Part 12 - The Gamble

As you left Hyunjin's room on shaky knees - he'd racked up some impressive numbers in his earlier endeavor - he held you in the doorway, seemingly unwilling to give up kissing you to get ready for practice. Nervous about being out in the open with him, you pulled away (it was so hard to do). "Still on for tonight?" he asked, reaching out and tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear. 

You nodded. "Let's eat the hell out of some lasagna," you said solemnly, cracking him up. Both of you looked up as Lee Know came out of his room next door, and you gently pushed Hyunjin back into his room and pulled the door shut, ignoring his protests.

Lee Know just gave you a knowing smile and walked toward you, his hands held out. You hesitantly gave him your hands, and he leaned in to kiss your cheek. "I see you've been on our artist's palette," he smirked. 

You shook your head, brows knitted. "I don't know what you're talking about," you said innocently. 

Lee Know looked at you like you were dense and tapped the wall next to your head. "Thin." You blushed. He cocked his head. "I'm interested to see how the rest of your adventures go." He pulled you in, bringing his lips close to your ear. "You can always come back for seconds, you know." With that he dropped your hands and sauntered down the hall to the elevator. "See you soon," he tossed over his shoulder nonchalantly.

You rolled your eyes but the thought didn't disgust you.

In your room, you lounged in front of the tv until you heard the rest of the group leave, then you ran down to the snack machine and bought some cookies. You knew you should probably go take pictures at practice, but you really just needed to eat some carbs, stretch and relax. Even with Hyunjin's chest as a pillow, sleeping on the floor (and fucking on the floor, and fucking in general, lately) left you achy. You also had a lot of work to catch up on, and the concert was tomorrow night, so you needed to get your act together. You resolved to spend the night by yourself, sure that you could stuff Hyunjin so full of lasagna that he wouldn't even be interested in sex.

In the morning, you woke up in your destroyed bed with Hyunjin's head on your stomach, sleeping like a child. Well, that didn't work, you thought with a sigh.

He'd been particularly energetic, in fact; tossing you around the bed like a doll, keeping you skewered on his dick for hours. And always kissing... your lips felt raw but you wouldn't trade it for anything. That was some world class kissing. And Hyunjin was really good in bed; technically the best you'd ever had. But you kept hearing Chan's voice in your head, and knew you needed to back off for a little while or things might get too serious, either with Hyunjin's feelings, yours (most likely), or someone else's. It was fine with you, really - you knew any kind of romantic relationship with these men would only end in heartbreak.

Not only that, but the longer you thought about it, the more you believed that this was an opportunity not to be missed. If you were there to sooth and comfort these insanely talented men, you felt like it was your duty to the world to make sure you did that job well. All the better that the duty involved you getting laid. You knew the guys shared everything, and you had rationalized being able to take them all on - the ones who wanted to, anyway. The tour was long, however, and just getting started.

You rode in the bus with the guys to the show that night, blushing furiously as Hyunjin demonstrated your 8th grade talent show dance, earning much laughter and exclamations of "cuuuute!" from the peanut gallery. You sunk down in your seat, glaring daggers at him, but the damage was done. From then on, you would be pestered to show them your dance. It felt like you were really becoming part of the group, much to your chagrin. Just another bond to break when the tour was over. This thought made you melancholy, and many of the pictures you took that night were dark and almost sad.

Han, looking up at the evening sky as he stood out on the loading ramp, his long, elegant neck making you want to kiss it.

Minho, looking up from his phone with an evil sideways stare from below his lashes.

Chan, in full makeup and stunning, looking at his computer backstage - obviously exhausted before the show even began.

The quickly hidden look of hurt across Changbin's handsome face, as he was trying to help by holding I.N's smoothie for him, but I.N giving it to Seungmin instead with a mistrusting glare.

Delicate, beautiful Felix looking wistfully out the window of the bus on the way home, still in show makeup.

And of course Hyunjin, looking up at you from where he lay with his head in your lap, his expression calm and sweet. For some reason, this one was the saddest to you. You set your camera aside and played with his hair. He'd come to you after the show and you couldn't resist him, letting him in your room and body. "You shouldn't stay here again tonight, you know," you said, but he just smiled a quirky little smile and snuggled his face into your hand, kissing your palm.

"I'll go if you want me to. Do you want me to?"

"No. But I also don't want to make Chan mad again."

Hyunjin rolled out of your lap at that, and propped up on his elbows, the look on his face one of concern - and intense interest. "I don't know the whole story, but I know you have had a... rough time with him so far." His eyes were on your blushing face. "I don't want to get you in trouble, but I don't really understand what he was so angry about."

"I believe the man doesn't like being disobeyed," you commented dryly.

Hyunjin shrugged. "Maybe he just likes punishing you," he said with a wink. "I can see the appeal."

Your pussy twitched. "Fuck you, Hyunjin."

"You just did," he said, pretending to be exasperated. "Are you ready again? Already?" He grabbed you and rolled you over on the bed so he was on top of you. Fuck, you thought as he brought his mouth to yours.

The next few days were filled to the brim with travel, press, shows and fan signs. The group performed in two more cities, and everyone was so busy that you barely saw anyone other than at the shows, and then mostly through your viewfinder. You ignored any quiet late night knocks on your door, pretending to be asleep without even knowing who was knocking, and not caring. You needed time to stiffen your resolve, because it would be all too easy to fall into a routine with one of these boys and screw yourself up. Hyunjin seemed to understand, though he pouted, and all three of 3Racha had been very sweet to you after brokenly apologizing for fighting in front of you.

You also felt great about the photos you had been getting. You had shared a few with Felix when he asked, and he complimented them until you blushed and shared a couple on Instagram with your name credited, making you instantly momentarily famous.

Soon enough it was time to head to the 'biggest little city in the world', and everyone was excited. As the plane took off for Reno (with everyone chanting "Ree-Know!" at a disgusted Lee Know), Changbin, who was your seatmate this time, talked to you animatedly about his gambling strategy.

"You better be careful, Binnie," you cautioned. You'd started using the group's nicknames for each other most of the time, and it tickled Changbin whenever you called him that.

"Come be my good luck charm then! You can blow on the dice," he grinned, making you laugh. "I'm serious! We have three days off in Reno. I'm going to win so much money if you are there! I know you're good luck, and I know you wanna have fun in Reno. Don't try to lie." You tilted your head, thinking about it, as he beamed at you. You shook your head, again stumped by the dichotomy of this man. You wondered what he was like in bed for the millionth time. Which personality would it be, sweet funny Binnie or dark dangerous Changbin?

Well, I could just find out, you thought. You could at least see how much fun he was to hang out with in Reno, anyway. Worth a gamble.

"I'll go with you, on one condition," you said, turning to him and pushing his silver-blue hair up out of his eyes. "I like your eyes, so wear your hair so I can see them." Changbin grinned, obviously loving your hands in his hair. 

"It's a date," he growled happily.

The group was booked into another nice hotel, this one across from the venue where they would be performing in three days. As usual your room was with theirs, this time between Chan and Felix and across from Changbin. As you were unpacking your gear and clothes, you again marveled at the luxury. One thing's for sure, you could get used to this lifestyle! Sadly you probably wouldn't have the chance beyond this tour, so you decided to enjoy it while you could. You drew a hot bath in the massive tub and soaked, then got out and threw on some clothes to meet Hyunjin, Felix and Han for lunch.

Felix had found an exclusive little place that served fresh seafood within walking distance, and you were amazed at how much of it they could put away. It was a fun meal, mostly you laughing at each other's dumb jokes as you stuffed your faces. After eating, you walked back to the hotel arm in arm with Han and Hyunjin, not having any mixed feelings or longings at all, oh no, not you! They had a press meeting later in the afternoon, so they split off to get ready, and you went back to your room to nap off some of the meal.

Once you got there, you found a large box with a black bow on the coffee table, with a note. "For our date. Hope it fits," the note said, and was signed by Changbin.

You opened the box and gasped as you pulled out a gorgeous silver-blue evening gown, almost exactly the color of Changbin's hair. Also nested in the box were a pair of matching heels - that short boi was bold! - and a smaller box with a stunning necklace and earrings. You immediately grabbed your phone and texted Changbin.

[Me Today 3:20pm] This gift is too much, Binnie.

[Changbin Today 3:22pm] Too much what?

[Me Today 3:23pm] Too expensive. This must have cost so much! It's not appropriate...

[Changbin Today 3:23pm] Are you my date tonight or not?

[Me Today 3:24pm] I guess I am, but still.

[Changbin Today 3:26pm] You won't fit with me if you don't wear it. Stop protesting and try it on. I'll see you at 8.

You sighed and put your phone down, picking up the dress again and holding it in front of your body. It looked like it would fit perfectly.

By 7:30 you were dressed in all of his gifts. Everything did indeed fit perfectly, and you wondered how he had nailed your exact size. The dress looked pretty good on you, you had to admit, clinging to your curves seductively while still being very classy. The man had an eye for fashion, for sure. You finished your makeup and pulled your hair up, and at 8pm on the dot, there was a knock at your door.

You opened it to Changbin, dressed in a custom wine-colored Burberry 3 piece suit that was perfectly fit - a little tight in the thighs and arms, obviously constructed to show off the body he worked so hard on. Both of your eyes lit up when you saw each other. "Wow," you said in unison, then laughed. Speechless for a moment, Changbin thrust a bouquet of flowers into your hands, and you thanked him sweetly and opened the door for him to come in. 

"Let me put these in some water and we can go." Changbin stepped into your room, watching you move as you found a tall glass and made the flowers a home. Already their scent was filling the suite. After arranging them to suit your taste, you turned back to him.

He was leaning on the door, arms crossed, looking like a million bucks - you weren't so sure that he wasn't wearing a million bucks worth of clothing, to be honest, but it wasn't the clothes that made him so hot. "Ready?" you asked. 

He nodded, then seemed to find his voice. "You look fucking incredible." His words were low and husky. You smiled and returned the compliment, getting a slight blush from him before his swagger took over and he raised his chin. "Let's go."

As he escorted you out the door you saw Chan, Felix, Han and Hyunjin in the hallway, arguing about where to go for dinner. Their eyes fell on you and their jaws dropped. It was silent for a moment, before they all said in unison, "Daaaaamn!" If you hadn't been blushing before, you certainly were now. You knew none of them had ever seen you all dressed up. 

"W- where are you guys going?" Chan choked out, unable to take his eyes off of you. Changbin puffed his chest out and grinned widely as he held his arm out to you. You took it and Hyunjin stumbled back against the wall with his hand on his forehead, dramatic as ever. 

"Gambling," Changbin said, leading you past them with a superior smile. "Don't wait up!"

They watched you walk until you disappeared around the corner. Before you were out of hearing distance, you heard Han say, "God damn, Changbin. So it's like that, is it?" and the rest of them started cussing his name. Changbin's smile couldn't get any bigger as he strutted you into the elevator.

Once in the limo he'd hired, he poured two glasses of champagne. Clinking your glasses together, you both drank up. You were already feeling giddy with the excitement of being out on the town in style, and the champagne added an extra sparkle. After a short trip, the car pulled up to the front of one of the city's most exclusive casinos and Changbin took your hand to help you out, marveling at the way the dress hugged your body. You could tell by the way people turned to look as you entered the upscale casino that the two of you made a stunning pair. Changbin traded a large roll of bills for chips and found a craps table that looked good to him.

The waitresses were immediately on the two of you like flies, plying you with drinks, recognizing real money when they saw it - and he did tip extremely well. You stood beside him as he shook the dice, and sure enough he held them to your lips so you could blow on them for luck. He tossed them again and won. You clutched his arm in excitement but immediately caught your breath as you felt the size of his muscles. Oh lord, please help me.

Changbin continued to win most of the games he played, as you made the circuit around the casino, drinking the best whiskey you'd ever had and having a great time watching him run the tables. He loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt a little as the night went on, his rings and necklaces hinting at his idol/rapper status. He convinced you to play blackjack, even though you'd never played before, wrapping his arms around your waist from behind and whispering in your ear the moves he recommended.

When you won unexpectedly, you shouted and threw your arms up, whirling around to face him without leaving his embrace. You jumped up and down in his arms, then he kissed you - just a quick peck on the lips, but time had instantly slowed down for you so you felt the fullness of his lips, the delicate pressure of his hands on the small of your back, and the solidity of his chest against your softness all at once.

Suddenly, you couldn't wait to get that suit off of him. You wanted to rip it from his body, expense be damned, and - you shook your head hard, trying to keep it together. Changbin, ever the empath, seemed to read your mind. He looked at you slyly out of the corner of his eye. "Let's go find some other amusement, huh?" You nodded dumbly.

He changed out his chips for cash and led you through the lobby and into the elevator, punching in the number for the rooftop bar. It was crowded, and there was a very good jazz band playing on the low stage. The view was exceptional, with the moon overhead and the city sprawled out before you. He found a table in the corner, and since it was chilly he put his coat over your shoulders, then walked over to the bar for drinks. Your eyes were glued to his fine ass as he leaned on the bar and placed his order.

You closed your eyes and sighed, loving and hating this feeling at the same time. Didn't you already have enough trouble not falling for half the group? Changbin was amazingly complex - hot, yes, and smart and funny and cute and incredibly talented - but also strong and powerful, with a dark side that you saw flashes of through his smile. With him you really didn't know what to expect, and that was more exciting than just about anything.

As you sipped your drinks and watched the band, the conversation turned to music again. You had a lot of the same favorites, not surprisingly, since you had been into hip hop since before high school. Changbin was all smiles, flirty as hell - touching your hand, your arm, and sometimes your leg as he talked. When you confided that he was one of your top five rappers, you thought he would burst with pride, then he wanted to know immediately who the other four were. You laughed and told him, and he pretended to look insulted. "I'm better than all of them," he scoffed, even though one was his own bandmate, the one and only Han Jisung. "Especially him!" he protested.

You teased him until he stood up from the table, taking his vest off and rolling up his sleeves. "Watch this!" he challenged, and you were mortified but thrilled to see him walk towards the stage. The jazz band was just ending a song, and he stepped up and whispered something to the guitarist, surreptitiously passing him several folded bills. The guitarist smiled and nodded, then had a short conversation with the rest of the band, and then the mighty Changbin of Stray Kids was handed a microphone.

The drummer laid down a straight beat, accented by a sparse piano and bass guitar. Changbin reached up and unbuttoned two more buttons on his shirt right there on stage before launching into a freestyle rap that made everybody at the bar look - and start bobbing their heads. He was rapping in Korean, at first soft and slower, but as he went on he got faster, and harder. His syncopation work was outstanding. You could tell the band was stunned and appreciative, and the crowd was definitely into it - in fact you heard one guy yell, "Get it Changbin!" He wasn't the least bit fazed that he'd been recognized, choosing instead to step off the stage toward the fan and rap about the guy's super expensive watch. 

You only understood some of it, but it made you double over laughing. "He's a master," you murmured, wiping the tears out of your eyes.

You didn't even notice when the stranger sat down at your table until he reached out and put his hand on your wrist. You jumped and pulled away, but the guy held tight, leaning in to try and talk to you. Changbin saw it all and his eyes flashed fire as he approached the table, never missing a syllable. He switched to English and strutted up to the guy, pointing away from the table, giving him such a tongue-lashing that the guy threw up his hands and bounced. You felt like you might faint, it was so cool.

He then turned to you, taking your hand, pulling you up and wrapping his free arm around your waist. He was looking you in the eyes and rapping about you now, mostly in Korean, but softer and sweeter. You were blushing furiously, all eyes on you. At the end of the stanza, he dropped his mic to his side and pulled you in for a deep kiss, almost bending you backwards.

The bar patrons cheered long and hard as he gently sat you back in your seat, then walked to the stage to return the mic. If you thought you were blushing before, it was nothing like now - your whole body was on fire. Changbin returned to the table and flopped down in his seat, all leaned back and cool, giving a peace sign to the still-cheering patrons.

After the excitement died down, he put his hand on top of yours with a grin. "Who's your favorite now?" You just looked at him and nodded, afraid to say anything for fear of squealing like a little girl. That rap had turned you on more than all the money he'd spent by about a billion times. Your eyes kept traveling from his eyes to his lips to his incredible chest, very visible now since his shirt was half undone. Silver chains lay against his smooth skin, and you were fixated. His smile got bigger, then it faded and he got serious.

"I've been really presumptuous with you tonight," he said quietly. "I hope you aren't too bothered by it. I just wanted to give you a perfect night."

"I'm having the time of my life, Changbin," you responded, leaning over to kiss his delicious lips. He took a deep breath, smiling a little, and went on.

"Then I hope you aren't offended, but I got us a room. Here. Right there, in fact." He pointed at the penthouse. You suddenly had a hard time breathing.

"But... we have rooms."

"I wanted to be away from the rest of the guys. I wanted to have you to myself." His eyes darkened, holding your gaze. "I don't want them to hear the sounds I plan to make you make."

That was it for you. You were done. "Take me there," you said.