passerby’s stare, he quickly shifted his purse and glared with disdain.
— If that old man thinks I’m really a woman, I’m officially suing you, Taui.
Taekjoo, wobbling, nearly slammed into a lamppost.
— I swear, if I twist my ankle, you’ll carry me the rest of the trip!
— Deal, but only if you call me ‘sis,’— Taeui batted his lashes.
Leewon quietly snickered behind his hand.
— I’m a lawyer, an intelligent man… I read laws in three languages. And here I am in Moscow, in a skirt and fake boobs. God, why me…
They reached a lively street of bars and clubs. Some glanced, but none recognized thirty-year-old men beneath.
— Well, ladies, — Shin smirked. — Shall we have fun?
— Of course, but we need to fix our makeup!— Taeui adjusted his chest and ran into the club in sandals.
— This isn’t footwear, it’s a murder weapon! — Taekjoo cursed, kicking the door, drawing stares. — What the fuck are you staring at?!
Shin patted his back and led him to the restroom.
In the club.
Long story short: Taeui got drunk in the first hour. Shin seduced three girls who suddenly questioned their orientation. Taekjoo won ten thousand rubles in arm wrestling. Leewon and Taeui charmed five guys.
— So, boys, another round? — Taeui slammed his boobs on the table, making two guys whistle.
— Sorry, she doesn’t speak Russian. We’re Koreans, — Leewon twirled his hair flirtatiously.
— But you speak Russian well. Local? — a tall brunette covered Leewon’s hand.
— So what? — Leewon winked, watching him smile.
Taekjoo groaned, tossed cash on the table:
— I’m off to the bar.
Two jocks blocked his way.
— Hey, girl, rematch? Just for fun, — one squinted.
Taekjoo’s glare made them flinch:
—“I’ve already made ten grand. Wanna lose your arm? Sit.
Crowds stirred, waiting for the next “battle.”
Meanwhile, Leewon tried to drag Taeui away from hypnotized guys.
— Enough, we’re leaving, — he hissed in Korean. — You’re wasted.
— One more, and I’m done, promise! — Taeui clung to him. — And you’re… the prettiest teacher I’ve seen. Kiss me, sis!
The tall brunette laughed, raising his glass:
— For you, girls!
Shin smoked with three drunk girls draped over him.
— We are definitely getting caught.
And right on cue — four blondes walked in.
Evgeny and Caesar first, chatting, then Ilay and Jake.
Taeui, spotting them, muttered:
— Buy this poor lady a beer!
The crowd cheered as Taekjoo slammed his opponent’s arm down.
Shin came closer and dragged him into the women’s restroom.
— What’s wrong? — Taekjoo asked.
— Just shut up and follow.
Jake’s steps grew closer.
— I hope you won’t hate me for this…— Shin whispered, pinning Taekjoo to the wall. Then, as Jake entered, he kissed him hard.
When Jake entered the bathroom he only saw two girls passionately kissing.
— Are you fucking insane?.. — Taekju muttered.
— I told you — cover.
Taekjoo smirked faintly:
— Convincing cover, I’ll give you that.
Shin blinked.
— What?
— Didn’t say I liked it. But… not against it either.
Shin narrowed his eyes, stepping closer.
— So if Jake hadn’t come, you still wouldn’t have hit me?
Taekjoo pretended to think, then grinned:
— Maybe I would’ve. Maybe not.
Shin cursed, grabbed his chin, and kissed him again. This time Taekjoo didn’t push away — he even pulled him closer.
In the club.
Taeui had a cute boy on his lap, while Leewon barely managed to keep order.
Evgeny and Caesar observed from the bar.
— Doesn’t that girl look just like Leewon? — Evgeny asked.
— So? You think I’ll suddenly turn straight? — Caesar smirked.
— No, just odd that they are watching the film three hours straight at your mansion.
Then Taeui drunkenly shouted in Russian:
— I! Love! All men of Russia! Especially this one! — pointing at the boy.
The crowd roared with laughter. The boy fled.
— I won’t survive this night, — Leewon groaned.
- I won’t survive till the end of this evening,- Leewon muttered through his teeth, glancing around the hall.- Where the hell are Shin and Taekjoo?
- Maybe we should just go over?- Ilay stood up with a smirk, heading toward the table where the guys were sitting.
With just one look, Zhenya made it clear that everyone else had better leave. Even the boy sitting on Taeui’s lap got scared, jumped off, and ran away.
Leewon prayed to every god, trying to hide his face behind his hair.
- Hey there! How are the lovely ladies doing?- Zhenya slid closer to Leewon.
Taeui tried to say something, but Leewon shoved gum into his mouth, silencing him.
- Hi,- Leewon forced a smile, raising his voice, trying to make it softer.
- We’re having a wonderful time.
Zhenya squinted, clearly savoring the situation. He leaned closer, almost touching the “girl’s” face, and with a sly grin said:
- Strange… you speak like Russian is your native tongue. Voice is a bit too rough for a lady…
Leewon nearly choked on air, but then Taeui ripped the gum out and shouted:
- She’s my teacher! Teaches me Russian! Smart as… a dictionary!
Ilay covered his mouth with his hand. Caesar glanced between the “sisters,” clearly suspecting something.
At that moment Shin and Taekjoo finally appeared from around the corner.
- There you are,- Leewon said coldly in Korean, without taking his eyes off Zhenya. - Get this idiot out before he spills everything.
- Idiot?- Zhenya raised an eyebrow, instantly catching the intonation. - Are you talking about that sweet little lady?
- Taeui!..- Leewon panicked, looking for the boy, but he was gone.
"I won’t be caught that easily!” Taeui thought, crawling under the table.
Just as he got out, someone grabbed his skirt. Looking up, he saw Ilay grinning. Ilay wasn’t rushing—he was stroking his butt and waist, tugging the hem of the skirt up and down.
- I’m so fucking sick of pretending to be a chick!- Taekjoo suddenly shouted, throwing his wig on the floor.
The crowd immediately came alive. Someone snorted with laughter, others gasped in shock, and a couple of tipsy girls even clapped.
- Finally!- Taekjoo screamed, smoothing down his hair, his eyes blazing. -At last I can breathe, not choke on this salon crap!
Ilay, still holding Taeui’s skirt, leaned closer, his smile widening:
- Oh, I was wondering why these ‘girls’ had such strong hips… Now I get it.
Taeui finally broke free, jumping up and trying to fix the wig barely clinging to his head.
- Ugh! Screw you!- he shouted, blushing to the tips of his ears. - I was just… it was a loyalty test!
- A loyalty test?- Zhenya burst into laughter, slapping the table. - You’re putting on the best show in Moscow right now!
Leewon covered his face with his palm, feeling the ground give way beneath him.
- Enough, we’re done,- he hissed in Korean. - Either we leave now… or they carry us out.
Shin nodded silently, but Taekjoo, on the contrary, lit up. He stood tall, hands on his hips, glaring defiantly at the blondes:
- So what? You saw us? And? Gonna kill us? Or too scared to admit you were ogling these ‘ladies’ a little too hungrily?
Caesar smirked, slowly rising. His gaze was sharp but not hostile—more like excited.
- No one’s killing anyone,- he adjusted his cufflink and stepped forward. - But since the show’s over… how about a second act?
At that moment Jake smirked and whispered to Ilay:
- Now the game’s getting really interesting.
- What do you mean?- Shin raised an eyebrow.
- We really like your personas. So why not make a deal?- Zhenya whistled, eyeing Taekjoo in the sundress. - Whoever gets to Caesar’s mansion first wins.
- And the prize?- Taekjoo asked.
- Not being fucked by your man all night long,- Ilay added, eyeing Taeui.
They burst out of the club. A taxi was already waiting in the parking lot, but Leewon acted instantly:
- Get in! Quick!
Taeui, tripping on his heels, practically dove into the back seat, followed by Shin and Taekjoo, while Leewon took the front.
- Drive to this address, fast!- he ordered in Russian.
The taxi driver raised an eyebrow, but seeing the wad of cash tossed onto the dashboard, he floored it. Just as the car sped off, Leewon saw in the rearview mirror a black SUV chasing them—Zhenya at the wheel, Ilay beside him.
Taekjoo smirked calmly:
- Now we’re playing by their rules.
He yanked the terrified driver out of the car and, under stunned stares, hit the gas. The taxi roared down the avenue: shop lights flashing, horns blaring, crowds screaming.
The SUV closed in, cutting them off, ramming. The taxi swerved but broke free onto the highway. And then—another SUV.
- They’ve boxed us in…- Shin exhaled hoarsely.
But Taekjoo only grinned wider:
- So, fuckers. You want a race? You’ve got one.
He flung the door open mid-drive.
- Are you insane?!- Shin shouted.
- Relax, I know what I’m doing.
Taekjoo tossed a bomb onto the asphalt. Jake swore.
- Taeui, can you throw a paintball at their windshield?- Taekjoo screamed, handing the wheel to Leewon.
Taeui, still clutching his slipping sundress and broken heel, gaped at the box of paintballs that had magically appeared under the seat.
- Where the hell did you get this, psycho?!
- No questions, just throw!- Taekjoo roared, crawling into the back to cover them.
Leewon gripped the wheel, trembling but focused. The taxi howled like a race car, passing everything in sight.
Behind them came screeching tires and a crash—the bomb exploded, scattering sparks and debris. Jake yanked the wheel, his SUV skidding but holding.
- Shit, that bastard nearly tore off our undercarriage!- Jake yelled.
- Relax,- Zhenya smirked from the second SUV.
Up front, Taeui rolled down the window, squinting with one eye, ready to throw. Then Ilay’s voice rang out:
- Taeui! Don’t you dare get out of that car!
“He’s… worried?”
Red paint splattered across Zhenya and Ilay’s windshield. Their SUV swerved and slammed into the guardrail.
- Hit!- Taeui cheered, almost tumbling out the window.
Shin grabbed his skirt and yanked him back.
- Clumsy, but damn accurate, ha.
Strangely, no more problems appeared on the road, which worried both Taekjoo and Leewon. Taeui simply passed out, and Shin wasn’t too concerned.
Pulling up to the mansion, Taekjoo drew a pistol, tense.
- I don’t like this. Leewon, stay in the car. If anything happens—two grenades and a revolver under the seat.
- And that’s supposed to comfort me?! What if it blows up?!- Leewon nearly screamed.
- You’ll manage.
Taekjoo crept inside. The dim glow of a dying candle greeted him.
Back in the car, the phone rang, making him jump.
- Yes, Caesar?- Leewon muttered, half-praying, half-watching drunk Taeui stir.
“My dear, I see your car. Why haven’t you come in? Don’t you want your prize? Or do role-playing games turn you on, ha-ha?”
- And how do you see my car? Give me exact coordinates,- Leewon slid into the driver’s seat, scanning around.
A heavy knock hit the window. Ilay was trying to smash the passenger side.
- Fuck…- Shin pulled curious Taeui away from the glass.
“The car next door, darling,” Caesar’s hoarse voice answered.
“Better a speeding ticket than a torn ass. Forgive me, Taekjoo,” Leewon thought, slowly hitting the gas.
“Li-Won, you’re not doing anything foolish, are you?” Caesar’s voice cut in again.
- No, of course not. Just something to save me from a horny maniac.
He hung up, flooring it and locking the doors. The taxi roared forward.
Ilay slammed his fist into the glass—it cracked like a spiderweb but held.
- Son of a bitch…- he growled, clinging to the door, nearly climbing onto the hood.
Shin shouted:
- Drive, Ivon, don’t look back!
Half-asleep Taeui blinked at Ilay on the window.
- Uh… what’s he doing here?- he giggled drunkenly.
Then a truck suddenly blocked the road.
- Holy shit! We’re gonna crash!- Leewon screamed, swerving.
The taxi scraped through between the barrier and the truck, sparks flying, mirror ripped off.
Taekjoo ran out of the mansion just in time to see their car racing past. In his hands—a pistol and a small black briefcase.
- Leewon! Plan B’s on!
- What the fuck is Plan B?!- Leewon snapped, panicked.
Taekjoo grinned, opening the case: inside lay gadgets, grenades, strange mini-detonators.
And then Li-Won slammed into the truck.
For a moment, silence. Even Taekjoo shut the case quickly.
At the mansion.
- Leewon, I told you not to do anything stupid,- Caesar scolded, staring at the boy with a bandaged head.
- It’s that maniac’s fault! If he hadn’t started pounding the glass, I wouldn’t have sped!- Leewon snapped, glaring at Ilay, who was holding sleeping Taeui in his arms.
- It was Taeui’s idea in the first place,- Taekjoo added, patting Zhenya’s head.
- But street racing with bombs definitely wasn’t Taeui’s idea,- Shin noted.
Jake smirked, glancing at the exhausted Shin.
- In the end, I think we can all agree,- Caesar began. - Tomorrow everyone stays at the mansion. Tonight—time for sleep. Come, Leewon, I’ll help you take that… thing off.
- No thanks, I’ll manage it myself, - Leewon muttered, curling up.
- What was that, my love?
- Nothing…
And so ended our boys’ adventures in Russia.
Neither Jake nor Zhenya still know that Shin shared a passionate kiss with Taekjoo.
Taeui became the star of that bar, but unfortunately, that mysterious lady will never return.
Nor will the terrifyingly strong woman who defeated all contenders in arm wrestling.
Chapter Text
Taeui, as always, saw Ilay off on another assignment and headed back to bed. Last night Rick seemed to have gone wild and pounced on the defenseless brunette, not letting him go all night.
“Lustful beast…” Taeui swore to himself.
The guy had just wanted to jump onto the huge bed when a beep came from the computer, announcing a new message in the “Blond Victims” group.
Glancing at the monitor, Taeui wearily got up and, with a bit of pain, sat down on the chair, pulling himself closer to the computer.
Leewon, it seemed, was inviting the others to join a call.
Lazily pressing the button, Taeui saw the lawyer’s broad smile.
- Good morning, Taeui!- the brunette said happily.
- Mm, strange, I don’t see a single bottle of alcohol near you. What’s with the early-morning cheerfulness?- Taeui teased, smirking a little.
- Ha-ha, very funny. Hold on, I’ll text Shin and Taekjoo,- Leewon replied sarcastically.
Soon a disheveled Taekjoo joined, and as always, Shin, sitting in the garage.
- I’m always surprised why you’re in the garage at 6 in the morning, Shin,- Taeui snorted.
- If there’s a chance to fix another beauty, then why not?- Shin answered calmly, rattling tools.
- Don’t you break them?- Taekjoo added, yawning.
The mechanic was about to answer when Leewon suddenly shouted:
- Everyone shut up! I have very important news.
- I’m not going to Russia. Again,- Taeui said irritably, leaning back in his chair.
It sounded like Taekjoo snorted in the background, fixing his hair.
- We recently watched an American movie with Caesar…
- Pft, seriously? I thought he’d get jealous of the first actor he saw,- Taekjoo said, squinting.
- Not funny. Anyway, I loved it! I’ve been wanting to watch something… about school days! And American films seem to fit that role best,- Leewon enthused, watching the others’ reactions.
Finally finishing his story, the lawyer exhaled.
- You could’ve just written that in the chat,- Taeui answered indifferently.
- Agreed, I just came back from a fucking mission,- Taekjoo said tiredly.
Shin seemed to have turned off his mic, tinkering with tools.
- You’re all so heartless. Haven’t you ever wanted to feel and take part in that kind of drama?- Leewon didn’t give up.
- I have enough of my own,- Taeui replied sharply, as if remembering something terrible.
- I agree, Leewon. I’m more than sure you have enough drama too.- Taekjoo added.
Shin nodded at the camera, already distracted by his tools again.
- You just ruined my mood,- the lawyer cursed, disconnecting.
Taeui quickly hit the key to exit the call. Only Shin remained, completely forgetting about the meeting. The brunette collapsed into the soft bedding, falling asleep instantly.
Taeui felt someone shaking his shoulders endlessly, someone’s very familiar voice shouting at him.
---
- Taeui, wake up! Does anyone have alcohol?- Leewon asked anxiously.
Finally smelling the sharp scent of alcohol, the brunette fully opened his eyes.
Standing before him were his friends, but… in some very strange form?
Leewon was wearing short denim shorts and a black crop top barely covering his ribs. The boy’s lips looked fuller and pinker, and his eyelashes longer.
Shifting his gaze to Taekjoo, Taeui saw the same changes in his face. At least the guy was wearing jeans and a sweater.
Shin, standing farthest away, looked similar to Leewon. Short denim shorts and some kind of baggy, sickly-pink hoodie.
- What the hell…?- Taeui asked in horror, jumping up as if from a cold sweat.
- Just don’t look at yourself, we don’t have time to revive you again,- Shin said, searching for a cigarette in his shorts pocket.
Five minutes later Taeui finally went to the mirror, examining his “cute” appearance.
- What the fuck is this?!- the brunette yelled, grabbing his face.
- You won’t believe it, I’m asking the exact same question,- Taekjoo sneered. - These fucking jeans are tight…
- You’re the luckiest one here, look at this,- Leewon grimaced, pointing at himself.
- So don’t fuck with me and be happy you don’t look like some cheap hooker,- Taeui snapped, pulling a bow-shaped hair clip from his hair.
- Whoa, calm down, I think someone’s coming,- Shin warned, running first into an empty bathroom stall.
- Wait! Hold on!- Taeui rushed after him, discovering there were only two spots. - Sorry, guys…
Taekjoo sprinted to the next stall, slipping inside quickly. Leewon squeezed himself in next to the mulatto.
Three blond guys entered the bathroom, one of them platinum-blond.
Rick — one of the infamous trio — took out a cigarette and lit it, leaning against the wall.
Evgeniy — an exchange student — walked slowly toward a stall, humming some childish melody.
Caesar — the leader of the trio, nicknamed “Tsar” — followed Rick’s example, lighting up.
It seemed the ventilation in the room wasn’t working well, smoke filled the space, leaving no room to breathe.
Leewon coughed, drawing the attention of Caesar and Zhenya, Ilai seemingly not noticing anything around him.
-mHey, if it’s so hard to breathe, you can step out,- Zhenya joked lightly.
Caesar shot him a questioning look.
- We’re already suspended from classes, I’m bored,- he shrugged, smirking.
Leewon and Taekjoo froze in shock.
- That voice…- Leewon whispered.
- Shut up,- Taekjoo hissed, trying not to make a sound.
- Come on, it pains me to know another student here is ruining his lungs with tobacco,- the blond knocked on the stall that had made noise a minute ago.
Looking down at the floor, Taeui saw the speaker’s shoes.
“Crocodile leather sneakers…?”- a chuckle slipped from his throat before he realized.
Shin lowered his head, accepting his defeat.
- Someone’s having fun?- Zhenya asked in surprise, moving to the next stall. - Come on, share. My mood is shit today, for fuck’s sake.
Even though Taeui tried with all his might to shut his mouth and not make a single sound, that last sentence broke him completely, making him burst out laughing. Leaning on the stall door, he didn’t notice pulling the handle and fell out into the open.
Above him stood that blond. Throwing his head back, he saw Ilay — who seemed quite intrigued.
Taeui had been with this psycho for 10 years, even though in this dream they were strangers, he knew Rick’s habits down to the smallest details.
Taeui froze, still lying on the cold floor like a fish washed ashore. His head pounded, his heart raced — not from fear, more from his brain trying to reconcile two completely incompatible facts:
1. He was in a school uniform that looked like the outfit of a cheap blogger.
2. His own boyfriend was standing over him… who didn’t know him…and who looked like he was about to either laugh or kill.
- …You?- Rick drawled, narrowing his eyes. His voice sounded lazy and curious at the same time. - You caused all that noise. Wow.
- Rick, look at this sweetness — wasn’t this the one Stacy had pinned against the lockers today?- Zhenya almost sang.
Shin stood completely still, trying not to attract attention.
- What fucking Stacy,- Taekjoo blurted out, flinging open his stall door.
Seeing his boyfriend but in a more “American-style” version, Taekjoo couldn’t hold back a snort.
Leewon tried to blend into the wall, but the mulatto quickly grabbed him by the edge of his top, dragging him out.
- You wanted drama so much — now deal with it yourself,- Taekjoo said irritably, pushing the fascinated blond aside and approaching Taeui.
- Get up,- he hissed. - You look like a fucking Christmas present.
Taeui wanted to snap back, but his tongue twisted — either from shock, or shame, or from how intensely Rick was studying his face.
- Well, well…-the blond drawled, baring his teeth in a predatory grin. - A whole company.
- Dude, if I were you, I wouldn’t show up in crowded places.
Zhenya raised a brow in surprise, still smiling.
- Under what circumstances do you wear crocodile leather sneakers? No sense of style, or do you have so much money you have to buy that crap?- the mulatto mocked, setting his fallen friend on his feet.
- Huh?..- was all the owner of the sneakers could manage.
Ilay snorted, covering his mouth with his hand, but still not looking away from the “sweet” Korean.
Seeing how he intentionally avoided his gaze, Rick grew even more interested in the new guest.