~[Chapter 7] picking pieces~
Morning came too quickly.
Alex hadn't slept. Every time he closed his eyes, images from the incident came flashing back.
By 6 AM, he gave up trying.
He showered, dressed in a sharp charcoal suit, and headed downstairs. The house was already buzzing with activity—new security measures being installed, guards at every entrance, Mr. Max coordinating everything with his usual efficiency.
Moon was waiting in the foyer, looking impossibly put-together despite wearing yesterday's clothes. His shirt was pressed, tie straight, not a hair out of place.
"Good morning sir,"
Moon said with that easy smile.
Alex studied him for a moment.
"You need to change. We can't have you going to the office looking like that."
"I can go home quickly and meet you at th_,
"No."
Alex's tone was firm.
"You're driving me. We'll stop at your place first. You can change there."
Moon blinked.
"It's fine sir, I can just—"
"Don't make me repeat myself,"
Alex said sternly. He had no idea where Moon lived. And that was the whole point.
Moon hesitated, and Alex could see him calculating. Weighing his options.
"Okay, sir," Moon said finally.
The drive was quiet. Moon navigated through the morning traffic with practiced ease. Alex watched the neighborhoods change as they drove, from the wealthy estates to middle, class areas, then to something decidedly less polished.
They pulled up to a narrow apartment building in a crowded part of the city. The paint was peeling. The security gate hung crooked. Laundry lines stretched between windows.
Moon parked and unbuckled his seatbelt.
"I'll just take a few minutes."
"Lead the way," Alex said.
Moon turned to look at him.
"Sir—"
Alex cut him off with a sharp look, signaling him to be quiet and lead the way.
Another hesitation. Then Moon nodded.
"It's in the fourth floor."
They climbed the narrow stairwell, the elevator had an
"Out of Order"
sign taped to it. The hallway smelled like old cooking oil and mildew. Doors were crammed close together, cheap locks visible on each one.
Moon stopped at 4C and unlocked the door.
The apartment was tiny. One room that served as bedroom, living room, and kitchen combined. A separate bathroom that Alex could see through a half-open door. The furniture was minimal, a bed. A small table. Two chairs, a hot plate. Clean, but sparse. Almost empty.
Alex stood in the doorway, taking it all in.
This was where Moon lived?
"It's not much,"
Moon said, already moving to a small closet.
"But it's affordable. I'll just grab some clothes an—"
"Pack your things,"
Alex cut in. Moon stopped. Turned around.
"What?"
"Pack your things. You're moving into the mansion."
"I—No—No, I can't—"
"You're my assistant. You'll be working closely with me, sometimes late hours. It makes sense for you to stay on the property."
Alex's voice was matter-of-fact. Cold.
"There are plenty of rooms. You'll have your own space."
Moon stared at him.
"That's really not necessar—"
"It wasn't a suggestion." Alex cut in, meeting moons eyes.
"After last night, security is now a priority. I need people I can... rely on close by. You proved you can handle yourself. So pack your things."
The real reason hung unspoken between them, Alex wanted Moon where he could watch him. Where he could figure out what he was up to.
Moon was quiet for a long moment. Alex could see the conflict playing out behind his eyes.
Then something shifted. Moon's expression smoothed into acceptance.
"Alright,"
he said slowly
Moon nodded and turned to his closet.
"Give me a few minutes."
Twenty minutes later, Moon had packed two suitcases and a duffel bag. Everything he owned, apparently. It wasn't much.
He loaded it into the car and they drove to the office.
The Lee Pharmaceuticals building loomed ahead, glass and steel against the morning sky. The streets were clear today, no protesters in sight.
They parked in the underground garage and took the private elevator up.
Mr. Max was waiting in Alex's office with files and a tablet.
"Good morning, young master. Mr. Kim."
He glanced at Moon briefly, then turned his attention to Alex.
"I've prepared the reports you requested and organized your schedule for the week."
Alex moved to his desk and sat down.
Mr. Max set the tablet down carefully.
"Young master, I wanted to inform you of a change in my duties."
Alex looked up.
"With Mr. Kim now serving as your assistant, I'll be stepping back from my role in that capacity,"
Mr. Max said, his tone professional and measured.
"I'll continue managing the household and estate security, but I believe it's best if Mr. Kim handles your daily office needs and scheduling."
He paused, then added,
"Additionally, your father has requested my assistance with his campaign. Between that and the estate, I'll be occupied. But I'll remain available should you need anything."
Alex studied him for a moment. Mr. Max's expression was calm. Composed.
He sighed.
"Okay. Hand over everything you know he'll need. And have his office moved closer to mine."
He paused.
"Also, Moon will be staying at the mansion from now on. One of the guest suites. Please have it prepared."
"Of course, young master"
Mr. Max's voice was perfectly professional.
"Shall I have his things taken to the east wing?"
"Yes. And make sure he has access to the necessary areas."
Mr. Max nodded. His eyes flicked to Moon again, assessing.
"Very well. I'll make the arrangements."
"Thank you. That will be all."
"Of course. If you'll excuse me."
Mr. Max bowed slightly, his gaze flickering to Moon once more before he left.
The door closed behind him.
Moon stood near the side of the desk, hands folded in front of him, posture perfect. Professional. Waiting.
Alex pulled up files on his computer, ignoring Moon for a moment.
"Your schedule for today, sir?"
Moon asked quietly, picking up the tablet Mr. Max had left.
"Board meeting at ten. What else?"
"Lunch with investors at one. Legal team briefing at three."
"Cancel the lunch."
"Yes, sir."
Moon made a note on the tablet.
"What reason should I provide?"
"Tell them I'm unavailable. Reschedule for next week."
"Understood."
Moon continued scanning the schedule.
"You also have a call scheduled with the distribution partners at four. Should I keep that?"
"Move it to tomorrow morning. Nine AM."
"Yes, sir."
Alex continued working, pulling up financial reports. Moon stood quietly, waiting for further instructions, eyes on the tablet.
After a moment, Alex spoke without looking up.
"I want you to look into Park Ji-hoon. Discreetly."
Moon's fingers paused briefly on the tablet, then continued.
"The missing employee?"
"Yes. Where he worked, what projects he was on, who he reported to. Everything."
"How detailed should the report be?"
"Thorough. I want to know what he was doing before he disappeared and who he was in contact with, begin today."
Moon made notes.
"Anything else?"
"Start with personnel files. Then move to his work records. If you need access, coordinate with IT."
"Understood, sir."
Alex finally looked up. Moon's expression was attentive, professional.
"Your duties start immediately. I expect you available whenever I need you. Morning, evening, weekends if necessary."
"I understand."
Alex held his gaze for a moment, searching for any hint of resistance or attitude. But Moon simply looked back, patient and compliant.
"That's all for now. Get started on the Park Ji-hoon report."
"Okay, sir."
Moon bowed slightly and headed for the door.
Alone in his office, Alex stared at the screen.
Moon will now be living under his roof. Close enough to watch. Alex's jaw tightened.
He'd figure out the truth. About Moon. About his father. About everything.
Whatever it took.
______
The office closed early that evening.
It was officially for "security reassessment," but Alex knew the truth. Too many eyes. Too much tension. Too many unanswered questions hanging over the building.
By the time they returned to the estate, the sky was already getting dark. Alex
Ate very little, took a cold shower. He slipped into his pajamas and retreated to his bed.
Sleep refused to come.
After about an hour of restlessness, he gave up. He slipped on his shoes and headed outside, jogging along the paved paths that wound through the estate grounds. The air was cool, sharp against his lungs. The rhythmic sound of his footsteps helped—just a little.
He ran until his muscles burned.
On the way back, slowing to a walk, he noticed a light near the far edge of the property—by the old garden wall. Someone stood there, half-hidden by the trees.
Moon.
He had his back turned, phone pressed to his ear, voice low.
Alex slowed, instinctively quieting his steps.
"...I've assessed the situation,"
Moon was saying. Calm. Controlled.
"Yes. I think he's moved out of the mansion for now, probably because of the campaigns."
Alex stopped behind a tree, heart beginning to thud.
Moon paced once, hand gesturing slightly as he spoke.
"There were attackers. Unplanned variables. But I handled it."
A pause.
"Yes. A Mr Park Ji-hoon is missing. Officially unresolved."
Another pause, longer this time.
"I've moved into his residence. Under his directive."
Alex's breath caught.
Moon stopped walking.
"I'll continue observing. He's suspicious, but not fully aware."
The voice on the other end said something Alex couldn't hear.
Moon exhaled softly.
"I understand. I'll report any changes."
"Understood sir. I won't."
The call ended.
Moon stood there for a moment, staring at the dark screen of his phone. Then he slipped it into his pocket.
And turned around.
Straight into Alex's line of sight.
Their eyes met.
And Moon froze.