The Blackjack Auction begins with the House of Hearts, where Wonbin witnesses terrifying performances and bids to save a terrified idol from a dark fate, leading to a shocking abduction.
“Beloved around the world, adored by millions, an it-girl in her own right…” the Dealer’s voice resonated through the large ballroom.
Sullyoon stood silently at the center of the stage; the spotlight hugged her like a warm cage as she radiated an innocent, shy anticipation, as if she were stepping into a warm bath rather than offering herself to a room of strangers. The timer above her head continued counting down as masked men and women of all ages leaned forward in their seats like a pack of predators cornering a lost fawn.
Meanwhile, the deck of cards in my hand glimmered ominously—thin metallic plates etched with reflective gold ink that felt heavier with every passing second, as if urging me to make a move.
The Dealer moved to the side, letting the spotlight travel across Sullyoon’s slender, pale body.
“Drawn straight into the House of Hearts, she’s surely known nothing but love and tenderness these past six months, so please, my esteemed patrons, do treat her kindly…” He paused, tilting his head with exaggerated warning towards the back of the stage where two shadowy figures sat as still as statues. “Otherwise, our King and Queen of Hearts may choose to end the show early.”
“Is that supposed to be sarcasm?” I whispered, a scoff escaping my lips. “Love and tenderness?”
“I actually did hear that the King of Hearts is really nice and treats the girls like they’re his wives,” Yujin said, leaning over.
“What? Really? So then why is Spades a piece of—”
She quickly squeezed my hand. “Don’t say that so loud—someone might hear you.”
I bit my tongue and looked around the room at the servers who were a little too attentive and the guards stationed at every exit, still and ready in their all-black suits and silver masks.
She was right. We were deep in enemy territory.
On stage, the Dealer playfully slid towards Sullyoon, as if getting ready to conduct an interview. “Now my dear, tell us—is there a particular type of performance you prefer?”
Sullyoon shyly bowed before the audience, the pink collar quickly catching the light above her. “It’s my first time, so I hope to go with something that will impress everyone,” she said, in a soft, quiet voice. “I’ve been told that I’m a really good kisser…so I’d like to demonstrate that, if possible.”
He clicked his tongue and sucked his teeth dramatically. “My my my, such a humble, beautiful Ace. Let’s hope you get exactly what you deserve.”
The screen suddenly lit up with a soft ding.
“Time’s up!” The Dealer slapped both palms together in a grand clap that echoed through the hall. “Ladies and gentlemen… the results are in!”
BIDDING OVER
Sullyoon ♥
Results:
[Team 1] 5+ 8 + 7 + 6 = 26 pts (Winner!)
[Team 2] 5 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 17 pts
[Team 3] 4 + 4 + 5 + 4 = 17 pts
[Team 5] 3+ 4 + 5 + 6 = 18 pts
[Team 6] 5+ 2 + 3 + 5 = 15 pts
[Team 7] 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 16 pts
Total points: 109 (₩1,090,000,000)
“A breathtaking 109 points! Unbelievable! Unprecedented!” He bent backward dramatically with a hand to the forehead. “Our sweet Sullyoon may very well become the first Pink Ace in our Auction’s history to break 100 points from her debut!”
Applause crackled through the room as if we were at an award ceremony. Yujin and I looked at each other and followed hesitantly.
“Damn, she’s popular,” James said, lifting his brows as he applauded with genuine awe.
“Of course she is, it’s Sullyoon, dude.”
James shrugged, his hands still moving. “I never heard of her until today.”
“That’s because you still listen to S.E.S.”
“Yeah, sorry for having good taste in music.”
“What team are we again?” I asked, looking up at the screen.
“We’re Ten,” Jake said, and then glanced to our left. “John’s table is Nine.”
“Truly marvelous! A shining testament to the brilliance of our new generation of Aces!” The Dealer swooped toward Table One as if drawn by gravity, each step exaggerated, almost dance-like. “Now… let us see which face cards they’ve chosen to play.”
Team 1 x Sullyoon:
x1 King (+20)
Final score: 129 (₩1,290,000,000)
“A single King. How intimate. How deliberate. How utterly romantic…” he announced, pausing for emphasis. “So, who’s the lucky stand-in tonight?”
The four guests from Team 1—two girls and two guys who looked like university students—were practically vibrating with excitement. One of the girls nudged a guy at their table, pointing at him with both hands like she was presenting a prize. He immediately hid behind his hands, even though the golden mask already shielded his face.
The Dealer lit up as if someone had handed him a gift. “Oh-ho! A shy King!” he exclaimed, delighted. “My favorite kind. Come now, my boy—step forward, please join us on stage. Your prize awaits you.”
He extended a gloved hand toward the runway, but the young man was frozen in place until the two girls at his table shoved him gently out of his seat, while the other guy gave him an encouraging clap on the back. He stumbled forward at first, but then caught himself, carefully walking toward the stage with stiff, nervous strides.
“I totally expected everyone here to be ancient, but that guy looks like he’s my age or even younger,” I said, turning to the table. “How is the heck is he even here?”
“Chaebol kid is my guess,” James said, looking over. “All of them at that table must be.”
“Is this really just a pasttime for rich people?”
Jake shrugged. “If you have unlimited money but you’re morally bankrupt, sure.”
“I’m confused though,” James said scratching his head. “They’re just going to do it right here and now, in front of everyone?”
“Looks like we’re about to find out.”
The young guest awkwardly climbed onto a red cushioned chair at the front of the Hearts stage, and Sullyoon, even though blindfolded, lifted her chin slightly, as if sensing his shy presence approaching her. His knees knocked together as he sat, hands hovering uselessly in his lap, not knowing where to put them.
“Let me guess… big fan?” the Dealer asked, clasping his hands together. “Perhaps even ultimate bias, as they call it these days?”
He nodded nervously, biting his lip, as Sullyoon covered her mouth shyly and smiled.
“How adorable, ladies and gentlemen! A true fan living out his ultimate fantasy of meeting the girl of his dreams.” He held a hand over his heart and then leaned closer. “We expect nothing less than the most passionate lovemaking from you, my young master.”
The room gave the two of them another round of applause, and Sullyoon reached out, finding the young man’s shoulders by touch alone, then gently guided herself onto his lap, carefully straddling him.
“Hi, I’m Sullyoon, the Pink Ace of Hearts. It’s a great pleasure to meet you, my King.” Her hands found his face, fingertips gliding across his jaw as she offered him a small, reassuring smile beneath the blindfold.
He stiffened, as if frozen from shock. “Y-you look so beautiful in person.”
“Aw… thank you… you’re really sweet.”
The room watched intently as their lips met with a subtle touch, as if she was carefully testing the waters. Even from the distance, he was visibly shaking as she gently slipped her tongue into his mouth.
“You don’t understand, I’ve loved you for so long,” he said, voice trembling, hands hovering before slowly settling at her waist. “I’m such a big fan—”
“Shh…” She smiled, kissing him again, a little firmer this time. “I’m yours tonight. Just relax and enjoy our moment together, okay?”
He nodded, practically melting in her delicate touch. “Okay…”
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