Vol 7 Ch 13

“Master Gambler Joo~”

Haa. Hawon let out a long sigh. Oh Woosung, that bastard, was grinning like an idiot while mocking him. Somehow he had heard about the card game with Aeil Kwon, and for days now he had been calling him that nonsense.

“Thanks to you, Master Gambler Joo, I’ve gotten to come to Jeju. This lowly one is truly humbled.”

He was the same as ever, the one who had once been punished by a white bodyguard for his insolence. In front of Taeha, he acted like a mute fool, but around Hawon he was all smirks and insolence. He plunked down a non-alcoholic cocktail onto the outdoor poolside table.

For summer vacation, Hawon and Taeha had come to Jeju and stayed at a luxury hotel for several days, while the bodyguards enjoyed their own breaks. During that time, Woosung busied himself poking at Hawon whenever Taeha wasn’t around. When Hawon didn’t respond, Woosung grumbled.

“Man, you’ve got it so good. Fuck. Found yourself the right lover and your life’s turned into the Silk Road.”

“Guess you’re aiming to be unemployed then?”

“Of course not. Who’d ever want that? Even a rat’s tail of a salary is better than nothing. Not like I’ve got some rich lover who keeps money pouring out for me while I sit around like Master Gambler Joo.”

“Let me ask you one thing.”

“Ask a thousand if you like.”

“Why did you hate me so much?”

“Guess I knew it would turn out like this. This hotel’s got a casino too, you know. You should show off those gambling instincts of yours.”

But then Woosung suddenly shut his flapping mouth. Even without looking, Hawon knew why.

“I’ll get another drink for you.”

Sure enough, it was Taeha. He took a sip of the cocktail left on the table. With the palm trees by the pool behind him, Taeha, dressed casually for once, looked more relaxed than usual. Hawon only clicked his tongue at Woosung, who had instantly changed his tone.

Taeha beckoned to him, where he was sitting hunched toward the pool. A command to get up.

“Let’s head out.”

He checked his watch.

“To where?”

“We’re going to Jeju Harbor.”

Hawon tilted his head.

“You said you wanted to see the sea.”

The sea stretched out just behind the hotel as well, though he hadn’t gone down there yet.

Oh Woosung hurriedly returned from the outdoor bar with a cocktail in hand.

“Pack your things and head back to Macau.”

“What? Really?”

Oh Woosung’s face lit up.

“Wait until further instructions.”

Just as quickly, his expression fell. Leaving him standing there blankly with his cocktail, the two began to walk away from the pool.

Kwon Taeha bent slightly, bringing his lips close to Joo Hawon’s ear.

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

Joo Hawon brushed the shell of his ear with his hand, tickled by the warm breath.

“About what?”

“Don’t play dumb, Master Joo.”

Joo Hawon gave a faint laugh, saying he had more or less expected it. That brat Oh Woosung must have gone running to tattletale. Even if it hadn’t been him, there were plenty of eyes reporting on his every move. It was only a matter of time before Taeha found out.

“I didn’t tell you because I thought things might get ugly.”

“You thought I’d lose my temper just because you met with that bastard Aeil?”

“You seem angry even now.”

Jeju’s breeze was less humid than Macau’s, and the weather was less fickle. Under the dazzlingly clear sun, Taeha’s eyes seemed even bluer, with barely a trace of gray left.

“It wasn’t in private, it was a public meeting. What choice did you have.”

In other words, the problem was that he worked as a dealer at all.

“I was planning to quit being a dealer anyway.”

“That’s the best thing I’ve heard in a while.”

He looked genuinely pleased. It seemed he still didn’t realize Hawon had said it to ease things for him.

The two strolled leisurely through the lobby toward the waiting sedan.

If Macau’s resorts were all about dazzling lights and lavish leisure facilities, the hotel in Jeju radiated a relaxed atmosphere befitting a true getaway. It wasn’t complicated, nor overly vast, and the staff—free from corporate stiffness—were warm and welcoming.

Wagner, still dressed in a suit, opened the sedan’s back door. He too had planned to spend his summer holiday in Jeju, but work still came first. Only after dropping them off at their destination could Wagner finally relax.

Seated side by side in the back, it was Hawon who spoke first.

“Why are we going to Jeju Port?”

“To fish.”

The words made Hawon laugh. He couldn’t help imagining Taeha idly sitting on a breakwater, tilting a fishing rod like some carefree drifter.

“It’s nice to have this kind of leisure.”

Rolling down the sedan window, Hawon let the breeze wash over him. His hair whipped wildly, carrying with it a faint trace of Taeha’s cologne. Subtle yet distinct on every person, the scent suited Hawon’s own body chemistry well.

“This is the first time I’ve ever been this free.”

“I can almost hear Kwon Jaehee grumbling from here.”

“What can I do. That’s the fate of a CEO.”

“CEO…”

Taeha opened a bottle of Halla Mountain spring water and handed it to Hawon. He shook his head.

“Don’t you need to keep at it, though?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Originally STA was supposed to—”

The wind picked up, and Hawon broke off mid-sentence.

“And you, you erased all of WikiLeaks. Are you really fine with that?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“To me, that’s exactly what it means. I have no lingering attachment to the title of CEO. The world already knows who the true owner is.”

“Only the people close to you know.”

“You’re the one who said all you want is money.”

So petty…

Looking at Taeha’s mischievous grin, Hawon muttered inwardly.

  ***

The sedan pulled into Jeju Port International Ferry Terminal and began speeding along the long bridge. Beyond the bridge that touched the sea, container ships were visible, and the entry-exit security system was tight. With its approved license plate, the sedan crossed without issue.

At the far end of the harbor, where modest ferries were docked, a massive cruise ship painted entirely in white came into view.

[Elizabeth ~ killer whale]

The step-like structure bore its logo across the eighth-floor bridge. The closer they drew, the busier the surroundings became.

The sedan stopped at the entrance to the VIP gangway. Though smaller than the Max, this was an upgraded cruise class—a super-yacht enlarged to scale. The wealthy had recently begun favoring cruises with fewer passengers, and this “celebrity line” catered to that taste. Wagner and the driver got out first and opened both rear doors. Emerging from opposite sides, the two met again and faced the gangway, covered in a blue carpet.

“Don’t tell me this is the fishing spot?”

“Who said anything about catching fish.”

Taeha took Hawon’s hand.

“Safe travels.”

For once, Wagner spoke flawless Korean. His fierce face radiated confidence, as if he had rehearsed this single line.

The VIP gangway led in a straight line to the stern fountain, where a water show was underway in honor of the maiden voyage. Water danced and shimmered to the familiar strains of opera. The Elizabeth’s guest rooms were all balcony suites, complete with a casino, and even an indoor arboretum called the Oasis Hall.

Drinks, alcohol, and meals were all inclusive, as were excursions at each port of call. Naturally, the price was several times that of the Max, but the first six months of voyages were already fully booked. Reporters snapped away furiously before departure, though thankfully, unlike in Macau, no gossip journalists hounded the two of them.

“Killer whale… that’s such a strange name for a cruise company.”

Taeha’s expression turned odd.

“What’s strange about it.”

From the elevator landing, they could see the ship’s interior: an oval-shaped structure hollow in the center, lined with continuous rows of balconies. The penthouse suites were at the very top and at the prow of the vessel.

“It’s the apex predator of the sea. Even great white sharks can’t match it.”

He tossed out the words as they stepped onto the penthouse floor. Hawon suddenly found him adorable—like a boy watching two beetles of different species battle it out.

“That’s not what I meant. Why name a shipping company after a predator?”

“To devour those who think they’re the real predators.”

“You’re awfully certain of yourself.”

“I should be. I named it.”

Taeha squeezed his hand tight. Before Hawon could react, the penthouse’s glass doors slid open. Before them lay a garden planted with trees and flowers, and beyond that, an endless view of the sea. The private pool was large enough for thirty people, perfect for families. Bedrooms and living spaces alike were open-plan, separated only by marble walls.

Hawon gazed blankly at the penthouse and spoke.

“This is truly…”

Taeha waited eagerly for his next words.

“A waste of money.”

As expected, he never failed to deliver.

 ***

The head butler in charge of the penthouse service was Korean.

Fluent in five languages, the middle-aged man carried a constant, comforting smile. He was someone Taeha had already known—a talent he had personally scouted from Royal Caribbean.

More accustomed to a tailcoat than ordinary clothes, the butler shared in the excitement of Elizabeth’s maiden voyage. Serving none other than Taeha Kwon made his chest swell with pride.

It was customary for the ship’s owner to be aboard the first voyage, but he had never truly believed Taeha would come. That Taeha was the true owner of Killer Whale was only recently known to a select few. Back when he was scouted, the CEO’s identity had still been shrouded in mystery.

His decision to change jobs had been simple: he wanted to choose for himself the cruise ship he would dedicate his life to. He had watched this vessel being built and longed for the day it would finally set sail. With every suite surpassing the standards of a seven-star hotel, he felt unmatched pride in Elizabeth.

“At least, until that pretty-faced man showed up saying he came here to fish.”

But skilled as he was at hospitality, the butler betrayed no agitation. As he poured a Château Palmer 1961, Taeha gave a short reply.

“Thank you.”

“Mr. Joo, this is truly the perfect wine for a maiden voyage.”

“Oh, I’m fine. Just beer for me.”

The crisp pop of the beer being opened made the butler flinch. Beer, of all things—a vulgar drink if ever there was one.

“See, the sea at sunset is… what was it you said?”

Kwon Taeha sipped his wine as if the movie itself held no interest for him. The movable sofa was placed facing the wide window that opened to the sea. Joo Hawon sat upright, while Taeha, unusually, leaned back against the cushions.

“The sun hasn’t set yet.”

The maiden voyage was meant to begin at sunset.

“You said you wanted to see the sea.”

“When the sun sinks and melts into the ocean like a fireball, it’s a magnificent sight. The only light left is the flame inside your heart, like a candle.”

Joo Hawon spoke as if urging Taeha to listen carefully. The butler standing behind the sofa nodded in recognition. Ah, what a fine line. It was from Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, a film that had also left an impression on him.

“What’s so good about such a depressing movie?”

“You wouldn’t understand.”

“I wish I could open your head and take a look inside.”

Yet his hand, as it brushed through Hawon’s hair, was gentle.

The sun that had floated above the horizon was slowly drawing closer to the surface. Hawon rose from the sofa and approached the window. He stood where sky and sea seemed closest. The water, foaming in the distance, was clear, nothing like the murky, suffocating waters of Macau that hid who-knew-what below.

What he was looking at now was not the sea he had once loathed, nor the sea a teenage boy had once wanted to end his life in.

Taeha wrapped his arms around him from behind. From his slacks pocket, he pulled out something and fastened it around Hawon’s wrist.

Beneath a transparent glass case, the movement ticked steadily. On the golden frame of the watch were engraved the initials KJ. The hands did not match the current time.

“Just like you said.”

He fastened the watch and looked out at the sea dyed with the sunset.

“It really is magnificent.”

The deep, resonant sound of Elizabeth’s horn announcing its maiden voyage echoed far and wide. The cruise ship, breaking through the waves, looked as if it would soon touch that glowing fireball melting into the ocean.

Hawon’s eyes stung.

I love you so much. I have no idea why I can love you this much. But maybe when we get closer to that fireball, I’ll understand. Perhaps when it comes time to knock on heaven’s door, I truly will.

“You turned out to like formality more than I thought.”

Hawon’s voice was damp.

“Nothing is more important than formality.”

Feigning ignorance, Taeha pressed his face to Hawon’s nape.

“And from now on, pressing this button will summon a nurse right away.”

At the center of the watch was a small button. He tapped it lightly.

“Wear it even at home. Don’t get any sicker.”

“I won’t die that easily.”

“Still.”

Watching them from behind, the butler nearly burst into tears.

Ah, so that was it. Now he understood. Ceo  Kwon’s lover was a tragic soul like Martin or Rudy, living on borrowed time. Beauty doomed to fade. The butler rubbed his nose with a gloved hand for no reason at all.

“Eddy.”

The butler quickly composed his reddened eyes.

“Yes.”

“The cards we talked about.”

“They’re ready.”

The butler drew a deck of poker cards from his tailcoat. Turning, Hawon fluttered his long lashes once. Taeha took the cards and held them out to him.

“Pick one.”

“…Why?”

“Let’s make a bet. It’s been a while.”

“What kind of bet?”

“Whoever draws the highest card, the other has to do what he says.”

“And what if you ask for something unreasonable?”

“That sounds like you’re certain I’ll win. Aren’t you supposed to be the master gambler?”

“If I win, will you really do whatever I ask?”

The side profiles of the two men facing each other were steeped in the deep hues of sunset.

“Not whatever.”

Hawon glanced at the time on his wristwatch before answering.

“Let’s do it.”

“Who goes first?”

“Hard to say.”

“Then, Joo Hawon first.”

Hawon did not yield, not even out of politeness. He slipped out the center card from the deck in Taeha’s hand.

“Your turn.”

He tucked his card into his back pocket and took the rest of the deck from Taeha.

Taeha too drew a card from the center. Hawon set the deck on the sofa and pulled out the card he had stowed.

Both cards lay face down.

“Since there’s no bell, should we flip them over on the count of three?”

“Shall we?”

Mimicking Taeha’s teasing tone, Hawon gave no pause. “One, two, three.” They flipped their cards at the same instant.

Taeha chuckled as if it were impossible.

He believed luck was innate. He had always been fortunate, but ever since surviving the worst of circumstances, it had turned into flawless fortune. Yet now that same fate applied to Hawon as well. Both of them had survived desperate gambles that others could never imagine. They were the same breed.

“CEO Kwon, Ace of Diamonds. Joo Hawon, Joker.”

Hawon announced the result just as he would have as a dealer.

“Joo Hawon, Joker over Diamond…”

Taeha knit his brows slightly, then curved his lips into a smile of defeat.

“Upgrading to King.”

The card just below Ace. K.

That was Hawon’s reply. A sufficient one. For Taeha, it was the perfect gate of heaven.

He pulled Hawon tight by the waist and tossed the cards aside. At that moment, the butler bowed and quietly exited the penthouse.

Simultaneously, Taeha tugged down the buttons of Hawon’s Chinese-collar shirt.

Hawon too flicked open Taeha’s shirt. Before they had even fully stripped, their bodies tangled together. Taeha’s tongue traced down from his nape.

“Did you know what I wanted when you lost?”

Hawon laid his hands on Taeha’s shoulders and pressed his lips to his forehead. It was the same kiss Taeha always gave him.

“Come with me. To Germany.” He whispered against his lips. Taeha embraced his smooth body.

The truth was, it had already been decided, even without words.

Hawon clung to his shoulders.

The watch on his wrist ticked to the same time as Frankfurt.