Chapter 25: POWER IMBALANCE

IT’S ANNOYING how this hyung had a glow up, even though he didn’t need it in the first place. Garam was pissed, but he needed energy to stay mad at Song Sihyuk. Hence, he stuffed his face first with the delicious Korean dishes on the table. However, he had to admit that he kept stealing glances from his contract husband. Song Sihyuk wasn’t eating— he was busy reading emails and answering calls. In short, the Alpha was busy working. At least, Hyung took off his coat and jacket. Hence, Garam had the chance to admire Song Sihyuk’s forearms that got exposed after rolling the sleeves of his white dress shirt up to his elbows. Did Sihyuk Hyung get bigger? He did, didn’t he? It was annoying to see that Song Sihyuk, who was already built like a fridge five years ago, had bulked up. Tsk. "My precious little wife—" "Stop calling me ’little,’ will you?" Garam snapped at Song Sihyuk. "I’m doing my best to bulk up, okay?" "Huh? Why would you want to bulk up?" Song Sihyuk asked with furrowed brows while putting his phone down on the table. "I like your body as it is. I can’t imagine you having the same build as me. No, scratch that— I don’t want it." "So what? I don’t want this twink body and only my opinion matters to me." "’Twink?’ What does it mean?" "Our country is known for having a fast internet connection— look it up. Or are you inept with technology because you’re old?" Song Sihyuk raised an eyebrow, looking amused instead of annoyed. "Garam-ah, you’ve always been a brat. But what got your panties in a twist right now? We haven’t seen each other for five years, and you’re giving me this attitude?" "Are you really asking me that, Hyung? Wait, you’re lucky I’m still calling you ’hyung’ after what you’ve done," Garam complained bitterly. "You ghosted me four years ago." "Oh, I know what ghosting means because I’m not that old," Song Sihyuk said smugly. "Garam-ah, I didn’t ghost you. I sent you your allowance and supply of miracle pills on time, paid your bills regularly, and even sent you gifts not only during special occasions, but also whenever I felt like giving you a present." Tsk. Garam couldn’t deny it because everything Song Sihyuk said was true. Plus, Jung Han-ssi would also call twice a month to check on me. "Moreover, the immediate success of your little idol group..." Song Sihyuk smirked arrogantly. "That’s the biggest proof of my love for you." Garam frowned, his pride was hurt a bit. "I know that we wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for your support, Hyung. But my group also worked hard." "Everyone in your industry works hard, Lim Garam. But not everyone is given the opportunities that were handed to you," Song Sihyuk said sternly. "Award-winning producers, unlimited budget for your activities, a competent team solely focused on your group, a fancy dormitory for you and your members to live in comfortably, a team manager and a bodyguard who are the best in their fields, a CEO who prioritizes your well-being over profits, and brand deals that I handpicked for you..." Oh. Garam suddenly started to shrink in his seat. I know that my group is privileged, but I took pride in the fact that we never lost our passion despite the opportunities that were handed to us. In fact, I even believed that we still would have reached the top even without Sihyuk Hyung’s support. But, now, he felt silly for thinking that. The more Song Sihyuk talked, the smaller Garam felt. "And the bullying scandal that your leader got involved in before he enlisted?" Song Sihyuk added as a ’final touch.’ "Who do you think cleaned up after that mess?" "Hanseo Hyung was innocent— he was just framed as the bully even though he was the victim," Garam said defensively. "He was already proven innocent before he enlisted. But he chose to enter the military because he didn’t want his past issue to affect the group." "That’s true, but why do you think the issue didn’t blow up? You’re one of the top groups, Garam-ah. The reporters should have had a field day tearing you apart. But the issue died down almost immediately. Don’t you find it suspicious?" Not really. After all, at the time, Garam was just relieved that the issue didn’t get big since Gong Hanseo’s innocence was proven immediately. But to think that Sihyuk Hyung helped us in the background... Haaah. "Are you reminding me of what I owe you, Hyung?" "Of course not. You don’t owe me anything because I’m only keeping my end of the bargain," Song Sihyuk said, smiling as if he were innocent. "I apologize if I made you feel like you were being an ungrateful brat, Garam-ah." Of course, Garam didn’t miss the sarcasm in the Alpha’s tone. He knows what he’s doing. "Hyung, I know we have a contract. On the surface, it seems like I’m the only one gaining something from our agreement," Garam said, clenching his hands tight. "But can’t you see the power imbalance between us?" "It’s not my fault I was born richer and older than you." "But you exploited that." "Not my problem." Haaah. Hyung is still a scumbag after all these years. "Are you done throwing a tantrum, Garam-ah?" "You humbled me so bad, Hyung." Song Sihyuk laughed heartily. "Let’s stop fighting, okay? I know why you’re upset, and I can explain why I ’half-ghosted’ you. But first..." The Alpha opened his arms while giving Garam a cheeky yet attractive smile. "Give me a hug, Garam-ah." How bossy. "No," Garam said, avoiding Song Sihyuk’s gaze to focus on the food in front of him. "I’m gonna finish all of this first." "See?" Song Sihyuk raised an eyebrow. "The power imbalance you’re talking about doesn’t really matter when you have me wrapped around your pretty finger, brat." *** Please ADD <SECRETLY MARRIED TO A CHAEBOL ALPHA> to your LIBRARY to be notified when an update is posted. Thank you! :>