The Second Male Lead Syndrome

WARNING

THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE, AND MATURE THEMES THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR SOME READERS.

--

After their shift ended, the two finally separated and went their own ways for a while. 

When break time came, they could finally relax and catch their breath. 

Sitting in the back room, they quietly ate their food, the exhaustion of the day starting to settle in.

Then came a knock at the door.

Both men turned their heads at the same time, confusion written across their faces. 

No one had mentioned anything about extra duties, and the manager hadn't said a word earlier. At this hour, they were supposed to be free.

Who was knocking at the door?

The big nosed waiter let out an annoyed sigh and ordered the tall waiter, "Go open it."

Still feeling guilty about his earlier slip up, the tall waiter reluctantly stood up and walked to the door. 

The moment he opened it, his eyes widened in surprise.

A towering bodyguard stood in the hallway—easily over six feet tall. 

The tall waiter had to tilt his head back just to meet the man's eyes.

The bodyguard's face was expressionless, his voice flat.

"He wants to see you two."

The moment those words were spoken, both men stiffened.

They knew exactly who he was.

Without another word, the big nosed waiter stopped eating and slowly stood up, his expression tightening with unease.

They followed the bodyguard without a word, knowing he had been sent by the mysterious person behind their mission. 

The people they'd met before were probably just subordinates—there was no way a big shot like that would show up in person.

But now, hearing that the boss himself wanted to meet them… it was different.

Excitement and nervousness tangled together in their chests as they exchanged a quick glance. 

With cautious steps and forced composure, they respectfully followed the bodyguard out of the bar.

Outside, parked just beyond the back alley, a sleek black car waited. 

The bodyguard opened the back door and nodded toward it.

"Get in."

They obeyed without hesitation.

The moment both men climbed inside, the door shut behind them with a quiet thud. 

When they looked back, the bodyguard was already gone—vanished without another word.

The two were confused. They had expected to meet the boss face-to-face—but not like this.

They thought it would be in a motel room, or maybe a private lounge above the bar. But the bar was too small for that kind of luxury.

It only had three floors, after all.

Still, unsure and slightly tense, they stepped into the car.

It wasn't too small, nor too spacious—just enough to fit the two of them. 

The doors closed behind them with a soft click.

The tall waiter grumbled under his breath, shifting uncomfortably.

"Is this really how we're supposed to meet the boss? Did that bodyguard even say anything?"

He glanced around the car, annoyed by the cramped space—especially for someone his height. 

But after remembering how massive the bodyguard had been, he thought better of complaining and fell silent.

The two looked around.

The car was empty.

Just the two of them… and silence.

"How would I know?" the big-nosed waiter muttered, crossing his arms.

The two sat in silence, waiting. Minutes dragged on—long enough that they nearly dozed off in their seats. Just as the atmosphere grew heavy with boredom, a faint click echoed through the car.

Both men jolted upright.

A calm, low voice crackled through the hidden speaker—familiar and unmistakable.

"Did you already achieve it?"

Their eyes widened. It was him. The boss.

"Yes, sir!" the big nosed waiter responded quickly, straightening his posture. "The plan is right on track."

"But I've heard Hyacinth is still outside," the voice replied smoothly.

"I've seen and heard them getting ready to celebrate," the tall waiter jumped in. "They were laughing, setting the table, bringing out food and drinks—it's probably for Hyacinth. Once she goes back inside, she'll end up drinking it."

There was a brief pause.

"Oh?" the voice responded, curiosity lacing the single word.

The tall waiter was still explaining when the big nosed waiter cut him off.

"Our plan is simple," he said firmly. "We spiked the alcohol with Genexol, then we'll move in on the private room and take Hyacinth while they're vulnerable."

He shot a sharp glare at the tall waiter, silently warning him to shut up. But with the boss on the line, he didn't push it further.

Then the voice on the speaker let out a sudden laugh—loud and sharp.

"HAHAHA. Good. Good."

Both men stiffened, blinking in surprise. That laugh was… unexpected.

They had always heard that the boss of V—an infamous group known for its dangerous dealings—was a cold, stoic figure. The type who never smiled, let alone laughed.

So who were they speaking to now?

Was it really the boss?

Or just one of the division leaders? 

But even so, a boss was still the boss—and neither of them dared interrupt the man's sudden laughter.

Once his voice steadied, the man on the speaker continued calmly,

"You've done well. As a reward, I'll assist you. My followers—the ones you saw earlier—will help guide you into the private room… and take Hyacinth."

There was a pause. Then he added, almost casually,

"After that, you two are free to do whatever you want."

The words sank in like music.

The two waiters glanced at each other, their eyes wide—then slowly, wide grins stretched across their faces.

Freedom.

No more debts.

They could do whatever they wanted.

After the call ended, they stepped out of the car. The cold night air hit them immediately, but neither flinched. The wind bit at their skin, but the fire in their chests burned brighter.

Tonight, this was worth to celebrate on. 

The air was cold, but their spirits were burning.

Copyright © TheBald, 2025. All rights reserved. This work may not be copied, reposted, or reproduced in any form without the author's permission.