#mafia taeyong

[butterfly-lies-chase-them-away]

Mamacita - Lee Taeyong x Reader

Now Playing: » Mamacita « Chase Atlantic 0:52 ─〇───── 3:22 ⇄ ◃◃ II ▹▹ ↻

Pairing: Mafia Leader!Taeyong x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 22,087 Part 3 of 3 (Part 1) (Part 2) -

Warnings: 18+ MDI, (Oh Boy), MAFIA, SMUT (unprotected, p in v, spitting, switch, choking, other's I can't remember), Minor Angst (good ending), Sexual Arrangement (Kinda FwB), Drug Abuse, Forced Drug Abuse, Overdose (survives), Attempted Murder, Sex while Intoxicated, Toxic Relationship(?), Commitment Issues, Manipulative Behaviour, Guns, Implied Age Gap

Summary: 🎵 That's my mamacita, yeah (mamacita) I won't ever leave her, yeah (yeah, yeah) Mama, I might keep her, might keep her I don't love her, but I need her, yeah 🎵 or What happens when a firey girl catches the eyes of a mafia leader

A/N: and the last part, sorry that it had to be split in the first place 💀 hope you enjoy 💚

-

Tonight, she was going to let Taeyong have his fun. She owed him that much, at least for what she was about to do.

Back at his place, the trip to the bedroom was quick, as usual, but she made sure to slow things down, just for him. Standing close, Y/n wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a deep, passionate kiss. He didn’t hesitate, his grip on her waist firm as he held her tightly, as if he never wanted to let go.

Her fingers tangled in his hair, dragging her nails gently across his scalp, knowing exactly how it drove him wild. A low groan escaped his lips, and his hand found its way to her hair, fisting it gently as he tilted her head back, exposing the smooth curve of her neck.

Taeyong’s lips brushed against her skin, leaving a trail of kisses down her neck, nibbling lightly in just the right places to pull a soft hum from her throat.

“Taking it slow tonight?” he murmured against her skin, his voice laced with surprise and a hint of teasing.

“Just for you,” Y/n replied softly, her voice carrying surprising affection.

He smirked against her neck, his satisfaction clear in the way his grip tightened on her waist. “I like this side of you,” he said, his tone almost playful, yet with an edge that reminded her of his unwavering dominance.

But Y/n’s mind was elsewhere, her movements calculated. She let herself get lost in him for now, indulging his desires. Every touch, every kiss, was deliberate, a fleeting goodbye hidden in intimacy.

She wasn’t sure if he could sense it, but tonight wasn’t about him. It was about her. And before the night was over, she’d remind herself of the strength she thought she’d lost. This would be the last time she let him believe he had all the control.

After pulling off her dress, Taeyong wasted no time, his fingers working to rid her of her remaining undergarments. He was the one who guided them to the bed, still fully clothed, taking his seat before pulling her naked body onto his lap.

“I should’ve done this sooner,” he murmured, his lips curling into a mischievous smirk. “Maybe next time I’ll take you in my office. You undressed, me in my work clothes.”

If only he knew.

“Get your clothes off already,” Y/n grumbled, rolling her eyes, though her tone betrayed a hint of amusement.

Taeyong chuckled at her impatience, raising his arms in mock surrender as he let her unbutton his shirt, revealing his toned chest. 

“I want all of you tonight, Sweetness,” he said, his voice low and filled with promise.

As she finally tugged his trousers off, Y/n moved instinctively to take his cock in her hands, but Taeyong had other plans. He pulled her back onto his lap, his mouth capturing hers in a hot kiss. His hands roamed her body, tracing every curve as if committing her to memory.

“No warm-ups tonight,” he said against her lips, his voice rough with need. “I’m going to have you now.”

She was surprised at his impatience, normally he was the one who drew things out, savoring every moment. But it was his night, so she’d let him have it his way.

“Ride me, Doll,” Taeyong commanded, his voice steady, but his dark eyes burned with desire.

Y/n obliged, positioning herself on his lap. She moved her hips slowly at first, grinding against him, feeling the friction that ignited pleasure. His hands slid to her thighs, gripping her firmly, grounding her as they both let out soft moans at the sensation.

Reaching between them, Y/n took his dick in her hand, aligning him with her wet entrance. Slowly, she sank down onto him, her body arching as a moan of pleasure escaped her lips. Taeyong’s grip on her tightened, his fingers digging into her skin as he let out a low, guttural groan.

The rhythm started slow, Y/n rocking her hips against him as their bodies moved in sync. His hands wandered, one sliding up to her waist while the other gripped the back of her neck, pulling her down for another heated kiss. The way he kissed her, possessive, almost desperate, was a reminder of the power he believed he held over her.

But tonight, Y/n reminded herself, she wasn’t just giving in, just settling for later. She was reclaiming something she’d almost forgotten, her strength. For now, she’d let him believe he was in control. But the truth was, this was her game to play, and she was already planning her next move.

She moved on him with a steady rhythm, the sound of skin slapping echoing through the room, mingling with their shared moans. Each bounce sent a wave of pleasure through them both, their bodies in perfect sync. 

Taeyong’s dark, half-lidded eyes remained fixed on her, unrelenting in their intensity as he watched her take him in, over and over again. The sight of her glistening skin, flushed and glowing under the dim light, only fueled his hunger.

His gaze dropped briefly to where their bodies joined, watching himself disappear into her with every rise and fall of her hips. A rough groan left his lips as the overwhelming sensation consumed him.

Y/n looked down, meeting his heated stare. The hazy lust in his eyes made her core tighten around him, pulling a ragged moan from his throat. His lips parted slightly, letting out shallow, uneven breaths as he savored every moment. Her hands trailed over his chest, nails skimming across his tattoos and faint scars, drawing out shivers beneath her touch.

“Good girl,” Taeyong murmured, his voice low and dripping with satisfaction. “Taking all of me so well.”

The corners of Y/n’s lips curved into a smile at his praise, the words sending a warm rush through her.

“Want me to take over for a bit?” he asked, his tone playful yet commanding.

Before she could answer, his strong hands gripped her waist, holding her steady as he shifted beneath her. Without warning, he thrust upward, his hips snapping with precision, driving deeper into her.

The sudden change drew a gasp from Y/n as she clung to his chest, her nails digging into his skin for balance. Her head fell back, lips parting in a breathless moan as Taeyong set a relentless pace, his hands guiding her effortlessly.

“Look at me,” he demanded, his voice gravelly yet soft enough to coax her.

Y/n’s eyes fluttered open, locking onto his as the room seemed to shrink around them. The intensity of his gaze sent another wave of heat through her, grounding her in the moment. Taeyong thrusted up into her with an unwavering rhythm, yet there was something tender in the way he held her, as if she were both a treasure and a challenge.

“Does that feel good, Sweetness?” he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear as his grip tightened.

Y/n could only nod, her voice failing her as the pleasure built to an unbearable high. For now, she let herself fall deeper into the moment, their bodies moving as one, a tangle of heat, sweat, and desire. 

Without a word, Taeyong’s hands tightened around Y/n’s waist, and in a swift, fluid motion, he flipped them over. The sudden shift made her gasp, her breath catching in her throat. Now beneath him, Y/n barely had time to adjust before he flipped her onto her stomach, his hands firm but not rough.

Kneeling behind her, Taeyong paused to take in the view. His eyes roamed over the curve of her spine, the delicate arch of her back. A low hum of approval escaped him as his fingers traced the contours of her body, savoring every dip and curve.

“You’re just as beautiful from the back,” he murmured, his voice thick with admiration and desire.

Y/n turned her head slightly, her cheek pressed against the pillow, and glanced back at him. The look in his eyes was searing with hunger. His hands slid down her sides, lingering at her hips before gripping them firmly, anchoring her in place.

With practiced ease, Taeyong positioned himself at her entrance, his touch gentle but insistent. Slowly, he pushed into her, savouring the way her pussy welcomed him. Y/n let out a soft sigh, her shoulders relaxing as she melted into the sensation, the heat between them intensifying.

Taeyong started with rhythmic thrusts, his movements deliberate and controlled. The sound of their skin meeting skin filled the room, blending with their shared breaths and quiet moans. His pelvis met her ass with a satisfying rhythm, each motion sending sparks of pleasure through her.

“You feel so perfect,” Taeyong said, his voice a husky whisper. 

He leaned forward slightly, his hands gliding up her back before pulling her hips back toward him to meet his thrusts. The added depth made Y/n gasp, her fingers curling into the sheets.

Her cheek remained pressed against the pillow as she closed her eyes, letting herself get lost in the moment. But Taeyong wasn’t content with her silence.

“Let me hear you, Sweetness,” he urged.

Y/n complied, her quiet moans growing louder with each thrust. The tension built between them, the passion overwhelming. Taeyong’s grip on her hips tightened as he quickened his pace, the control he once held slipping as his desire for her consumed him.

Each movement brought them closer to the edge, the line between control and chaos blurring in the heat of their connection.

Taeyong's thrusts grew deeper, more intense, each one drawing a whine from Y/n’s lips. Unable to hold back, she reached behind her, her nails digging into his thighs in a desperate attempt to ground herself.

Taeyong reacted instantly, grabbing her wrists and pulling them behind her back. His grip was firm as he pinned her arms together, immobilizing her completely.

“You’re so desperate for me,” he teased, his voice low and taunting. “Look at you, falling apart under me.”

The words sent a shiver through her, her body betraying her as her core clenched tightly around him. Her inability to move only heightened the sensation, making her hyper-aware of every thrust, every pound of his skin against hers.

Taeyong’s grip on her wrists loosened, and he leaned down, wrapping his arms around her torso, lifting her up and pulling her flush against him. His chest pressed firmly against her back, his breath hot and heavy in her ear. Each moan and ragged exhale from him sent waves of heat coursing through her, the intimacy of it all overwhelming.

His lips found her cheek, trailing kisses down to her shoulder, soft and lingering, in stark contrast to the relentless motion of his hips. His hold on her was possessive, almost protective, as if he wanted to keep her there, in that moment, forever.

“Fuck, Taeyong,” Y/n gasped, her voice trembling with need. “I’m so close.”

His pace faltered for a fraction of a second, a low growl escaping his throat as her words spurred him on. 

“Cum for me, Sweetness,” he murmured, his tone a mix of command and encouragement. “I want to feel you lose yourself for me.”

With his arms tightening around her and his movements becoming even more precise, Y/n felt herself reaching her orgasm, the tension building in her core reaching its breaking point. Taeyong’s name fell from her lips in a desperate moan as the pleasure overtook her, the intensity of it leaving her breathless and shaking.

Taeyong held her through it, his own release not far behind, his grip on her never faltering as he buried himself in her one last time, letting out a guttural moan against her skin. For a moment, the world seemed to stop, leaving only the sound of their heavy breathing and the warmth of their intertwined bodies.

As the two came down from their high, Taeyong stayed close, his lips brushing against her ear. “You’re mine, Y/n,” he whispered, his voice soft but demanding. “Don’t forget that.”

Y/n couldn’t leave the night at this. Taeyong deserved more than a simple end to their time together. She ran her fingers gently through his hair, guilt tugging at her chest.

“How about a bath?” Y/n suggested softly, her voice laced with a quiet fondness.

Taeyong’s lips curved into a warm smile. “That sounds perfect,” he said, leaning in to press a tender kiss to her cheek.

Without hesitation, he scooped her up into his arms, earning a surprised giggle from her. “Always so dramatic,” she teased, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“You love it,” Taeyong replied with a grin as he carried her to the bathroom.

He gently placed her on the edge of the tub, his hands lingering on her waist for a moment before he turned to the tap. Twisting the handles, he let the water flow, adjusting the temperature with the knobs.

“I’m surprised you don’t have Johnny up here running us a bath,” Y/n said with a smirk, her teasing tone breaking the comfortable silence.

Taeyong chuckled, glancing over his shoulder at her. “He’s my right-hand man, not a butler,” he replied.

“Could’ve fooled me,” Y/n shot back playfully. “You have him carrying my bags and picking me up. Sounds a lot like a butler to me.”

Taeyong raised an eyebrow as he flicked his fingers under the running water, testing its warmth. “That’s because Johnny’s a gentleman,” he countered, his tone matter-of-fact.

Y/n leaned back, tilting her head. “And what about you? Are you not a gentleman?” she asked, her words mocking him.

Taeyong let out an exaggerated sigh, turning to her. “Get in the bath, Doll,” he said, shaking his head, though his voice carried a trace of affection.

She laughed softly, standing to step into the tub. The warm water wrapped around her like a comforting embrace as she settled in. Taeyong followed, sliding in behind her, his arms instinctively wrapping around her waist to pull her back against his chest.

They sat in peaceful silence for a moment, the water lapping gently around them. Taeyong rested his chin on her shoulder, his breath tickling her ear. 

“You know,” Taeyong began, his voice quiet but steady, “I’d do anything for you.”

Y/n’s teasing smile faltered, replaced by an expression she wasn’t sure how to read herself. She turned her head slightly, meeting his eyes. 

“Don’t say things like that,” she said softly, though there was no real edge to her words.

He ignored her protest, leaning forward to press a lingering kiss to her shoulder. His arms tightened around her waist as if he were afraid she might slip away. 

“I mean it,” he murmured against her skin. “You’re worth it.”

Her chest tightened at his words, emotions swirling in her head. Confusion, guilt, and something she couldn’t quite name. This wasn’t supposed to be like this. It wasn’t supposed to feel like this.

“Taeyong...” she started, her voice barely above a whisper. 

She stopped herself, unsure of what she wanted to say. Instead, she let her fingers trail over his arm, the familiar touch grounding her for just a moment.

His breath was warm against her neck, and the way he held her made her want to believe him. But she couldn’t. She shouldn’t.

She closed her eyes, leaning back into him despite herself, letting the warmth of the bath and his words settle over her. Even if everything about this felt wrong, she let herself stay in the moment. Just for a little longer.

Because after tonight, everything was going to change. And no matter how much she told herself otherwise, she couldn’t shake the ache of guilt that gnawed at her.

-

Morning light filtered through the room, and Y/n turned to admire Taeyong, his features softened in sleep. She knew today would be the last time she’d see him, and she wanted to memorize every detail, his messy hair, the way his chest rose and fell, the calm before the storm of his usual energy.

But the moment didn’t last long. She barely moved to get out of bed before Taeyong stirred, his eyes lazily opening to find her.

“Leaving so soon?” he murmured, his voice still husky from sleep.

Y/n smirked softly, trying to mask the heaviness in her chest. “Knowing you, I’ll be back tonight,” she replied.

Taeyong stretched, propping himself up on one elbow. “I’ll send Yuta to grab you again.”

“Thanks,” she said, her tone casual, though her mind was far from it.

She was a little taken aback by how easily he was letting her go. No playful insistence to stay, no lingering touches, just a simple acknowledgment. It wasn’t like him. Still, she wasn’t about to question it.

Gathering her clothes and belongings, Y/n dressed quickly, trying not to let her emotions show. Once she was ready, she moved back to him, leaning down to press a soft kiss to his lips.

“Have Johnny take you home,” he said as she pulled away, his hand brushing lightly against hers.

Y/n chuckled. “Totally not a butler,” she teased, standing upright.

A faint smirk tugged at Taeyong’s lips. “He’s not, but he spoils you like one,” he shot back.

“By your command!” She laughed softly, turning away before he could see the conflict in her eyes. 

As she stepped out the door, she tried to shake the weight in her chest, but the thought lingered, Would he feel the same if he knew this was goodbye?

Making her way through the house, Y/n found Johnny in the living room, casually sprawled across the couch. He looked up as she entered, raising an eyebrow in acknowledgment.

“Taeyong said to have you take me home,” Y/n said, her voice steady despite the emotions threatening to surface.

Johnny stood with exaggerated grace, giving her a mock bow. “Of course, my lady,” he said playfully, flashing one of his signature grins.

If she wouldn’t miss Taeyong, and that was a big if, she knew she’d definitely miss Johnny. His lighthearted energy was a comfort she hadn’t realized she relied on.

The two headed outside, the morning air cool against her skin as they walked to his car. Ever the gentleman, Johnny opened the door for her, waiting until she was seated before shutting it with a soft click. He slid into the driver’s seat, adjusting the rearview mirror as the engine hummed to life.

Y/n fiddled with her fingers in her lap, her gaze fixed downward. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stop the slight tremble in her hands.

“You okay, Y/n?” Johnny asked, his voice cutting through the silence.

Startled, she looked up, forcing a smile. “Yeah, I’m okay,” she lied.

Johnny didn’t press, though the concern in his eyes lingered as he glanced at her before pulling out of the driveway. The ride was quiet, save for the gentle hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of the trees outside. Y/n leaned her head against the window, her mind racing.

Was she really okay? Would she ever be after this?

As they drove, the comfortable silence between them was broken by Johnny’s voice, calm yet thoughtful.

“You know,” he began, glancing at her from the corner of his eye, “Taeyong doesn’t talk about people much, not in the way he talks about you.”

Y/n stiffened, her hands gripping her knees as she tried to appear unaffected. “Oh?” she said, feigning nonchalance, though her voice came out weaker than she’d hoped.

Johnny chuckled softly, his focus on the road ahead. “Yeah. It’s not just the usual stuff, either. He’s not just talking about…well, you know. This man is hooked. Said you’ve got this fire about you that no one else does.”

Y/n stared at her reflection in the passenger window, her chest tightening. Why the hell was he saying this now?

“He’s different with you,” Johnny continued. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, he’s still Taeyong, but with you, it’s like…I don’t know, he lets his guard down. Almost like he forgets he’s a bloody mob boss.”

She swallowed hard, her throat dry. “That’s just Taeyong playing his game,” she managed, forcing a laugh she didn’t feel. “You know how he is. He’s smooth with everyone.”

Johnny shook his head. “Nah, this isn’t like that. Trust me, I’ve seen Taeyong in every situation you can imagine. What he feels for you? That’s real. You might not think it, but you’ve got him wrapped around your finger.”

Y/n’s heart clenched painfully. She hated this, hated the way her emotions were twisting inside her, guilt clawing at her chest. She wasn’t supposed to care. She never cared. Dropping a man was routine for her, as effortless as walking out the door without a backward glance.

So why now? Why did the thought of walking away from Taeyong feel like she was about to tear something out of herself?

Her voice cracked slightly as she said, “He’ll get over it…get tired.”

Johnny gave her a sideways look, his brow furrowed in concern. “Will he?” he asked quietly.

Those words hit harder than they should have, and Y/n felt a lump rise in her throat. She turned her head toward the window, hiding the tears welling in her eyes.

This was supposed to be easy, simple, like it always was. So why was Taeyong different? Why was her resolve shaking under the weight of everything she’d convinced herself not to feel?

The car pulled up to the curb outside Y/n’s apartment building. Johnny parked, turning off the engine before glancing over at her. The hum of the engine fading was replaced by an uncomfortable silence, one that seemed to press down on her chest.

“Here we are,” Johnny said softly, his voice unusually gentle.

Y/n nodded, gripping her bag tightly as she reached for the door handle. “Thanks for the ride,” she said, her voice flat, almost distant.

Johnny didn’t reply right away, and it made her pause. She turned slightly, looking at him. He wore an expression that wasn’t quite pity but held something close to it, concern, maybe?

“You sure you’re okay, Y/n?” he asked again, echoing the question from earlier. “I know Taeyong can be a lot, but that’s just who he is.”

She forced a smile, hoping it didn’t look as brittle as it felt. “I’m fine, Johnny. Just tired.”

He didn’t push further, but his hesitation was obvious. “Alright,” he said finally. “If you need anything…you know Taeyong would–”

“Yeah,” she cut him off, her voice sharper than she intended. “I know.”

Johnny held her gaze for a moment, his expression softening as he gave her a small nod. “Take care of yourself, Y/n.”

“You too,” she replied, pushing the door open and stepping out onto the sidewalk.

The cold morning air hit her, and she shivered, pulling her coat tighter around herself. She didn’t look back as she walked up the short path to her building. Her fingers trembled as she opened the door, the sound of the car engine starting again behind her making her chest ache.

She waited until she heard Johnny drive away before letting out the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Her shoulders slumped as she pushed the door open and stepped inside, the quiet of the empty lobby swallowing her whole.

The guilt was suffocating now, heavier than it had been all morning. She leaned against the elevator wall as it carried her to her floor, her reflection in the polished tiles staring back at her. Tired, conflicted, and utterly unfamiliar.

When she finally reached her apartment, Y/n dropped her bag by the door and sank onto the couch, burying her face in her hands. For the first time in years, she felt like she couldn’t just leave this behind.

Her telephone rang on the wall, and she glanced at it, already guess who it was. 

“Yuta will come grab you at 6pm. I’ll be waiting for you, Doll.” Taeyong said, without waiting for a response before hanging up.

Her heart twisted painfully, and she clenched her jaw. What the hell was wrong with her?

-

Taeyong sat on the edge of the massive leather sectional in the living room, his elbows resting on his knees, a glass of whiskey dangling loosely from his fingers. 

The early morning sunlight poured through the tall windows, casting sharp lines across the floor. Johnny walked into the room and leaned back lazily in an armchair, his long legs stretched out in front of him, while Yuta perched on the armrest with a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

Johnny broke the silence first. “Dropped her off, boss,” he said, swirling his own glass of whiskey. “She seemed...off. Quiet.”

Taeyong's jaw tensed, but he didn’t look up. He rolled the glass between his palms, watching the liquid swirl. “She said anything to you?” he asked, his voice measured, but there was a weight beneath it.

Johnny shrugged. “No. Said she was tired.” He hesitated before adding, “But she didn’t seem like herself.”

Yuta let out a low chuckle, breaking the tension. “Maybe she’s just tired of you, Taeyong. You ever think about that?”

Taeyong’s head shot up, his eyes narrowing at Yuta. “Watch it,” he warned, though there was no real heat in his tone.

Yuta raised his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, I’m just saying. You had to force her to met you yesterday. Fuck, you probably threatened her, didn’t you? You’ve got this...habit of pushing things too far.”

Johnny shot Yuta a look, silently telling him to dial it back. “Watch it,” Taeyong said through gritted teeth. 

“She’s always been upfront about what this is. You’re the one who keeps trying to make it more.” Johnny said calmly.

Taeyong’s lips pressed into a thin line, his gaze dropping to the glass in his hand again. “I’m not trying to make it more,” he said, though even he didn’t sound convinced.

“Sure you’re not,” Yuta said, laughing dryly. “You’ve had her staying the night since day one, buying her new wardrobes, sending me or Johnny to chauffeur her around. Hell, Taeyong, the only thing you haven’t done is buy her a ring.”

Taeyong’s grip tightened on the glass, his knuckles whitening. “It’s different,” he said quietly.

Johnny raised an eyebrow. “Different how?”

Taeyong hesitated, the words sticking in his throat. He didn’t know how to explain it. She wasn’t like the others, wasn’t just some passing distraction. He liked the way she challenged him, the way she never let him get too comfortable. But she was also infuriating, unpredictable, and utterly out of his reach in a way that drove him insane.

“She’s just...different,” he repeated, his tone firmer this time.

Yuta snorted. “Well, if you keep acting like this, she’ll be gone before you know it. And honestly? I wouldn’t blame her.”

Taeyong shot him a glare, but it was Johnny who spoke next, his voice quieter but no less pointed. “You’ve got to figure out what you want, Taeyong. You can’t keep her in this limbo forever. It’s not fair to her, or to you.”

Taeyong set the glass down on the coffee table with a soft clink, leaning back against the couch. “She’ll be back tonight,” he said, mostly to himself.

“Maybe,” Johnny said, standing and draining the last of his drink. “But don’t take it for granted.”

As Johnny left the room, Yuta stayed behind, watching Taeyong with a knowing look. “You’re not used to losing, are you?”

Taeyong didn’t answer, his eyes fixed on the empty glass in front of him.

Yuta chuckled, standing up and patting Taeyong on the shoulder. “Well, boss, I hate to break it to you, but you might want to get used to it.”

As Yuta walked away, Taeyong stayed where he was, the weight of their words settling over him like a storm cloud. For the first time in a long time, he wasn’t sure how this would play out, and the thought of losing her, even when she wasn’t really his to begin with, was a bitterness he couldn’t swallow.

-

The clock on the wall ticked with agonizing slowness, but eventually, it struck 6 PM. Y/n stood by her apartment window, her stomach in knots. She hadn’t eaten all day, too anxious to keep anything down. Now, her hands trembled as she adjusted her coat for the hundredth time.

This is it.

In her pocket, tucked away in a small, inconspicuous bag, was the key to her escape, a lifeline she had meticulously planned for the past couple weeks. Her fingers brushed against it as she nervously paced her tiny living room, the weight of what she was about to do pressing down on her chest.

When she spotted the familiar sleek black car pull up to the curb outside, her heart sank and raced all at once. Yuta had arrived.

She grabbed her bag, slung it over her shoulder, and took one last look around her apartment. The space felt eerily final, like a chapter of her life was closing for good. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door and stepped out.

Yuta was leaning against the car, his hands casually tucked into his jacket pockets. His sharp eyes landed on her immediately, and he offered a brief nod. 

“Right on time,” he said as she approached.

“Of course,” Y/n replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

He opened the passenger door for her, his usual quiet demeanor in full force. She slid into the seat, careful not to fidget, and clenched her hands tightly to keep them from shaking.

Yuta got behind the wheel and started the engine, the low rumble filling the air as they pulled away from the curb. The tension in the car was almost suffocating. Y/n’s mind raced, replaying every step of her plan, every detail she had agonized over.

“Long day?” Yuta asked, his voice breaking the silence.

“Something like that,” she said softly, staring out the window.

She shifted in her seat, her fingers brushing the small bag in her pocket again. It felt heavier than it should, the weight of what it represented crushing her.

The city lights blurred past the window as they drove, but Y/n barely noticed. All she could think about was the key, the plan, and the storm of emotions threatening to consume her. For the first time in her life, she wasn’t sure if she could go through with something she had set her mind to.

But she had to.

The drive felt both endless and far too short. Each turn of the wheel brought her closer to Taeyong's house, and closer to the moment she couldn’t take back. Y/n’s pulse hammered in her chest as she clutched her pocket tighter, her thumb brushing the edge of the bag hidden in it.

The car slowed as they turned onto the familiar street, its pristine houses bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. Yuta glanced at her briefly, his sharp eyes catching the subtle tension in her shoulders.

“You’re quiet,” he noted, breaking the silence.

“Just tired,” Y/n said, her voice carefully neutral.

Yuta didn’t press further, but his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he returned his focus to the road.

As they pulled up to the house, Yuta got out to open the gates, the sliding of metal filling the air. Taeyong’s estate loomed ahead, its lights glowing warmly against the evening sky. Yuta stopped the car near the front steps and shifted into park.

“You’re all set,” he said, leaning back in his seat.

Y/n took a moment to steady herself, forcing her hands to stop trembling as she reached for the door handle.

“Thanks for the ride,” she said, her tone polite but distant.

“Don’t mention it.” Yuta’s sharp gaze lingered on her again, like he could sense there was more going on than she let on. 

But he didn’t say anything else, simply unlocking the doors with a soft click. As she stepped out of the car, the evening breeze hit her, cool against her flushed skin. She hesitated, her heart pounding as she glanced at the imposing house before her.

“Y/n,” Yuta called after her, his voice low.

She froze, turning back to meet his gaze.

“Be careful, yeah,” he said, his expression unreadable. “Taeyong’s been looking forward to seeing you, but that’s nothing new.”

Her stomach twisted at his words, guilt creeping into her chest like a slow poison. She nodded stiffly before turning and making her way up the steps.

Each step felt heavier than the last, but she couldn’t afford to falter now. Hidden in her pocket, the bag seemed to burn against her palm, a cruel reminder of the betrayal she was about to commit.

This is it, she thought as she reached the door. Taking a deep breath, she pushed it open and stepped inside.

As Y/n stepped through the door, the familiar scent if the house washed over her. The soft hum of music drifted from somewhere deeper in the house, but before she could gather herself, a familiar voice called out.

“Y/n!”

Johnny appeared from around the corner, his tall frame leaning casually against the doorframe. His smile was easy, as it always was, but there was a glint in his eyes that made her uneasy, like he knew more than he let on.

“Hey, Johnny,” Y/n said, forcing a small smile.

He pushed off the frame and approached her, his hands tucked into the pockets of his slacks. 

“Figured you’d show up just in time for dinner,” he said teasingly. “Taeyong’s been pacing around since noon.”

Y/n tried to laugh, but it came out weak. “Well, I guess I’m right on time then.”

Johnny tilted his head, studying her in that way of his that always felt too perceptive. “You good? You seem...off.”

Her shoulders tightened. “Just a long day, that’s all,” she said quickly, hoping to brush off his concern.

Johnny nodded slowly, his smile softening. “Well, Taeyong’s been restless lately, so try to relax with him, yeah? He’s in a better mood when you’re around.”

That familiar twist of guilt coiled tighter in her chest. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she murmured.

Johnny stepped aside, gesturing down the hall toward the dining room. “He’s waiting for you in there. I’ll bring out some drinks in a bit.”

She nodded, her feet feeling heavier with every step as she walked past him.

“Oh, and Y/n?” Johnny called, making her pause and glance back.

His smile was faint, his tone almost too casual. “Don’t forget, he trusts you.”

Her stomach dropped at the weight of his words. She nodded again, unable to find the right response, before continuing down the hall. Did everyone know what was going on? Jesus Christ.

Y/n stepped into the dining room, her heart pounding against her ribs. Taeyong stood by the head of the table, his back to her as he adjusted the cuffs of his shirt. The dim lighting cast a golden glow over the room, highlighting the sleek, modern furniture and the flower arrangement on the table, along with a couple plates of food.

“Y/n,” he said without turning, his voice low and velvety.

“Taeyong,” she replied, her voice steadier than she expected.

He turned then, his sharp features softening slightly as his eyes landed on her. “You’re here.”

“Of course,” she said, stepping further into the room. “When aren’t I?”

A small, satisfied smirk tugged at his lips as he closed the distance between them. “And yet, I can’t be sure. You’ve been...different lately.”

Her breath caught in her throat, but she quickly masked it with a smile. “Just feeling…bleh. You know how it is.”

Taeyong’s gaze lingered on her, sharp and searching, before he nodded. “Right.” 

He reached out, his fingers brushing against her arm as he guided her toward the table. “Sit. Eat.”

She took a seat, her fingers twitching slightly as she placed her coat on the chair behind her. Taeyong poured her a glass of wine, the deep red liquid swirling elegantly in the crystal glass. 

“I had this brought in from France. Thought you might like it.”

She accepted the glass with a faint smile, taking a sip to calm her nerves. “It’s good.”

He took the seat beside her instead of across, his presence magnetic and overwhelming. “I hate that I couldn’t have you for the whole day,” he said, his tone softer now. “But we’ll make up for it tonight.”

Y/n forced herself to focus on the meal in front of her, the elaborate dishes beautifully plated, though her appetite was non-existent. “It’s lovely, Taeyong. Thank you.”

He reached out, his fingers brushing hers briefly. “You don’t have to thank me. You deserve more than this.”

Her throat tightened at the sincerity in his voice, the guilt twisting deeper in her chest. She wanted to look away, to escape the intensity of his gaze, but she was frozen, caught in the pull of him.

“Y/n,” he murmured, leaning in slightly. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she said too quickly, forcing a laugh. “Just tired, I guess.”

Taeyong’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t push. Instead, he sat back, swirling the wine in his glass as he studied her. “You’ll tell me if something’s bothering you, won’t you?”

She nodded, gripping the edge of the table to steady herself. “Of course.”

But even as the words left her lips, she knew they were a lie. And Taeyong, with all his sharp edges and keen intuition, probably knew it too.

Dinner passed in a haze of tension. Y/n tried to focus on the dishes Taeyong had set before her, delicate cuts of meat, colorful vegetables, but her appetite was practically non-existent. Each bite felt forced, her mind spinning with the weight of the evening ahead.

Taeyong, however, seemed unbothered, cutting into his food with precision, his movements calm and deliberate. Between bites, he talked, his voice smooth and confident as he recounted moments from his day, anecdotes about his "business."

“…Yuta’s been handling things well,” he said, taking a sip of wine. “He mentioned you two have had some interesting conversation.”

“Oh?” Y/n asked, struggling to keep her voice light.

Taeyong smirked. “He said you asked a lot of questions about him. Were you sizing him up?”

She laughed nervously, setting her fork down. “Just curious. He’s not like Johnny, so I want to know more about him too.”

“No one is,” Taeyong replied, his tone amused. “But Yuta’s sharp. Reliable. He keeps me updated on everything.”

The subtle weight of his words wasn’t lost on her, and her stomach twisted. She reached for her glass of wine, taking a larger sip than she meant to.

As Taeyong continued speaking, she found herself unable to concentrate, her mind tugging her toward her plan, her game. 

“Are you even listening, Y/n?” Taeyong’s voice cut through her thoughts.

Her head snapped up, and she offered him a smile, though her fingers tightened around the stem of her glass. “Of course. Sorry, just…long day, I guess.”

Taeyong leaned back, studying her with a knowing look. “You’ve been distracted all night. You’re lucky I’m in a good mood, or I’d start to think you were hiding something.”

Her breath caught, but she quickly covered it with another laugh, this one forced. “How could I possibly hide something from you?”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced but unwilling to press further, for now.

She couldn’t take another moment of his scrutiny. Setting her glass down, she leaned forward, her voice softer. “Why don’t we just head upstairs? Dinner’s been great, but, I…want more.”

Taeyong’s smirk returned, but this time it was laced with something darker. “More, huh?”

“Yeah,” she said quickly, offering a small smile. “I mean, the food was amazing, but I’d rather end the night on a…different note.”

His eyes darkened with interest, and he set his glass aside. “Well, when you put it that way…”

She stood before he could say anything else, smoothing her dress and forcing a playful smile. “Come on, let’s go.”

Taeyong followed her lead, his gaze lingering on her in that possessive way that always left her on edge. “You know the way,” he murmured, his voice low and teasing.

Her pulse quickened as they walked toward the stairs together, every step taking her closer to the moment she’d been dreading, and preparing for.

The walk up to his room felt heavy. Each step seemed heavier than the last, her legs trembling beneath her as though they could give out at any moment. Taeyong followed closely behind, his quiet presence oppressive, the air thick with unspoken tension. Every inch closer to his room felt like she was walking toward a cliff, unable to stop herself.

When they reached his door, the sight of it, familiar and yet so foreboding, was like a punch to her chest. She hesitated before stepping inside, the space suddenly feeling too small, too intimate.

The soft click of the door closing behind her was deafening. Taeyong hadn’t moved far, still standing just behind her. She could feel his presence, could hear the faint, controlled rhythm of his breathing. She hadn’t turned to face him yet, she couldn’t.

Her chest tightened, tears welling in her eyes despite her best efforts to suppress them. She clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms. 

Why was she crying? She didn’t care.

She’d never been like this before, emotional, hesitant, vulnerable. But now? Now, her tears were threatening to betray her, and she hated herself for it.

Did she care?

“Y/n, darling?” Taeyong’s voice was soft, coaxing, though it carried a distinct note of impatience.

She stayed rooted in place, her back to him, unable to bring herself to turn around.

“Y/n,” he repeated, his tone sharper now, an edge of irritation creeping in.

She flinched but didn’t respond, her silence speaking volumes.

Taeyong moved closer, his steps slow and deliberate, until he was right behind her. His hands found her hips, tugging her back against him. The heat of his touch made her stomach twist. Leaning forward, he tried to catch her gaze in the reflection of a nearby mirror, but she immediately turned her head away.

“Look at me,” he murmured, though his words carried the weight of a command.

When she didn’t obey, he exhaled sharply, his patience waning. Grasping her face with one hand, he tilted her head toward him, his grip firm yet not harsh. His eyes searched hers, narrowing when she kept darting her gaze away.

“Don’t,” he warned, his voice low. “Don’t look away from me.”

But then he saw it, the tears clinging to her lashes, the way her lower lip trembled as she fought to keep them from falling. His expression shifted instantly. The cool confidence he always carried faltered, just for a second, before a frown etched itself across his features.

“You’re crying,” he said, his voice quieter now, though it was hard to tell whether it was out of surprise, concern, or irritation.

Y/n bit her lip, refusing to speak. The lump in her throat made it impossible to form words anyway.

“What’s wrong?” he pressed, his thumb brushing along her cheek, catching the first tear as it fell. His touch was gentle, but his voice demanded an answer. “Why are you crying?”

Still, she didn’t respond.

“Y/n,” he said again, his tone darkening with frustration. “Talk to me.”

Her silence only seemed to agitate him further. The room was suffocating now, the weight of everything unsaid pressing down on her. Taeyong’s hands stayed on her face, his eyes locked onto hers, waiting–demanding–an explanation.

But she couldn’t give him one. She couldn’t even explain it to herself.

“Can we just have sex already?” Y/n blurted, her voice shaky but defiant, her eyes fixed on the floor.

Taeyong’s brow furrowed, his irritation flaring instantly. “We’re not going to have sex while you’re upset,” he said sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Y/n clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she shook her head. “It’ll make me feel better,” she insisted, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions.

“I don’t give a shit,” Taeyong snapped. His voice was cold, cutting through her like ice. 

Without another word, he placed his hands firmly on her shoulders, guiding her to sit on the edge of the bed. She sat there stiffly, her legs bouncing slightly as nervous energy coursed through her. Her gaze stayed locked on the floor, unwilling to meet his eyes.

Taeyong didn’t leave her alone. Instead, he grabbed an armchair from the corner of the room and dragged it in front of her, the sound of its legs scraping against the floor sharp in the silence. He dropped into it with an air of calm authority, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees.

“Look at me,” he said, his voice low but firm.

She didn’t move.

“Y/n.”

Still, she refused to lift her head, her silence louder than any words she could have spoken.

Taeyong exhaled through his nose, his patience wearing thin. He ran a hand through his hair before leaning closer. “You think this is just going to go away if we ignore it? That I’ll let you bury whatever the hell is going on by throwing yourself at me?”

Her shoulders stiffened, and for a moment, he thought she might answer. But instead, she just shook her head, a small, almost unnoticeable movement.

“I’m not letting this go,” he said, his voice softening but still resolute. “You’re not walking out of this room until you tell me what’s really going on.”

“I don’t know,” she finally whispered, her voice barely audible. She felt like a child. She hated that.

“That’s not good enough,” Taeyong said, his tone gentler now but no less insistent. “Try. Start somewhere. Why are you crying? Why are you so upset?”

Y/n’s hands twisted in her lap, her fingers knotting together as she searched for the words. “I just...I don’t know why I feel like this,” she admitted, her voice cracking under the weight of her vulnerability. “I don’t even know what’s wrong with me.”

Taeyong studied her for a moment, his sharp eyes softening just slightly. “You’re allowed to feel things, Y/n. Even if you don’t understand them yet.”

His words hit her like a jolt, and for a second, her walls began to crack. But she quickly shook her head, trying to regain control. “I don’t want to feel like this around you, I don’t want to cry,” she murmured.

“That’s exactly why we’re not having sex right now,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “Because this? This isn’t about me. And I’m not going to let you use me as a distraction.”

Fuck, if only he knew. She swallowed hard, her throat tight. For once, she didn’t have a retort, didn’t know how to argue with him.

Taeyong let the silence linger for a moment before speaking again. “Take your time. Figure it out. But don’t think I’m going to let you run from this, or from me.”

Taeyong sat quietly in the armchair, his gaze steady on her, unmoving. The weight of his presence filled the room, grounding Y/n even as her thoughts spiraled out of control. She could feel his eyes on her, sharp and unrelenting, but he didn’t say a word.

Her hands were trembling in her lap, and she squeezed them together tightly in a desperate attempt to still them. Her heart raced, and her mind roared with self-criticism.

Why are you crying, Y/n? You weren’t supposed to cry. You were supposed to end this your way. Walk out with your head high, make it clean, make it easy. Instead, you’re sitting here like some helpless bitch.

She clenched her jaw, the words in her head relentless. You’re supposed to be stronger than this. What the hell is wrong with you?

Taeyong didn’t move, but his presence loomed like a shadow over her. He was giving her space–space she didn’t want, space she didn’t know what to do with.

Her throat burned with the effort of holding back sobs, but the tears betrayed her, slipping silently down her cheeks. She wiped them away quickly, angrily, as though scrubbing them off could erase the emotions they exposed.

“Y/n,” Taeyong said quietly, breaking the silence. His voice was softer now, less demanding.

She didn’t look up. Couldn’t.

“You don’t have to explain anything right now,” he continued, his tone patient. “But don’t sit there beating yourself up over this. You’re human. Feeling something doesn’t make you weak.”

She never thought such comforting words would come from a man like this. A man that has no problem with killing someone, that has no problem threatening her in her own home. 

Her lip trembled, and she clenched her teeth to stop it. Stop crying. Get it together. Just end this already.

Taeyong leaned back in the chair, watching her with quiet intensity. “Take your time,” he said softly. “I’m not going anywhere.”

His voice was calm, steady. But to her, it only made things harder. She felt exposed, vulnerable under his gaze, like he could see right through her.

She bit the inside of her cheek, forcing herself to stay silent. If she said anything, she might give too much away. He didn’t know what she’d planned, and she wasn’t going to let him figure it out now.

Instead, she focused on her breathing. In. Out. Slow and steady, even though her pulse was erratic.

“Y/n,” Taeyong said again, his tone softer now, almost coaxing. “Whatever’s going on in your head...you don’t have to handle it alone.”

Her jaw tightened, and she shook her head slightly. “I’m fine,” she mumbled, the words barely audible.

“You’re not fine,” he said, his voice firm. “And that’s okay. You don’t have to explain anything, but don’t lie to me about it.”

She flinched at his words, but she kept her eyes trained on the floor. He didn’t press her further, letting the silence stretch out between them.

The minutes dragged on, but Taeyong didn’t move. He stayed seated across from her, patient and unyielding. His presence was steady, unshaken, and somehow it made her feel both comforted and trapped at the same time.

Finally, she took a deep breath, trying to gather herself. She needed to get through this. She needed to stay composed. Just a little longer, she told herself. You can do this.

When she finally glanced up at him, his expression was unreadable, but his eyes held a softness that made her throat tighten again. She quickly looked away, focusing on her hands instead.

“Whenever you’re ready,” Taeyong said simply.

His words hung in the air, but Y/n didn’t respond. She couldn’t. She just nodded faintly, gripping the fabric of her skirt to keep herself grounded.

You’re not supposed to care this much, she thought bitterly, the weight of his concern pressing down on her. You’re making this harder than it needs to be.

But she didn’t say it. She couldn’t. Instead, she sat there, silent and still, waiting for the strength to push through. Taeyong stayed with her, his presence unwavering, giving her the space she didn’t know if she wanted or needed.

Y/n took another deep breath, feeling the tightness in her chest slowly begin to loosen. Her hands were still trembling, but they weren’t as bad as before. The heat of the tears that had burned her face faded, leaving behind a dull, aching emptiness.

She could feel Taeyong’s gaze on her, but she kept her focus on the space in front of her, willing the last of the tension to leave her body. After what felt like an eternity of silence, she exhaled slowly.

“I...I think I’m okay now,” she said quietly, her voice still a little shaky, but stronger.

Taeyong didn’t respond immediately, but he didn’t need to. She could feel the weight of his presence–patient, waiting.

“Look, I just...I need time. To sort through all of this,” she continued, her words careful, measured. “But I’ll talk about it. Just not right now.”

Her eyes flickered up to him briefly, and for a moment, she saw the concern still lingering in his gaze. It softened something in her chest, but she quickly looked away again, not trusting herself to hold his gaze.

“I don’t want to pressure you,” he said softly, his voice still holding that steady calm. “Whenever you’re ready, Y/n.”

Those words are rich coming from him. She nodded, feeling a small sense of relief at his words.

For the first time in a while, she felt like she might actually be able to breathe. She wasn’t quite sure what had just happened, or how it was all going to play out, but for the moment, she was okay.

“I’ll figure it out,” she said, her tone firmer now, though the uncertainty still lingered. “I just need some space...for now.”

Taeyong gave her a long, assessing look but didn’t argue. He simply stood up and, after a beat, walked over to where she sat.

“Take all the time you need,” he said, his voice still gentle.

She didn’t respond, just sat there, the quiet stretching out between them. Despite everything, there was a small, quiet sense of peace that began to settle in her chest as she allowed herself to just...be.

Y/n suddenly exhaled loudly, a dramatic sigh that broke the silence. She slapped her legs, her frustration dissipating in the sudden outburst, and sprang to her feet. The shift in her attitude was immediate, like a switch had flipped.

“Done,” she said, a newfound energy in her voice, even if her words were sharp. “I got that out of the way.”

Taeyong raised an eyebrow at her sudden change in demeanor, clearly taken aback. He watched as she straightened up, shaking off the heaviness that had lingered in the room.

“We should drink. I need to cool my head, and I’m sure you do too,” she added, a small smirk tugging at her lips.

Taeyong couldn’t help but chuckle, the sound deep and genuine. He leaned back slightly in his chair, eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and approval.

“You’re a piece of work, you know that?” he said with a grin. “Alright, if that’s what you want, I’ll get us a couple of bottles. Go wash up or something. I’ll be right back.”

Y/n nodded, already feeling the weight of the conversation lifting, replaced by the comfort of a distraction.

“Fine, I’ll be quick,” she replied, already moving toward the bathroom. She stopped at the door and glanced back at him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Don’t take too long picking something. Don’t wanna be waiting forever for my drink.”

Taeyong rolled his eyes playfully. “I won’t be long, Princess.”

As she disappeared into the bathroom, he stood up with a sigh, shaking his head in mild amusement. It was almost as if the tension between them had never been there, replaced by a sense of ease and a bit of playful banter. Whatever was to come next, they could handle it later. For now, they were going to drink and let it all go.

Taeyong walked back into the room with a casual stride, two bottles in hand–one of whiskey and the other of bourbon–along with a couple of glasses clinking lightly in his other hand. He set everything down on the bedside table, eyeing Y/n as she sat up, already in a shift of her own.

She glanced at the glasses and shook her head with a playful roll of her eyes. "Who needs glasses?" she said, picking up the two and setting them aside, making sure they were out of the way. 

She grabbed the bottle of whiskey, her fingers easily twisting off the cap with a slight effort. Without waiting for him, she jumped onto the bed, landing with a soft bounce and then sprawled out comfortably on her back. Her arms were stretched out, and she let out a contented sigh, as if shedding every ounce of weight from her shoulders.

"Come on," she called to him, already opening the bottle and bringing it to her lips. "Don’t keep me waiting, Taeyong. We’re doing this right."

Taeyong chuckled, an amused smirk curling at the corner of his mouth. He took a moment to take in her relaxed posture, watching her as she tipped the bottle and took a generous swig. There was a fire in her eyes now, a change in the air around her that had him intrigued and slightly impressed.

"Starting without me?" he teased, though his voice was warm and carefree, unburdened by whatever had been weighing on them earlier.

He climbed onto the bed himself, sliding up beside her with ease. Without a word, he grabbed the bourbon, popped the cap, and took a long swig from the bottle. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then glanced down at her.

Y/n simply smiled up at him, tilting her head to meet his gaze. "You should know better," she said, voice teasing but with a hint of something deeper behind it. "I’m not waiting for you to catch up."

Taeyong snorted, shaking his head in amusement. “Alright, alright,” he said, taking another long drink from the bottle. He shifted his weight, rolling onto his side so that they were lying facing each other on the bed. They didn’t speak for a moment, the comfortable silence settling between them as they both drank in easy rhythm.

The weight of the night, the conversations, the tension–it all felt far away now, evaporating with each sip.

Y/n took another long swig from the bottle, her lips curling into a light, almost bitter smile. She leaned back further into the bed, letting the warmth of the alcohol seep into her veins, chasing away the lingering heaviness she still couldn’t shake. She didn’t want to feel like this on the last night. She didn’t want to leave things feeling like a mess, like a disaster that she couldn’t clean up.

"Fuck, that was embarrassing," Y/n chuckled, her voice a little louder than usual as she glanced over at Taeyong, her eyes a little glassier now.

The thought of how she had cried–how she had let him see that weak side–made her laugh and cringe at the same time.

Taeyong’s gaze softened a little, his lips curving into a knowing smirk. “I don’t think it was embarrassing. Just...real.” 

He took another sip from the bourbon bottle, watching her as if he could sense something deeper in her words, something that was swirling beneath the surface.

Y/n waved it off, her expression playful but hollowed with the weight of the unspoken. “No, really, I can’t even believe I broke down like that. Those aren’t feelings I’m supposed to have here, you know? This is casual stuff, not real.”

Her hand moved to swipe at her face as if wiping away any trace of what had been there, what she didn’t want to face anymore. She didn’t want to feel guilty, didn’t want to feel like she was going to regret it in the morning.

“I want to enjoy myself, this is meant to be enjoyable,” she continued, her voice less confident but still holding onto the drunken strength that came with each gulp. "I'm not going to feel miserable about this."

Not tonight, anyways.

Taeyong watched her closely, the words hitting deeper than she expected. He knew her well enough to see that something was shifting inside her, but he didn’t push it. Instead, he took another drink, letting the silence stretch comfortably between them, each of them lost in their own thoughts.

Y/n closed her eyes for a moment, the alcohol beginning to cloud her mind just the right way. She wasn’t going to let this night end with regret. She had her plan. She had to carry it out. And no matter what, she’d make sure the last night, the last memory, felt like something she could smile about.

Taeyong was more relaxed than usual, his back against the headboard, eyes slightly glazed from the alcohol. He caught her eyes and smirked, his voice slurring just enough to remind her that the two of them were both a little tipsy now.

“You know,” he began, his voice low and playful, “this thing between us has been...interesting.”

Y/n raised an eyebrow, setting her bottle down beside her on the bed. “Interesting? That’s one word for it.”

Taeyong chuckled, a quiet, almost lazy sound. “Yeah, you know...when you didn’t want to come over, me acting like I don’t care, but actually caring a lot...good shit.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile that tugged at her lips. “It’s not funny, Taeyong.”

“It is,” he teased, taking another swig. “You’re funny when you’re all emotional, and then suddenly you’re not. Like a damn rollercoaster.”

“I’m just trying to get through life,” she said, leaning her head back against the pillow. “I’ll be fine later.”

Taeyong didn’t respond immediately, his focus shifting slightly. He reached out, his fingers brushing against her hair, catching a few loose strands between his fingers. His touch was almost absentminded, as if he were lost in his own thoughts. The movement was gentle, soft, like something he’d done countless times before.

Y/n glanced at him, her eyebrows furrowing slightly as he ran his fingers through her hair again. “What are you doing?” she asked, slightly amused despite herself.

“Just...touching,” Taeyong said, his voice softer now, distant in a way that made her pause. 

Y/n blinked, her heart tightening ever so slightly as she looked at him. “Weirdo.”

“I know,” he murmured, his fingers tangling in the strands, his gaze drifting off to the side as if the alcohol was slowly pulling him into a haze. “But I just wanna touch.”

Y/n let out a breath, relaxing into the bed. The familiar, tender touch of his fingers was almost soothing. It was strange, how easy it felt for him to slip into this side of himself, this softer, more distracted version. It was a side she didn’t see often, and she didn’t know how to respond.

“You’re getting all sentimental again,” she teased lightly, but there was a slight edge of vulnerability beneath her words.

Taeyong smirked, though there was a softness in his eyes that she couldn’t quite place. “Maybe I am. Or maybe I’m just too drunk to care about the shit I ain’t meant to do.”

Y/n shook her head, letting out a half-laugh. “I think we both are.”

“You’re probably right,” Taeyong agreed, still running his fingers through her hair. “But that’s okay. I don’t mind just...existing with you for now.”

She didn’t respond immediately, letting the warmth of the moment settle over her, the light buzz from the alcohol making everything feel just a little bit lighter.

For the first time in a while, everything felt like it was in its right place. Simple, even if she knew it wouldn’t last.

Y/n shifted on the bed, moving closer to Taeyong. Her heart was pounding in her chest, but she didn’t show it. She wanted to remember every moment of tonight, the way his presence felt, the way his eyes looked when they were half-lidded from alcohol, the way his fingers moved through her hair with such casual intimacy.

She stared at him for a long moment, her gaze lingering on the faint curve of his lips, the sharpness of his jawline that softened in the dim light. His eyes were a little unfocused, but there was still something magnetic about them. She found herself drawn to him, her chest tight as she leaned in just a little closer, bringing her face within inches of his.

He was so unaware of what was really happening. Of the fact that this was their last night, that she was planning her escape tonight, and nothing would ever be the same. She couldn’t bring herself to say it, couldn’t bring herself to ruin this fleeting moment by telling him. All she had was now, and she was going to hold onto it with everything she had.

Her breath hitched slightly, the silence between them growing thick with unspoken words, with everything they weren’t saying. She met his eyes, and for a brief second, time seemed to slow down. His expression softened when he caught her gaze, and he leaned in just a little, as if drawn to her without even realizing it.

Y/n took a deep breath, the weight of it all pressing down on her, but she forced herself to hold it together. She didn’t want to cry again–not tonight. Not when she was determined to make this night count.

“You’re quiet,” Taeyong murmured, his voice hushed, as if he were hesitant to break the delicate stillness.

“I’m just...thinking,” she replied softly, her voice barely a whisper. Her fingers traced the edge of his sleeve, the fabric cool under her touch.

“About what?” He asked, his voice still calm, though there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

Y/n hesitated, her gaze flickering to his lips before returning to his eyes. “Just...about tonight,” she said, her voice thick with emotion she couldn’t entirely hide. “About how I want to remember everything.”

Taeyong frowned slightly, his hand still resting on the bed beside her, but his fingers twitched as if he were unsure of what to do with himself. “What do you mean?”

Fuck, she was talking too much.

“I mean…” Y/n trailed off, her thoughts swirling, but she didn’t want to get lost in them. 

She didn’t want to ruin the moment by overthinking it. Instead, she took a breath and just let herself feel, let herself be in the moment with him. “I want to take this all in. Every little thing. Just in case I never get another chance.”

Taeyong’s expression shifted, his gaze softening, and for the first time tonight, there was a vulnerability in his eyes that made her chest tighten. He didn’t know, and that was the hardest part. He didn’t know that this was it.

But for now, she would let the moment be what it was. She would take in the way his lips curved up in that small, easy smile, the warmth of his body beside hers, the softness of his hand brushing against hers. She would remember how his presence filled the space around them, and how, for just tonight, everything felt perfect.

She leaned in, her face just inches from his, and whispered, “I just want to remember you. This. All of it.”

The words hung in the air between them, and Taeyong’s eyes searched hers, still unreadable, but soft. He didn’t say anything more, but he didn’t need to. They were both caught in the same moment, bound by something they didn’t fully understand but both felt deeply. 

Y/n closed the distance between them, her heart racing as she leaned in, her breath mingling with his. She could feel the heat of his body next to hers, the steady rhythm of his breathing matching her own. Without thinking, she pressed her lips to his, a gentle kiss at first, tentative and soft.

But as soon as their lips met, something shifted. The world around them faded, leaving only the two of them in this moment. Her hands found their way to the back of his neck, pulling him closer, and Taeyong responded with his hands sliding to her waist, tugging her against him.

The kiss deepened, urgent now. His lips moved against hers, hungry, searching, and Y/n couldn’t bring herself to pull away. She let go of everything–the doubt, the fear–and just allowed herself to be consumed by the feeling of him.

Their breaths came faster, more shallow, as their lips continued to move in a rhythm of their own. Y/n's heart was pounding in her chest, but she didn’t care. She was here. She was with him. And that was all that mattered, even if it was only for tonight.

Y/n knew they wouldn’t go all the way, not tonight. No one wants to be found naked. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t give him something. Something just for him. She wanted to make this last moment linger, to etch herself into him as deeply as he was carved into hers.

With a small, teasing smile, she pushed him back onto the bed, her movements deliberate and confident. Taeyong raised an eyebrow, his hands instinctively steadying her as she climbed on top of him. The warmth of her body pressing against his sent a shiver down his spine, and the intensity of her gaze held him captive.

Her hips began to move, slow and deliberate, grinding against him through the thin barrier of his pants. The friction was maddening, a mixture of pleasure and restraint that left them both breathless. Her hands splayed across his chest, fingers pressing into the firm muscle beneath, grounding herself as she set a steady rhythm.

Taeyong’s hands found her hips, his grip firm but not forceful, guiding her movements as his head tilted back, a low groan escaping his lips. “Y/n,” he murmured, his voice thick with desire and frustration, as if he couldn’t decide whether to beg her to stop or plead for more.

She leaned forward, her breath warm against his ear. “Let me,” she whispered, her voice soft but insistent. “Just let me take care of you.”

The words sent a jolt through him, and his grip on her hips tightened. Her movements grew more purposeful, each grind sending a wave of heat between them. The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with unspoken emotion and need.

Taeyong’s breathing grew heavier, his chest rising and falling beneath her palms. His eyes fluttered closed, his lips parting as he let himself sink into the moment, surrendering to her completely. Y/n watched him, memorizing every reaction, the way his jaw tensed, the way his hands clung to her as if letting go would mean losing her forever.

“Gonna make me cream my pants,” Taeyong chuckled. 

“That’s the plan,” Y/n ground down harder. 

This wasn’t just about pleasure. It was about her giving something to him, something she could hold onto as well. It was the closest they could get tonight, the most she could give without crossing the line they couldn’t afford to breach.

As the heat between them built, Taeyong let out a low, broken groan, his body tensing beneath her. Y/n felt a wave of satisfaction wash over her, knowing she had drawn that sound from him, knowing she had given him this. She slowed her movements gradually, leaning down to press her forehead against his, their breaths mingling as they tried to steady themselves.

Y/n kept her eyes shut, trying to hold herself together. She could feel her tears threatening to return, the weight of everything creeping back in. But she refused to let them fall, not now. He couldn’t know.

With a shaky inhale, she reached for the bottle on the bedside table, her fingers curling around the cool neck. Taking a swig, the sharp burn of alcohol grounded her. Then, with a sudden burst of mischief, she held some in her mouth and leaned down toward him.

Taeyong opened his eyes just as her lips hovered over his, a curious smile forming on his face. He didn’t have time to question her before she pressed her mouth to his, letting the whiskey slip from her lips into his. The boldness of the gesture caught him off guard, but he snickered lowly as he swallowed, the mix of fire and sweetness lingering on his tongue.

“You know how I like it,” he murmured, his hands sliding up her sides as he gazed at her, his expression softening.

Y/n managed a playful grin, masking the storm inside her. “Gotta keep you happy,” she quipped, her voice light, even if her heart felt impossibly heavy. 

Y/n could feel it, the way Taeyong’s breathing grew uneven, his grip on her hips tightening as he moved against her in desperation. The low, guttural sounds escaping him were enough to send shivers down her spine. She could tell he was close, his body tensing beneath her as he chased his release.

Her movements became more deliberate, rolling her hips against him with just the right rhythm, leaning in closer so her lips brushed against his ear. 

“Let go, Taeyong,” she whispered, her voice sultry and filled with a quiet urgency.

He groaned in response, his head falling back against the pillows as his hands guided her pace. His eyes fluttered shut, his body trembling beneath her as he finally tipped over the edge.

Y/n watched him, her heart tightening at the sight. For a fleeting moment, he wasn’t the composed and powerful Taeyong she had known, he was just him, completely undone. Exactly how she would like to remember him. 

As his breathing began to slow, his hands remained on her hips, grounding himself in her presence. He opened his eyes, their gazes locking, and for a moment, the air between them was heavy with unspoken emotions.

But Y/n pushed the weight away, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to his lips. “You’re a dream when you’re like that,” she murmured, her voice light, masking the ache in her chest.

Taeyong smiled lazily, his arms wrapping around her to pull her closer. “You bring it out of me,” he said softly, his voice laced with warmth.

She smiled back, even as her heart fractured a little more. This was the moment she wanted to remember, the way he looked at her, the way he held her like she was his whole world, even if only for tonight.

“Why don’t we kick it up a notch? Back to our roots,” Y/n said, her voice wavering slightly. But Taeyong, lost in the haze of their night, didn’t seem to notice.

He leaned up on his elbows, his dark eyes glinting with curiosity as he watched her rummage through his drawer. When she pulled out the familiar bag filled with white powder, he chuckled, the sound low and amused.

“You like me drugged up, don’t you?” he teased, smirking.

“Mhmm,” Y/n replied, keeping her response short, knowing that if she said more, her voice might betray her.

She moved quickly, almost too quickly, pulling out the little bag she had tucked away in her pocket. Taeyong’s sharp eyes didn’t catch it this time, he was too focused on her as she climbed back onto his lap, straddling him once more.

Comfortably settled, she dipped her pinky nail into the powder, her movements steady despite the tremor in her heart. She brought the small scoop to his nose, her other hand cradling his cheek.

For a moment, Taeyong’s gaze flickered to her eyes. Was that...tears? He blinked, unsure if the sheen in her eyes was real or if it was just the dim lighting.

But she didn’t give him a chance to ask.

Taeyong sniffed the powder with ease, the sharp sensation hitting him immediately. He let out a soft exhale, leaning back with a smirk, but before he could comment, Y/n leaned down, capturing his lips in hers.

It was quick, almost desperate, and when she pulled back, his head felt heavier than it ever had before. His vision blurred at the edges, and a deep, unnatural pounding filled his ears.

“W-what...?” His voice was slurred, confused. His body felt strange, weightless and heavy all at once.

“I’m sorry, Taeyong,” Y/n whispered, her voice trembling, and even through the haze, he could hear the sorrow in her tone.

“Y/n...” He tried to reach for her, but his arms wouldn’t respond. It was as though his body had been disconnected from his mind.

Instead, she reached for him, cradling his face in her hands. She kissed him again, softer this time, her lips lingering against his, but he couldn’t kiss her back. His body wouldn’t obey him, and the warmth of her touch only made the sinking feeling in his chest worse. He felt something leak from his nose, unmistakably blood. 

“Y/n...” he murmured again, his voice barely a whisper now, as everything around him grew darker.

She pulled back, brushing his hair from his face as tears slid down her cheeks, silent but unstoppable. "I’m sorry," she said again, her words filled with anguish.

And as his vision faded, Taeyong’s last memory was the image of her face, her tear-streaked expression, and the weight of her sorrow etched into every inch of her.

Y/n sat back, her chest rising and falling as she stared at Taeyong’s still form. His head lolled slightly against the pillows, his sharp features softened by unconsciousness. She should feel triumphant, powerful even. This was her plan. This was what she did. She dropped men like nothing, left them in her rearview without a second thought.

So why did this feel different?

Tears blurred her vision, spilling over as her emotions clawed their way out of the cage she’d built around them. This wasn’t supposed to happen. She wasn’t supposed to care this much. She wasn’t supposed to cry for him.

Her breath hitched as she wiped at her face, hating herself for the weakness. It was just another man, she reminded herself. Her first kill, sure, but it shouldn’t be any different from the way she left every other man before him.

But it was.

Taeyong wasn’t like the others. He had wormed his way past her walls, his kindness and quiet strength chipping away at the armor she thought was impenetrable. She hadn’t meant to fall for him, hadn’t meant to stay as long as she did.

“I didn’t want to leave you,” she whispered, her voice breaking. Her hands trembled as she reached out, brushing a strand of hair from his face. “But that’s what I do.”

She leaned down, pressing a final kiss to his lips, soft and lingering, as though she could pour all her unspoken feelings into that single moment. His warmth was still there, and it burned into her memory, a mark she knew she’d carry forever.

When she pulled away, her tears dripped onto his cheek, trailing down like echoes of her own heartbreak.

With a shaky breath, Y/n stood, her legs feeling unsteady beneath her. She grabbed her coat from the floor, her hands clutching it so tightly her knuckles turned white. 

Now would be the perfect opportunity to take more. Money or something. But she couldn’t bring herself to such greed. 

She paused at the door, looking back one last time. Taeyong lay there, peaceful, unaware of the storm she had left in her wake.

“I’m sorry,” she murmured, the words barely audible. Then, without another glance, she stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her.

The hallway felt colder, emptier, as she walked away, each step heavier than the last. She should feel free, victorious even, but all she felt was the ache in her chest and the hollow space where he used to be.

Walking down the stairs, Y/n couldn’t hold back her sobs. Every breath hitched, every tear stung, but she kept moving, desperate to leave before her legs gave out under the weight of it all. Wiping at her face was useless, her tears fell faster than she could clear them. She needed to get out, away from the suffocating walls that held too many memories.

But as she reached the bottom of the staircase, a voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Y/n?”

Her heart dropped. Fuck.

Turning her head, she locked eyes with Johnny. He stood in a doorway, his brows furrowed as he took her in. His expression quickly shifted from confusion to something darker, his face falling as the realization hit him.

She froze, guilt written all over her face. Her breath caught as he started toward her, his movements slow but deliberate. Her blood ran cold.

He knew.

Her mind raced, every possibility flashing through her head, each one ending in her demise. Johnny was going to kill her. He had to.

But when he stopped in front of her, he didn’t raise a weapon, didn’t lash out. Instead, he placed a firm hand on her shoulder, his gaze piercing but unreadable. For a moment, she thought she saw something else flicker in his eyes, something that almost looked like understanding.

He gave a small, curt nod, flicking his head toward the exit.

“Go,” he said, his voice low but firm.

She stared at him, stunned. He was letting her go.

Before she could even process it, Johnny turned and bolted up the stairs, no doubt heading to Taeyong’s room.

Her legs felt like jelly as she moved toward the door, her breaths coming in short, panicked bursts. She reached for the handle, her fingers trembling against the cold metal, when another figure appeared beside her.

“Yuta,” she whispered, her voice cracking.

Her heart raced, bracing for the worst, but to her shock, Yuta didn’t raise a weapon either. Instead, he held out a set of car keys, his expression hard but purposeful.

“Third car on the right. Get out of here,” he said flatly.

She blinked at him, trying to reconcile the words with the man she knew. Yuta, who lived and breathed his work, who had never once faltered, was helping her.

Her voice failed her as she reached out, taking the keys from his hand. Their eyes met for a brief moment, his filled with something unspoken, a sharp contrast to his usual cold demeanor.

Without another word, she pushed through the door and ran. The crisp night air hit her like a slap, but she didn’t stop. Racing toward the car, she fumbled with the keys, her hands still shaking. She jumped into the driver’s seat, started the engine, and floored it.

The tires screeched as she tore down the long driveway, her chest heaving with the force of her sobs. The property shrank in her rearview mirror, but the weight on her chest only grew heavier.

She owed Johnny and Yuta her life. For reasons she couldn’t begin to understand, they’d let her go. And she didn’t know if she’d ever have the chance to repay them, or if she even could.

As the car sped into the night, her loud sobs filled the space, the sound raw and unrestrained. This was survival, but it didn’t feel like victory.

-

It must have been a week later when Taeyong finally woke in the emergency room of his hideout.

His eyes fluttered open, met instantly by harsh, fluorescent light that made his head throb even harder. A sharp, relentless pounding coursed through his skull, unlike anything he’d ever felt before. His body felt weak, his skin clammy and pale. He groaned, barely able to move, but one thought tore through the haze clouding his mind.

How the fuck am I still alive?

Attempting to sit up, his stomach churned violently. He barely managed to turn his head before he vomited into a bucket that had been conveniently placed beside the bed.

“Easy, Taeyong,” Johnny said, his deep voice cutting through the fog. He stepped to Taeyong’s side, steadying him with a firm hand on his shoulder.

Taeyong gasped for air, each breath burning his throat. His head swam with fragmented memories, her voice, her face. Y/n. That night. What the hell had she given him? Where the hell was she?

“Lay back, man. You’re not ready to be up,” Johnny urged, trying to guide him back down.

But Taeyong grabbed his sleeve with surprising strength, his bloodshot eyes locking onto Johnny’s with desperate intensity.

“Where the fuck is she?” Taeyong rasped, his voice hoarse and trembling with barely contained rage.

Johnny sighed heavily, his expression darkening as he glanced around the small, dimly lit room. The sorrow etched into his face was unmistakable.

“Taeyong, listen…”

“No.” Taeyong’s grip tightened, his voice sharper now. “You’re going to fucking answer me. Where the fuck is she?”

Johnny hesitated, his jaw tightening. Taeyong’s chest tightened at the potential answer. The silence hung heavy in the air before he finally spoke. 

“I didn’t kill her,” Johnny said quietly, his tone steady but tinged with regret.

For a brief moment, Taeyong didn’t know whether to feel relief or anger. His chest tightened, his mind reeling.

“Then where is she?” Taeyong demanded, his voice rising, the pain in his head forgotten as rage overtook him.

Johnny exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “I haven’t checked since that night,” he admitted, his voice low.

Taeyong’s grip on Johnny’s sleeve loosened, but the fire in his eyes only burned brighter. “Find her,” he said, the words more an order than a request.

“Taeyong–”

“I don’t care what it takes, Johnny,” Taeyong growled, his voice like ice. “You find her.”

Johnny studied Taeyong for a moment, his expression unreadable before he asked quietly, “What are you going to do when you get her?”

Taeyong’s glare sharpened. “What do you think?” he snapped, his tone laced with venom.

Johnny’s brows furrowed, his jaw tightening as he crossed his arms. “You can’t hurt her.”

“Watch me,” Taeyong hissed, his voice icy, the anger in his words barely restrained.

“Fuck, just leave her alone,” Johnny shot back, the frustration in his voice palpable.

It was a bold move. Johnny had never openly defied Taeyong like this before, he’d never needed to. But this was different, and they both knew it.

“She just about killed me!” Taeyong barked, his fists clenching.

“And can you blame her?” Johnny retorted, stepping closer. “You’ve scared the shit out of that girl! She’s been running from you for weeks, Taeyong. You think she did this for fun?”

“She knew what she was getting into,” Taeyong argued, though his words lacked conviction, his voice quieter now.

Johnny scoffed, shaking his head. “You mean what you forced her into?” His tone was sharp, his accusation cutting straight to the heart of the matter.

Taeyong’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

Johnny wasn’t letting up. “The arrangement was simple, wasn’t it? A once-a-week hookup. But no, you had to change the rules. That first night, you made her stay. Then came the dinners, the endless calls, the week-long stayovers. You changed everything, and when she questioned it, you shut her down.”

Taeyong’s gaze wavered, but he still didn’t respond.

Johnny leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone. “I know you went to her house that night, Taeyong…I know you threatened her.”

The accusation hung in the air like a knife poised to strike.

“Didn’t you?” Johnny pressed, his voice filled with both anger and disappointment.

Taeyong’s lips parted as if to speak, but he clamped them shut, his silence telling Johnny everything he needed to know.

Johnny shook his head, stepping back. “You can lie to yourself all you want, but you know damn well why she did what she did. And maybe, just maybe, you deserved it.”

Taeyong’s chest heaved as he wrestled with Johnny’s words, the weight of them sinking in deeper than he wanted to admit. For the first time in a long while, Taeyong wasn’t sure if he had the upper hand anymore.

“Get out,” Taeyong muttered, his voice low and hollow, his gaze fixed on the floor.

Johnny hesitated, searching Taeyong’s face for any sign of his usual resolve. But there was nothing, just a quiet storm brewing behind those bloodshot eyes. With a deep sigh, Johnny nodded.

“I’ll be out the door,” Johnny said softly, his tone laced with unspoken regret.

The door clicked shut behind him, and silence engulfed the room. Taeyong sat motionless, the weight of everything pressing down on him like a vice.

He had never felt this kind of betrayal before. Not from Johnny, no, but from her. From Y/n.

She had tried to kill him. After all the nights they spent together, the trust he thought they’d built, the expensive gifts, the dinners, and she had tried to kill him.

His mind replayed Johnny’s words, each one cutting deeper than the last. Was she scared? Had I scared her? Taeyong clenched his jaw, the thought burning in his mind. He had promised her he would never hurt her, but even he couldn’t deny the threats he’d made, the lines he had crossed.

Was this all because she was scared of me?

The question rattled around in his head, refusing to be silenced. But it didn’t matter. Not anymore. Fear or no fear, she had tried to end him, and now he was going to find her.

Gritting his teeth, Taeyong forced himself to stand, his legs shaky and unsteady beneath him. Each step was agony, his body weak and sluggish, but sheer determination kept him moving. He staggered to the nearby chair where a coat was draped, likely Johnny’s. Shrugging it on, he rifled through the pockets until his fingers brushed against cold metal.

A gun. Perfect.

The weight of it in his hand steadied him, grounding him in his purpose. Moving to the window, he slid it open as quietly as he could. The air hit his face like a slap, but it didn’t stop him. He swung one leg over, then the other, dropping to the ground with a grunt.

He didn’t care that he was shoeless. He didn’t care that he looked like a man who had cheated death. All that mattered was finding her. Y/n wasn’t going to get away with this, not without facing him first.

Each step he took into the darkness was fueled by a mix of pain, rage, and something he couldn’t quite admit to himself, desperation.

-

Taeyong hadn’t expected the search to be this easy. But there she was, standing outside the same bar where they first met. His blood immediately began to boil at the sight of her, laughing, talking to some other man. The raw jealousy surged through him like fire, burning everything in its path.

His legs moved before he could stop them, driven by something dark and possessive. He didn’t even think about it. All he knew was that she was his. That smile, those eyes, they were his, not some stranger’s. He marched forward, and the closer he got, the more furious he became.

She looked stunning, of course. Always did. Her lips were curved in that smile, the one that made every man in the room fall over themselves. She was leaning towards the man, her body language too familiar for Taeyong’s liking. He couldn’t hear the words, but the way she was acting, teasing, flirting, it said everything.

Then, as if sensing him before he even got close, her smile faltered. Her eyes flickered up to meet his, and for a second, time seemed to freeze. Her face fell.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he stormed up to her. "Where the fuck were you?" His voice was low, sharp, filled with raw anger.

Before he could get any closer, the man who’d been talking to her stepped in his path. "Hey man, back off."

Taeyong didn’t have time for this bullshit. His hand shot to his jacket, pulling out the gun, pointing it straight at the man’s chest. "The fuck did you say?"

The man froze, his eyes widening in terror. His hands shot up in surrender as he backed away, scrambling to get as far from Taeyong as possible.

Turning back to Y/n, Taeyong moved quickly, grabbing her face roughly. She stumbled back, her eyes wide in shock, but he wasn’t letting her go. Not now. Not after everything she’d done. He forced her to face him, his grip firm as he held her still.

“You tried to fucking kill me,” Taeyong spat, his voice thick with disbelief. His finger tightened on the trigger, the gun now pointed at her chin. “You put some kind of bath salt in that cocaine?”

Y/n’s eyes went wide with fear, and for a moment, she couldn’t decide where to look, his eyes or the gun pressed to her chin. The tremor in her body was impossible to ignore.

“L-let go of me, Taeyong,” she whispered, her voice calm but shaking. Her body was rigid with fear, but she was trying so hard to keep her composure.

“Like hell,” he hissed, the anger and betrayal consuming him. 

His chest tightened with emotion, something hot and raw stinging at the back of his eyes. He wouldn’t admit it, not even to himself, but the sight of her terrified like this made his insides twist.

The shift in her expression happened so fast that he didn’t even see it coming. In one violent motion, Y/n shoved him off of her. "Let go!"

Taeyong stumbled back, the weakness in his body reminding him how fragile he was right now. His head was pounding, his vision blurred, but he couldn’t stop. He couldn’t let her go.

Looking at her now, he saw the fury in her eyes. And something else, something raw. Her words cut through the air like knives.

“All you men are the fucking same, you know that!” she shouted, tears welling in her eyes. “You want a young girl to play with until you get bored...I don’t want to be that girl anymore, I’m fucking sick of it!���

Taeyong blinked in shock. “What the fuck are you on about?”

“You know what I fucking mean,” she shot back, her voice trembling with emotion.

“You think I was gonna fuck around and drop you?!” Taeyong’s voice raised, his hands flailing in frustration. “I told you I’d keep you safe, keep you happy! I gave you no reason to doubt me!”

“Maybe not! But am I supposed to believe that?” Y/n countered, her voice sharp. “You think you’re the only man to say that to me? Hmm?”

“I’m not like that!” Taeyong snapped, his chest tightening. 

He couldn’t believe he was having this conversation, this fight, with her. The woman he had wanted, the woman who had tried to kill him.

“And how the fuck am I supposed to know that?!” Y/n’s voice cracked as she threw her hands up. “This was never a long-term thing, Taeyong! This wasn’t love! What did you think was gonna happen?”

Her words hit him harder than the gun ever could. His hands tightened into fists, and for the first time, Taeyong felt a pit in his stomach that he couldn’t ignore. He had been so sure, so sure she felt the same way he did. But maybe...maybe he had been wrong.

"So what the fuck was this then?" Taeyong shouted, his voice thick with frustration, his words like daggers cutting through the tense air.

"A bit of fun..." Y/n’s voice was cold, distant, but even she didn’t sound sure. "I was gonna fuck around with you for a while, then disappear. That’s what I do. Keep men like you at arm's length before you can do it first." 

She looked away, her shame evident in the way her posture stiffened. "But you...you were getting too clingy. I didn’t know what to do." Her voice faltered, the edge of defiance slipping into something more vulnerable, more regretful.

Taeyong’s chest tightened at her words. Clingy? His mind whirled with disbelief. He couldn’t fathom how it had come to this. How he could have been so blind, so stupid.

"Well, this..." Taeyong took a slow, shaking breath, squinting his eyes to keep the tears at bay, the anger and hurt bubbling in his throat like poison. "This was no fucking game for me."

His voice cracked slightly, betraying the fragile edge of his emotions, but he swallowed it down. He wouldn’t let her see him break. Not like this. Not when everything felt like it had been ripped apart. He had given everything to her, all his time, his trust, his heart, and she’d turned it into some twisted game. A game.

She didn’t respond at first, her eyes downcast, shame written across her face like a permanent scar. But the silence stretched too long, and Taeyong couldn’t bear it anymore.

"So what now, huh?" he spat. "You just walk away? Pretend like nothing happened? Like this was just some fucked-up thing you can throw away when you’re done?"

Y/n bit her lip, visibly fighting with herself. Her eyes finally met his, but there was no warmth in them. Only cold distance and a regret that he could hardly bear to see.

“I’m sorry, Taeyong,” she whispered, but it felt empty, hollow, like she didn’t believe her own words.

Taeyong laughed bitterly, a sharp, hollow sound that didn’t reach his eyes. "Sorry?" he repeated, shaking his head as if he could shake away the raw ache in his chest. "Sorry doesn’t fucking fix this, Y/n."

He stepped closer, his gaze burning with intensity, like he was trying to see through her, trying to understand how things had gone so wrong. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t this. He wasn’t sure what he even wanted anymore.

"I trusted you," Taeyong muttered, the weight of the words pressing down on him like a physical blow. "And you…you used me. Like I was some joke."

Y/n flinched, but she didn’t look away. She just stood there, her shoulders slumped in defeat, the truth of his words too much to ignore.

Taeyong felt his anger rising again, but it wasn’t the same rage from before. This was deeper, more painful. More...personal. He reached for his chest as if trying to hold his heart together, but it felt like it was already shattering in front of him.

"And I thought you were different…better than that," he whispered, almost to himself. 

His hand dropped, and he stepped back, his breath shaky. His head was pounding, his thoughts spiraling. He had been a fool to believe in her. A fool to think that this could have been real.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Y/n exclaimed, disbelief and frustration flooding her voice. "Well, fuck me for actually trying to stick to the rules you put in place, Taeyong!"

"Don't act like you didn't just admit this was all a game," Taeyong shot back, his words sharp, offended. His chest burned with the sting of betrayal. "You just said it yourself."

"Yeah, but it's the game you sought out first!" Y/n snapped, her voice rising with a mix of anger and defensiveness. "You played your part just as much as I did!"

"Why the fuck are we still yelling at each other?" Taeyong demanded, his frustration spilling over, the tension between them suffocating. "This isn't getting us anywhere!"

"Cause you're blaming me!" Y/n shot back, her voice raw with emotion. "Like I'm the only one who fucked this up!"

Taeyong took a deep breath, his hands trembling at his sides. He didn’t want to keep fighting. He wanted to understand, to fix this. But the words seemed to come out faster than his thoughts could keep up, like they were spiraling into something neither of them could control.

"You think this was just a game?" he muttered, more to himself than her, his tone quieter now, edged with hurt. "I gave you more than that, Y/n. I believed in us."

Y/n’s expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered, her walls going back up. "You believe in whatever you want, but don’t make me the villain for sticking to my own damn boundaries."

Taeyong clenched his fists, the weight of everything between them settling like a heavy stone in his chest. "Boundaries?" he echoed, his voice thick with disbelief. "You just pulled the rug out from under me, Y/n. And now you’re calling it boundaries?"

"Yeah, maybe I am," Y/n said, her voice quieter but still firm. "Maybe I was just trying to protect myself from someone who couldn’t give me space when I asked."

Taeyong's jaw tightened, his mind racing. Protect yourself? Was that what she had been doing? Or was she just playing the same game he had tried so desperately to escape from?

Taeyong placed his hands on his hips, exhaling sharply as he looked up at the sky, trying to regain some control. "You knew what you were getting into," he said, his voice quieter, but still full of frustration.

Y/n scoffed, crossing her arms. "Gee, I should have known the Mafia dude was a sentimental, clingy mess," she said sarcastically, her tone cutting through the tension between them.

"Are you making fun of me right now?" Taeyong asked, his eyes narrowing, his jaw tightening. "Fuck, it’s like I’m talking to a child. You’re so immature."

Y/n raised an eyebrow, clearly unfazed. "It’s almost like you’re arguing with someone much younger than you. Oh, wait–you are!" she retorted, a bitter laugh escaping her.

He couldn’t even deny that. She wasn’t wrong, and that realization stung more than he cared to admit.

Y/n huffed, looking around in frustration, as if trying to escape the weight of the conversation. She turned back to him, her face tired, drained. 

"Why the hell are we still talking about this? Go home." Her voice was quieter now, a hint of exhaustion mixing with the anger that still simmered beneath the surface.

"Because I want to fix this," Taeyong said, his voice almost pleading, as if the words would make everything right again. He wasn’t ready to let go, not yet.

Y/n looked at him, disbelief clouding her gaze. "I tried to kill you," she said, the gravity of it hitting her again. "You can’t just gloss over that."

"We can work around that," Taeyong said, brushing it off with an unsettling ease, as though the danger she posed didn’t matter in comparison to the mess they had created. "This is just the beginning. We can figure this out."

Y/n stared at him, unable to process the sheer audacity of his response. She wasn’t sure if he was that desperate to fix things, or if he genuinely didn’t understand the severity of what she had done.

"You’re insane," she muttered, shaking her head as a mixture of anger and disbelief bubbled inside her. “You still haven’t even asked me what I want, Taeyong.”

"I’m not letting you go, Y/n," he said, his voice hardening, his earlier desperation replaced with something else. Something possessive.

Y/n took a step back, as if the weight of his words physically pushed her away. "What do you want from me, then?" she asked, her voice thick with frustration. "What could you possibly want from someone like me?"

Taeyong’s eyes softened for a brief moment, his gaze losing some of its fire. "I just want you, Y/n."

Y/n didn’t know how to respond to that. Her chest tightened with emotions she didn’t know how to name. 

They stood in silence, the distance between them growing with each passing second, until the silence became unbearable. Neither of them knew what would come next, but they were both aware that what ever this was was far from over.

Y/n let out a heavy sigh, glancing around at the bystanders who were awkwardly pretending not to watch. The scene was almost absurd, Taeyong, looking utterly deranged with his messy hair, coat three sizes too big, and bare feet, was standing there with a gun in hand, yelling at her like some kind of lunatic.

She pinched the bridge of her nose, her patience hanging by a thread. "Where’s your car? I’m taking you home," she said, exasperated.

"I don’t have my car," Taeyong replied nonchalantly, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

Y/n’s mouth fell open, her disbelief plain on her face. "...So you just walked here?"

"Yeah," he said, completely unbothered.

For a moment, they just stared at each other, the absurdity of the situation sinking in. Finally, Y/n shook her head and stepped toward him. "Fine. Let’s walk, then," she said, her tone full of resigned frustration.

She offered him her arm for support, and when he grabbed hold of it, she couldn’t help but notice how fragile he felt. His grip was weak, his steps unsteady. He was in no condition to be storming through the city, let alone pulling a gun on random people. Why am I doing this? she thought. She should’ve left him in the mess he created, but deep down, she knew why she couldn’t. Her heart just wouldn’t let her walk away.

As they started down the street, Y/n let out a groan. "Why the fuck didn’t you bring a car, Taeyong? Seriously."

"I was in a rush," he said simply, as if that explained everything.

She rolled her eyes. "Great. So now I have to drag your sorry ass all the way home," she muttered under her breath.

Taeyong glanced at an old man shuffling past with a cane and nodded toward him. "I could just grab that guy’s cane. Problem solved."

Y/n’s jaw dropped. "You’re not stealing some poor man’s cane, you absolute egg," she snapped, swatting his arm lightly.

"Then don’t complain," Taeyong muttered, his tone teasing despite his obvious exhaustion.

Y/n shook her head, already regretting her decision to help him. She could tell this walk was going to be filled with this kind of ridiculous back-and-forth banter. 

Awkward silence giving way to snarky remarks and half-meant insults, the kind that only people who were too broken to hate each other could exchange. But as frustrating as it was, there was a small part of her that couldn’t deny the warmth she felt, knowing that even now, after everything, she was still here, and so was he.

-

The walk back was grueling, each step more draining than the last, but somehow, they managed to get Taeyong home in one piece. By the time they reached the stairs, Y/n was practically holding him up, her arms aching from the effort. She could see it in his face, he was completely drained, his usual sharp demeanor dulled by sheer exhaustion.

"I get that you were angry, but maybe you should've rested instead of storming out like a lunatic," Y/n muttered, propping him against the pillar beside the door.

"Shush," Taeyong mumbled, his eyes closed as if even opening them was too much effort.

Y/n rolled her eyes, knocking on the door firmly. Before her hand could even leave the surface, the door swung open so fast it nearly flew off its hinges. Johnny stood there, his face a mix of panic and relief as his eyes darted from Y/n to Taeyong. His gaze lingered on Taeyong, leaning like a ragdoll against the pillar.

"God fucking damn it, Taeyong!" Johnny cursed, immediately stepping out to grab his friend. Without waiting for a response, he hooked an arm under Taeyong's shoulder and began hauling him inside.

As they stumbled over the threshold, Johnny shot Y/n a quick glance. "Good to see you’re still alive, Y/n," he said, his tone a strange blend of humor and concern.

"Yeah, well, someone had to drag this idiot home," she replied, stepping into the house and closing the door behind her.

Johnny sighed as he eased Taeyong onto the couch, the weight of the moment settling in. "What the hell were you thinking? You’re in no condition to be wandering the streets like that. Barefoot, for God’s sake."

Taeyong, half-conscious, just waved a dismissive hand. "I had it handled."

"Sure you did," Y/n muttered, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall. "Looked real ‘handled’ when you almost collapsed on the sidewalk."

Johnny shook his head, crouching to check Taeyong’s pulse as a precaution. "You’ve got a death wish, you know that?" Grabbing a blanket off to the side, he threw it on top of Taeyong. 

"Wouldn’t be who I was if I didn’t," Taeyong mumbled, managing a weak smirk.

Johnny looked up at Y/n, his brows knitting together in concern. "Thanks for bringing him back. I don’t even want to think about what might’ve happened if you hadn’t."

Y/n shrugged, though the weight of the night was starting to press down on her. "It’s fine. I wasn’t about to leave him out there, no matter how fucked up the situation is."

Johnny nodded, his expression softening. "Still. You didn’t have to, not for this bastard anyways, but you did. That says a lot."

The room fell quiet for a moment. Taeyong, now slumped over the couch with his eyes closed, looked far more vulnerable than Y/n had ever seen him. The man who usually carried an air of authority, of danger, now seemed...human. Broken, even.

"So what happens now?" Y/n asked, breaking the silence.

Johnny stood up, brushing his hands on his jeans. "Now? I get this dumbass cleaned up and resting. You..." He hesitated, his eyes searching hers. "You’ve done more than enough for tonight."

Y/n glanced at Taeyong, her heart pulling in directions she didn’t fully understand. "Yeah," she murmured, pushing off the wall. "Guess I’ll head out."

As she reached the door, Johnny called out after her. "Hey, Y/n?"

She paused, turning back to him. "Yeah?"

Johnny offered her a small, grateful smile. "You’re good for him, you know. Even if neither of you realizes it yet."

Y/n didn’t respond right away. She just nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line, and stepped out into the night. The weight of Johnny’s words followed her all the way home.

Johnny closed the door behind him with a heavy sigh, rubbing the back of his neck as he made his way back into the living room. Taeyong was sprawled on the couch like a starfish, one arm lazily draped over his eyes.

"Where’s Y/n?" Taeyong mumbled, his voice muffled but unmistakably demanding.

Johnny plopped down into the armchair across from him, his brows lifting as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. "She went home, obviously. What, did you think she was gonna stick around and tuck you in?"

Taeyong groaned dramatically, dragging his arm off his face and shooting Johnny an exaggerated glare. "She left? Just like that? You let her leave?!"

Johnny blinked at him, unimpressed. "She’s not a puppy. I wasn’t about to tie her to the railing."

"But–" Taeyong sat up too fast, immediately regretting it as he groaned and flopped back down again, clutching his head. "Ugh, Johnny, why?"

Johnny rolled his eyes. "Oh, here we go..."

"She didn’t even say goodbye!" Taeyong whined, kicking one bare foot like a frustrated toddler. "I didn’t get to thank her or explain or–I don’t know–convince her to stay!"

Johnny snorted. "What were you gonna convince her of? That you’re a barefoot lunatic who can’t even walk half a block without collapsing?"

"I was gonna apologize!" Taeyong shot back, his tone a little too defensive. "And–uh–charm her. You know, fix things."

"Sure," Johnny said dryly, leaning back and crossing his arms. "Nothing’s more charming than a half-dead dude whining about being abandoned."

"I’m not whining," Taeyong grumbled, even as he kicked at the blanket Johnny had thrown over him earlier. He turned his head toward the door, sulking. "I just...I didn’t want her to go yet."

Johnny sighed, shaking his head with a faint smile. "You’re impossible, man. She saved your sorry ass tonight, dragged you all the way back here, and you’re still complaining. You should be counting your blessings she didn’t leave you face-down on the sidewalk."

Taeyong ignored him, still staring at the door like he expected Y/n to come waltzing back in. After a beat of silence, he groaned again, this time quieter.

"Johnny..."

"Yeah?"

"I miss her already."

Johnny couldn’t help but laugh, loud and genuine. "God, you’re hopeless."

"I know!" Taeyong muttered, pulling the blanket up to his chin. "But still."

Johnny shook his head, his laughter fading into an exasperated sigh as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Hopeless and delusional. You really think she’s just gonna come back because you miss her?”

Taeyong peeked out from under the blanket, his expression somewhere between defensive and pitiful. “Maybe. She might feel bad for me.”

Johnny snorted. “Right. Because pity is the foundation of a healthy relationship.”

Taeyong groaned again, flopping dramatically onto his side. "It’s not like that."

Johnny raised a brow. "Oh, really? Then what is it?"

Taeyong opened his mouth to respond, but nothing came out. He sat there, frozen for a moment, like he was trying to find the right words and failing miserably. 

Finally, he let out a defeated breath. "I don’t know, man. She’s just…different."

Johnny smirked knowingly. "Different? Wow, that’s original."

"Shut up," Taeyong muttered, glaring at him before rolling back onto his back. His voice softened as he stared at the ceiling. "I mean it. She’s not like anyone else. She’s a mess, yeah, but I’m a bigger mess, so it’s like…I don’t know, Johnny. It makes sense somehow. She makes sense to me."

Johnny stared at him, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "You do realize she literally tried to kill you, right? That’s your idea of ‘making sense’?"

"That was a misunderstanding!" Taeyong shot back defensively, sitting up again.

"A misunderstanding?" Johnny repeated, his voice full of disbelief. "Taeyong, she dosed you with bath salts. That’s not a misunderstanding–that’s a felony."

Taeyong huffed, his brows furrowed as he slumped back against the couch cushions. "She didn’t mean to. She panicked, okay? She thought I was just like the rest of them."

Johnny shook his head, clearly trying to hold back another laugh. "You’re unbelievable. I mean, I get it–she’s cute and all–but you’re really out here making excuses for her like you’re her lawyer."

Taeyong ignored the jab, his mind clearly elsewhere as his fingers fidgeted with the edge of the blanket. "She came back, though," he said quietly. "After everything, she didn’t just leave me there. That–that means something, right?"

“I’m just saying, man,” Johnny shrugged, leaning back again. “For a guy who almost got killed by her, you’re talking about her like she gave you the sun.”

Taeyong ran a hand through his hair, frustration bubbling back up. “It’s not that simple. She doesn’t trust me, and I don’t blame her. But...I don’t want this to be over.”

Johnny let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. “You really are in deep, huh?”

Taeyong glared at him. “You’re not helping.”

“I’m not trying to help, I’m observing.” Johnny grinned. “It’s like watching a slow car crash. Painful, but I can’t look away.”

"You’re lucky she even helped you, I know you had my gun," Johnny finally said, his voice gentler now. "I guess she doesn’t hate you that much."

"She doesn’t hate me," Taeyong replied quickly, almost like he needed to say it out loud to believe it. "She wouldn’t have helped me if she did."

Johnny didn’t argue, though he couldn’t stop himself from adding, "Again. A gun."

Taeyong shot him a glare. "You’re the worst, you know that?"

Johnny grinned again, his easygoing demeanor slipping back into place. "Yeah, yeah. But seriously, what’s your plan here? You can’t just mope around and hope she shows up again."

Taeyong stared at him for a long moment, processing what Johnny had just said. Then, as if something clicked in his mind, his expression hardened with determination.

“You’re right.”

Johnny raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “Wait, what did I just say? I don’t like that look in your eyes.”

“I need to go find her.” Taeyong started to push himself up off the couch, only to stumble immediately.

Johnny shot up, grabbing his shoulder to shove him back down. “Whoa, whoa, no you don’t! Sit your ass down, hero. You can’t even stand!”

“I don’t care, I’ll crawl if I have to!” Taeyong shot back, trying to wriggle free.

Johnny groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “This is exactly why you’re hopeless.”

“She’s not gonna wait forever, Johnny,” Taeyong argued, his voice pleading now. “If I don’t do something, she’ll disappear for good.”

Johnny let out an exaggerated groan, clearly fed up, when suddenly he caught a glimpse of someone passing the doorway. 

His eyes lit up mischievously as he shouted, “Yuta!”

Yuta paused mid-step, poking his head back into the room with a raised eyebrow. “What?”

“You’re here. Perfect timing.” Johnny got up so fast it was almost suspicious.

“Wait–where are you going?” Taeyong called out, squinting at him from his spot on the couch.

Johnny ignored him entirely and sauntered toward Yuta, clapping a hand on his shoulder like he was about to bestow some great responsibility. “Tag, you’re it.”

Yuta blinked. “Excuse me?”

Johnny jerked his thumb toward the couch. “Your turn to babysit.”

Taeyong shot upright–or at least as upright as his sore body allowed. “Babysit? What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Johnny said with a grin, patting Yuta’s shoulder one more time. “It’s a two-man job, and I need a break.”

Yuta frowned, confused and increasingly wary. “What’s going on?”

“The boss is in love and being an idiot,” Johnny said simply, as if that explained everything.

Yuta froze, staring at Johnny, then slowly turned his head toward Taeyong, who was scowling at both of them. “...You’re kidding me.”

“Wish I was.” Johnny sighed dramatically, stepping back toward the door. “Look, I’ve done my part. He wants to go crawling after the girl who, might I remind you, tried to kill him.”

“She doesn’t hate me!” Taeyong shouted again from the couch, voice laced with desperation.

Yuta looked between the two of them, processing the situation, and then deadpanned, “You two need therapy.”

Johnny snorted, already halfway out the door. “Probably, but we’re in too deep for that now. You’re in charge, Yuta. Good luck!”

“Wait–what?!” Yuta called after him, but Johnny was already gone, leaving him stranded.

Slowly, Yuta turned back toward Taeyong, his arms crossing over his chest. He looked Taeyong up and down, the disheveled hair, the blanket still tangled around his legs, the determination on his face despite how pathetic he looked.

“You seriously got dumped and decided crawling back was the move?” Yuta asked, voice dripping with judgment.

“I didn’t get dumped!” Taeyong snapped, glaring at him. “It’s complicated.”

Yuta sighed, grabbing a chair and dragging it across the floor until it was planted in front of Taeyong. He dropped down into it, leaning back like he had all the time in the world.

“So…you’re in love?” Yuta finally asked, his tone dripping with disbelief.

Taeyong’s face twisted into a scowl as he sank back against the cushions. “Shut up.”

Yuta crossed his arms, already amused at the situation. “So let me get this straight–Johnny left me here because you’re apparently too lovesick to function?”

Taeyong shot him a glare that lacked any real heat. “It’s not like that.”

“Oh, it’s definitely like that,” Yuta snorted, walking over and dropping himself unceremoniously into the armchair across from Taeyong. 

He leaned back, smirking like he’d just found the best entertainment of the week. “So, what happened? Did she reject you, or did you scare her off with your charming personality again?”

“Can you not?” Taeyong groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I don’t need this right now. And I didn’t get rejected! You can’t get rejected if you don’t even ask!”

Yuta ignored him entirely, stretching his arms over his head as he grinned. “This is gold, man. Taeyong, the almighty boss, brought to his knees by a girl.”

“I said shut up!” Taeyong barked, his voice cracking slightly, which only made Yuta laugh harder.

“Okay, okay,” Yuta said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Fine. I’ll stop...for now.”

Taeyong muttered something under his breath before staring at the ceiling, the same troubled look returning to his face.

Yuta tilted his head, observing him quietly for a moment. “You’re serious about her, huh?”

Taeyong didn’t answer right away, his voice quieter when he finally replied. “Yeah.”

Something in Yuta’s expression softened slightly–though he’d never admit it. “Then quit sulking and figure it out. She doesn’t seem like the type to wait around for you to get your shit together.”

Taeyong turned his head, his eyes narrowing slightly. “That’s what I said.”

“Then listen!” Yuta shot back with a shrug. “If you’re that serious, prove it to her. Otherwise, you’re just wasting your time.”

Taeyong sat in silence for a beat, processing Yuta’s words.

Yuta kicked his feet up onto the coffee table, smirking. “But hey, if you decide to give up, let me know. I’ll go find her myself.”

Taeyong’s head shot up, glaring daggers at him. “You really want to try that right now?”

Yuta burst out laughing. “Relax, Romeo, I’m just messing with you. But seriously–stop whining and do something about it. You look pathetic.”

Taeyong groaned again, but this time there was less frustration behind it. He knew Yuta was right, no matter how much he hated to admit it.

Yuta leaned back further, arms behind his head as he smirked. “Man, this is going to be fun to watch.”

“Shut up, Yuta.”

“Make me.”

-

The next day, Y/n sat curled up on her couch, a book open on her lap, but she wasn’t paying attention. Her eyes were fixed on the window, watching the faint drizzle outside as her thoughts kept circling back to him.

Taeyong.

She didn’t want to think about him, didn’t want to let him take up space in her mind, but it was impossible. Sure, he had been on her mind since she thought she killed him, but now that he was definitely still alive, it was different.

Her lips pressed into a thin line as she leaned back, pulling the blanket tighter around her shoulders.

“Idiot,” she muttered to herself, though she wasn’t sure if she was talking about him or herself at this point.

The image of him from the night before flashed through her mind. Shoeless, hair a mess, standing there like a lunatic in the middle of the street with what had to be Johnny’s coat. And that look in his eyes…the way he’d spoken, almost desperately.

"Because I want to fix this."

Y/n groaned and let her head fall back against the couch cushions. “Why does he have to make everything so complicated?”

He could’ve just let it go. He could’ve stayed angry at her, written her off as nothing more than a mistake and moved on, fuck, even kill her! That’s what she thought he’d do, it’s what anyone else would’ve done after everything.

But no. Taeyong wasn’t anyone else.

“Why did I even help him…”

Because she couldn’t leave him there, that’s why. Because despite everything, seeing him so vulnerable had shattered the walls she’d carefully built around herself. 

Because the look in his eyes had reminded her of something she’d tried to forget, a part of her that still cared, no matter how much she didn’t want to.

But no matter how much she tried to shove the thoughts away, they kept coming back to him. Taeyong, stubborn, infuriating Taeyong, with his sharp words and soft eyes, his contradictions and complications. 

How did someone like him, someone she thought she could write off as nothing more than trouble, end up feeling so significant?

Her chest tightened, and she buried her face in her hands with a groan.

“Fuck this, man.”

Still, no matter how much she tried to convince herself that she was done, a quiet, nagging voice in the back of her mind wouldn’t let her.

What if he really does care? What if he means it?

She shook her head again, more firmly this time. “It doesn’t matter. It’s better this way.”

But even as she said it, the ache in her chest didn’t agree. The image of him wouldn’t leave her alone, his messy hair, his soft pleading voice, the way he looked at her like she was the only thing in the world that mattered.

And worst of all, she couldn’t deny the truth anymore.

She missed him.

“Damn it,” she whispered to herself, her voice breaking just slightly.

Outside, the rain fell a little harder, and Y/n pulled the blanket closer around herself, trying to ignore the fact that no matter how much she fought it, Taeyong wasn’t going anywhere, not from her mind, and not from her heart.

A sudden knock at the door jolted Y/n out of her spiraling thoughts. Her head snapped toward the sound, her heart skipping a beat. She wasn’t expecting anyone.

For a moment, she froze, staring at the door as if it might reveal who was on the other side. Another knock came, louder this time, and she forced herself to her feet, wrapping the blanket tightly around her shoulders as she shuffled toward the door.

Her mind raced with possibilities. It could be her neighbor, maybe a package delivery–though she hadn’t ordered anything–or…

No. It’s not him. Don’t be ridiculous.

But when she cracked the door open, her breath caught in her throat.

There he was.

Taeyong stood there, drenched from the rain, his hair plastered to his forehead, looking both miserable and determined all at once. His coat this time was the right size, fitting perfectly on his slim frame, and in his hands, of all things, was a slightly battered bouquet of flowers.

Y/n blinked, her brain struggling to catch up. Flowers? Taeyong had never been the “flowers” type.

“Uh…hi,” he said, his voice almost shy as he stood there awkwardly on her doorstep.

She stared at him for a long moment, her mouth slightly open but no words coming out. The sight of him–wet, cold, and holding onto those flowers like they were his lifeline–rendered her completely speechless.

Finally, she managed, “What are you doing here?”

“I–uh–I came to…” He hesitated, his fingers tightening around the stems of the bouquet. “I came to apologize. Properly. This time.”

Her eyes flicked to the flowers, then back to his face. “You’re apologizing with flowers?”

He huffed, looking almost embarrassed. “Look, I don’t usually do this, okay? But I didn’t know what else to bring. You’ve never liked my other gifts, so…” He trailed off, shifting awkwardly on his feet.

Y/n didn’t respond right away. She just stared at him, unsure whether to laugh, cry, or shut the door in his face. 

Instead, she found herself asking, “I have appreciated all you gifts…You walked here in the rain, didn’t you?”

“...Yeah.” He looked down, sheepishly.

“Barefoot?”

He shook his head. “No. Shoes. I’m not that stupid.”

Y/n sighed, rubbing her temples. “You’re unbelievable. You have how many cars yet still walk, aye?”

“I know,” he said quickly, meeting her eyes with a look so sincere it almost hurt. 

“But I’m here because I need you to know I’m serious about this. About us. I know I’ve screwed up more times than I can count, but…” He held the flowers out to her like they were proof of his words. “I’m not giving up on you. Not now. Not ever.”

She stared at him, her chest tightening again. The sight of him standing there, vulnerable and soaked to the bone, made it impossible to ignore the truth anymore.

She crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe as she tried to steady her voice. “Taeyong…what is this supposed to be?”

His brows furrowed, confusion flickering across his face. “What do you mean?”

“This,” she said, motioning between the two of them. “You show up here with flowers and some big apology, but what happens after that? Am I supposed to believe this is a fresh start? Are we…doing this for real, or is this just another one of your impulsive grand gestures that doesn’t go anywhere?”

Taeyong’s eyes softened, and he opened his mouth to respond, but she cut him off, her words spilling out in a rush.

“And what about you being a mafia? How is this even going to work? Like you said yesterday, my attempt to kill you wasn’t the first and won’t be the last.” Her voice cracked at the end, and she bit her lip to steady herself.

Taeyong’s expression shifted, the guilt and regret plain on his face. He ran a hand through his damp hair, sighing heavily. “Y/n, I know I’ve been reckless. I know it’s not fair to you. But this–us–it’s the only thing that feels right to me. I don’t want to keep screwing this up. I can’t promise everything will be perfect, but I can promise that I’ll try. That I’ll figure it out, whatever it takes.”

She narrowed her eyes, not letting him off the hook so easily. “And when you’re out there risking your life for…what, drugs and money? When you disappear for days without a word? How am I supposed to deal with that?”

He took a step closer, his voice low but firm. “I’m sure how it’s gonna work, but I’m going to have you, one way or another. And I will always keep you safe, keep you in my home with Yuta or Johnny.”

She searched his face, her chest heavy with uncertainty and hope tangled together. There was a sincerity in his eyes she couldn’t ignore, but the weight of his words wasn’t enough to erase the doubts clouding her mind.

“And what if I need more than that?” she asked quietly.

He hesitated, then nodded, his voice resolute. “Then I’ll give you more. Whatever it takes. I just need you to let me try.”

Her breath hitched, and she looked down, her hands trembling slightly as she wrestled with everything swirling inside her. Could she trust him again? Could she really believe he’d change?

When she looked back up, the vulnerability in his expression cut her like a knife. He was still the same Taeyong–messy, impulsive, chaotic–but there was something different in his eyes now. Something raw, and real, and heartbreakingly genuine.

She reached out, hesitating for just a moment before taking the flowers from his hands. The stems were damp, and the petals slightly crumpled from his journey, but somehow that only made them more endearing.

“You’re such an idiot,” she muttered, looking down at the bouquet in her hands.

He smiled faintly, a flicker of relief breaking through his exhausted expression. “Yeah, yeah, don’t remind me.”

Y/n exhaled, her resolve crumbling under the weight of his words. Finally, she stepped aside, gesturing for him to come in.

“Get in here before you catch pneumonia, you moron,” she said, her voice softer now.

Taeyong’s smile widened as he stepped inside, dripping water onto the floor but looking lighter than he had in days.

Y/n closed the door behind him, clutching the flowers tightly. Despite everything, despite her better judgment, she couldn’t stop the small smile forming on her lips.

Maybe, just maybe, things weren’t as hopeless as she thought.

-

A/N: fuck, this was not suppose to be this long at all, I can say with full confidence, none of the other parts will be this long I posted a poll asking if yous wanted it posted in one part or two, looks like tumblr didn't give me a choice, sorry bout that I hope you did enjoy this fic, the next member I will be writing is Johnny and his song :) thank you 💚

[taeyongers]

Between the Hammer and Anvil (M)

pairing: mafia boss/ceo taeyong x spy reader

genre: childhood friends to lovers, mob au, ceo au

word count: 33.6k

summary: you are a member of yuta's mob sent to spy on a rival mob's boss taeyong who unfortunately happens to be your childhood love that you haven't seen in a decade. when you realize he's still in love with you, and you with him, you grapple with the reality of your mission. (also includes best friend jungwoo and brief Johnny appearance)

warnings: blood, guns, gunfights, illicit activities, minor to medium injuries, physical violence, kidnapping, mentions of death, explicit sexual content, subyong and domyong and everything in between, oral (m. and f. receiving), slight hair pulling and breathplay, semi public (office) smut. healthy relationship though (besides the spying), accidental pregnancy. minors dni.

“The Scorpion?” You echo. The name is big, feared, and known throughout the criminal world, but never you thought you’d take him on.

“Yes. We need to infiltrate his base.” Your boss, Yuta, speaks busily while sifting through folders on his desk.

“That’s a bold move. He’s the most powerful mob boss in the city.”

“We have no choice. They’ve slowly been taking over our territories. I know we are big in the city as well, second only to him, but he’s too powerful to fight head on. We need to turn the tide against him before we’re nearly wiped out, and we do that by infiltrating his base.” He glances at you. “We need to get intel from there directly so we can figure out how to sabotage his operations, eliminate his members, and hit him where it hurts. Then, with the most powerful organization crumbling, we can take over.” 

You mull the idea over in your mind. It’s a good idea in theory but you can’t imagine how you can possibly put it into action. “Do you know where his base is?” He shakes his head. You snort. “No offense, Yuta, but for all your wittiness, this plan is foolhardy. Not to mention risky. How do you intend on infiltrating him? He’s smart, powerful, and hides in the shadows. No one knows who or where he is.”

Yuta smiles. “Nobody did. But I do.” He rummages through his files. 

You blink. “You managed to uncover his real identity?”

“Yes.. with a great deal of tracking and tracing through member interactions, we’re about ninety percent sure of his identity.” He seems to find the file he was looking for and pulls up a paper for view. “And I need you to go in, pose as a new recruit, monitor them for a while and then come back and report to me.”

Now, you laugh. “What makes you think they’d just let me in willy nilly?”

Yuta grins behind the paper. “Because the Scorpion knows you.” You freeze. He puts the paper on top of a deck of documents in a folder and slides the case file across the table towards you. The thick stack of papers come into view haphazardly, but the printed photo on top slides stops your heart. Familiar eyes, face, all from your memories. “His name is Taeyong.”

Your mind swirls in flashbacks. Taeyong. A childhood friend. A friend whose father was a mob boss. Your father worked directly under him and you were Taeyong’s age, so naturally, you grew up together, from elementary into high school years. It was always expected that he was to take over his father’s position. His father’s organization was far reaching, well established, and successful. Yet no one would’ve ever believed Taeyong was a mob boss’ heir. He was always kind, funny, full of life, and soft. You’d watch him fall from the jungle gym and cry, thinking he’s soft, much too soft. You wondered how he could possibly be related to his ruthless father while wiping his tears and putting a bandaid on his wound, secretly hoping his softness never went away. 

But around high school, he’d suddenly grown shy, avoiding eye contact, avoiding everything, avoiding you completely. It hurt at first and then frustrated you to no end. You’d cornered him between the shelves of the library, watching his face painted full pink, flusteredly asking you what you were doing but all you could say was you’re my best friend, please don't leave me with tears in your eyes. He’d looked shocked, then relaxed, then apologized, finally, promising he wouldn’t. Painfully, painfully ironic because the next day was the last time you saw him.The police had managed to pin your father with evidence. Your dad suddenly made you pack and leave the state before he got caught. You recall crying in the car as you drove away from your home, your friends, from Taeyong. You’ve missed him every day since, even until now. Sometimes, the inexplicable aching emptiness threatens to swallow you whole.

Since moving here to a place outside police jurisdiction, your father began working directly under another mob boss. Twelve years later, it fell to his son Yuta’s leadership, while you followed your father’s footsteps after his early passing and joined to work directly under him. 

Yuta was reasonable but strict. And when he was ruthless, he was terrifying. Fitting for what was needed in a kingpin. He used you as his weapon for many missions and was usually successful. But this.. this is beyond what you had bargained for.

“Y/n?” Yuta’s voice shakes you out of your stupor. “Do you recognize him?” You blink rapidly, eyes tracing over the very grown features of the once lanky, shy boy you saw last. The Scorpion. So, it seems that Taeyong did take over his father’s position after all. 

“Yes,” you force out, voice shaky for some indiscernible reason.

“Great,” he sighs in relief. “I heard you grew up with him. We can use this to our advantage. If you try to join their organization, hopefully high up in the ranks. He might let you in easily. Then, you can infiltrate and we’ll have our victory on our hands.” Infiltrate. Let you in. You’ll have to see him again..

“No.” The word falls from your mouth before you can stop it. “I… I can’t do it.”

Yuta’s eyes narrow. “You’ve never refused a mission before. Why not?”

“We have uh..” your throat burns. “..history” 

He raises a brow, understanding seeping into his features. “A lover?”

Your cheeks burn, and you look away. “No.. just friends.”

Yuta looks skeptical. “How long ago?”

“Twelve years.” 

“Good. That's enough time to be over him, or for him to be over you.” He continues rummaging through papers. You realize he’s going to continue with this plan. Your eyes flit back to the photograph, of Taeyong staring up at you, of memory flashes of soft, sweet smiles and blushing and butterflies. The thought of seeing him again, of betraying him…

“Yuta.” He hums in question. “I can't do it. Find someone else.”

He glares at you before scoffing. “You’re being dramatic. Just get in there, infiltrate, and get out. Find his weak points, things we can take advantage of.” Yuta drops the other papers onto the table. “I can’t find someone else to do it. You’re the only one he won't suspect since he knows you.” You hesitate. He leans forward. “You’re telling me that you’d betray us, after a decade, for a boy you had a crush on in childhood?”

“Of course not!” You say, but uncertainty flares in your chest. You are fiercely loyal to Yuta. You can’t imagine betraying him for anyone else.. but this is different territory.

“Good. All you have to do is remember your allegiance and get intel and come back in a month.”

A month.. you will have to interact with taeyong for a month. “And how will I join them if I don’t know where their base is?”

“Easy. You talk to their recruiter.” He says, filing all the papers back into the folder. “I had one of our guys spread the word around about a daughter of a former mob member who has great skills for illegal activities. It’s only a matter of time before they call you.”

You snort. “Wow, you even gave them my phone number?”

“I don’t need to. They’ll trace you on their own.” He answers distractedly, gathering the files. “Why don’t you take the next week off? I don’t want you here when they trace your number and location. Maybe hang around in a coffee shop or something?”

You watch him, nerves creeping up. “You’ve really planned this out, huh? What if I had said no?”

He glances at you. “Remember, this is our only chance to take down the Scorpion and ensure our success for years. I’m not going to waste it. Besides,” he smiles, plopping the files into a near pile on the table. “You never had a choice anyway.”

...

You begrudgingly visit coffee shops, parks and other public places the next week and stay away from Yuta’s base. Sure enough, you get a call from a private number.The man on the other end identifies himself as a recruiter for an illicit organization. The recruiter’s voice was rich and sweet, like molasses or honey. You find yourself enjoying listening to it. He calls himself Jungwoo and says that he heard about you through his connections, that he knew your father worked for this group a long while ago, and that they’d love for you to work with them. You try to sound interested and accept, feeling your stomach churn all the while. You are that much closer to seeing Taeyong after over a decade. He tells you to go to a specific location in the city from where he will pick you up. You follow his directions and within an hour, you’re climbing into a sleek black van with a young, handsome man and driving down the highway.

“We know about your father. He was a well respected man. It’s a shame what happened,” he recounts.

“Yeah, a shame.” You reply distantly, your mind only on the idea of seeing Taeyong after all these years and spy and subsequently betray him. Your stomach churns more.

“Were you okay after that? Did you go into hiding?” 

“Uh.. yeah. The police never managed to catch my dad once we left this area.” You are careful to leave out the part where you got involved with another mob, unknowingly the rival of Taeyong’s.

“That’s good. It’s nice that you can return here now.” He smiles at you. You inspect him. Is everyone working under Taeyong going to be this nice? 

“When I join.. do you know what position I’ll be or… or who I’ll work under?”

He hums in thought. “Well, since you’re a fresh recruit, you’ll be at the bottom of the hierarchy. Give it a few years and you’ll work your way up. You may even work directly under the boss.”

A few years? You will never get valuable intel for Yuta while working as a simple recruit. You need to be higher up than that to get valuable information. The gears in your mind turn until you play the only card you have. “Is there a Taeyong there?”

Jungwoo freezes, eyes flitting to you suspiciously. Nobody is supposed to know who the boss is, so you’re hoping to play it off like a coincidence “Taeyong? How do you know him?” He asks guardedly. 

“We were friends when my father worked directly under his father. I was wondering if he was still here.” Jungwoo’s brows furrow, and you explain further. “Yes, we grew up together.”

Jungwoo gives you a once over before carefully acquiescing. “Yes.. there might be someone like that there. I’ll have to double check our members’ list when we get inside. We’re almost here anyway.” He pulls the car into the lot of a large building that looks like a typical financial office building. Jungwoo parks his car and takes you through the doors, past reception and towards the elevators. The lobby is filled with people who look like office workers, dressed in formal wear and carrying briefcases and files. You figure it’s a nice camouflage for the real happenings of this building. Yuta’s group is mainly hidden underground in the slums and didn’t need this much of a cover. Once in the elevators, you both go to the highest floor. Upon stepping out, you catch sight of the floor to ceiling windows in the hallway. You can see the entire city’s skyline from here. Jungwoo leads you to an empty office room with some chairs and tables. “Please wait here. I’ll uh… check if Taeyong is here and knows you.”

“Okay,” you say, watching him leave. The moment the door shuts closed, your heart begins pounding. You’ve rarely been nervous before, not even during missions or shootouts. But this is different, so wildly different, you don’t know how to behave. You settle for focusing on the stunning view outside the window in order to ground yourself. Not even five minutes later, the door swings open abruptly. You whirl around to see two figures standing in the doorway, making no effort to come inside the room.

One is unmistakably Taeyong, dressed in a suit and hair carefully combed back from his face. His face, that he grew into after all these years, makes your heart come to a stop. His eyes are the same, big and wide and wonderful, even wider now with the shocked expression he wears, along with his parted mouth. His hand is still clamped around the door knob as if it's an anchor to reality. He stands there motionless, eyes running over you in disbelief. Jungwoo stands behind him, slightly bewildered at his reaction. “Y/n?”

Similar shock and disbelief well up inside you. Your churning stomach turns into a butterfly garden. “Taeyong…”

Junwoo watches the exchange before stepping back into the hallway. “Okay.. I.. think I’ll just stand outside.” He disappears from behind Taeyong who dazedly steps into the room. He looks so grown and handsome, with the same eyes you’ve always known.

“Jungwoo asked me… if I knew a Y/n…” he says, his voice so familiar even after a decade. “All I did was just run over here…” He steps forward carefully towards you until he’s standing in front of you. With him so close, your stomach turns into a bursting mush of butterflies and tingles. With his dark eyes drinking in every feature of your face, you barely recall where you are and why you came here in the first place.

“I… It’s been a while,” you manage out.

He blinks, as if registering your voice. “Yes. You’re... grown up,” he flushes. “You’re beautiful.” Your face burns, and burns again when his lips fall into a fond smile, eyes running over your features.“I missed you,” he breathes out. You find yourself  sucking in a breath. “Can I hug you?”

You pull him into you without a word, arms wrapping tightly around him. He melts immediately, hands pressing you closer against his chest. You sigh in the embrace, head resting on his shoulder. “I missed you too,” you say, voice cracking a bit this time. The daily, inexplicable longing you’ve felt for a decade has all been washed away in this moment. He squeezes you tighter, nosing your hair, so warm and safe in your arms that you never ever want to leave. It's a minute or two before he reluctantly lets go with a warm smile. He still looks so soft, just as in childhood, and it’s hard to believe you’re hugging a kingpin of a criminal empire.

“I can’t believe you’re here.” He touches your face again, gently. “Were you just recruited?” You nod, pressing your cheek into his hand. “Ah,” he blinks. “Jungwoo?” He calls. The man steps through the open door, eyes taking in the close distance between you two. “She’ll be working directly under me. Give her clearance to everything.”

Your brain grinds to a halt while Jungwoo looks skeptical. “Will she go through the initiation?”

“Not needed.” Taeyong turns back to you, eyes softening. “Her father worked with us for many years. No doubt she’ll be just as loyal as him.”

Jungwoo furrows his brows and looks as if he’s about to say something. Then, he stops himself, says “yes, Boss” and walks out the door, closing it behind him. Taeyong doesn’t pay any mind. He’s still gazing at you, smiling.

“So.. Boss huh?” 

He smiles, shrugging. “It took some getting used to.”

“For a kingpin called the Scorpion, you still look like the soft boy crying on the playground.”

He grins playfully. “Do I?” You nod, chuckling. “I’m glad you still remember.”

“Of course I remember. I remember everything about you.”

A light pink settles on his cheeks and you know you’re right; take out the title and he’s still the same boy you knew. “Listen, we actually have a meeting right now with my staff. I want you to join.”

And suddenly you remember why you’re here, how this is a supposed golden opportunity as Taeyong’s mob’s rival, and your heart bleeds in pain. “Ah.. is it really okay for me to join without an initiation?”

“Of course,” he answers easily, trusting, always too trusting. He hesitates and seems to gather courage to raise his hand and tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. Your stomach bursts into a mess of butterflies once again and you hold your breath, not daring to move. His eyes are soft and you find yourself mesmerized. “You’re already part of this family, just as your father was.”

You grow unbearably soft, forgetting even the guilt as you gaze silently back at him. He does the same, and the air shifts in the silence. He looks like he’s about to say something before someone knocks on the door. “Boss, the meeting is starting,” Jungwoo’s muffled voice sounds through the door.

Taeyong blinks himself back to the present and smiles warmly at you. At that moment, you know more than anything that you don't deserve him. “Come on, let’s go.”

...

The meeting is held in a large room at the end of a hallway that is covered in crystal clear, floor to ceiling windows. You marvel at just how much money this organization must be bringing in compared to Yuta’s. No wonder he wants to take down this group so badly. As soon as you enter, all eyes are on you. A dozen men and women are dressed in suits and formal wear, as if this were no different than a business conference. You have to admit, they play their front well. Taeyong enters behind you and closes the door before standing in front of the room. “Everyone, this is our new member.” He gestures to you and introduces your name. 

You feel self conscious as skeptical eyes burn into you from around the room. Given your experience with mobs and their initiation process, no new member should be joining the ranks so high up in the hierarchy, let alone be introduced directly by the boss himself to the inner circle. None of these people should know you yet. You should even be here in this room. And from their questioning glances at Taeyong, they know this too. Taeyong is either oblivious or ignores them by the time he’s done introducing you. You smile and bow slightly before awkwardly shuffling into the back of the room, out of sight, with everyone’s eyes following you all the way. 

Taeyong seems to ignore the confused glares and questioning glances and starts the meeting. He outlines high level happenings of the organization, just as a CEO would for a corporation. You watch him confidently explain plans, ask questions to different people, and instruct them on what to do. It’s a marvel, and so different from who you knew in childhood. You take in his frame, dressed in his blazer and black button down and with matching trousers. A kingpin indeed. After giving instructions specific to each person on how to execute the phases of their next operation, he dismisses the group and everyone shuffles out. Soon, he stands alone at the front of the room, peering at the laptop screen sitting open on the table.

You saunter over to him. “You didn’t give me any orders, Boss.”

He looks up suddenly, a little startled, then seems to register your words. You catch the slightest glimpse of a blush before he looks down and rubs his hand across his mouth, obscuring his cheeks. “We uh… may need help identifying possible locations of a big shipment dropoff. You can work with Jungwoo on that. He’ll let you know what to do.”

You notice how he avoids your eyes. “Is that an order?” His eyes stay trained on the laptop, hands moving up from his mouth to scratch the back of his neck.

“Uh huh.” He suddenly catches you trying to hold back a laugh and sighs, ducking his head. “This feels strange. I don’t like giving you orders.”

“I’m just like everyone else.”

He looks at you like he’s about to protest but looks down again. “You aren’t,” he murmurs, almost to himself.

And if that didn’t make your chest hurt with an absurd amount of heart flutters, you would be lying. You watch him silently, not knowing what else to say. “I’ll get right on it, Boss.”His cheeks seem to tint that much more as you leave the room.

...

You’re supposed to be collecting intel, not helping them, you try to remind yourself as you find Jungwoo’s desk out on the main floor of cubicles. He greets you and pulls up a chair beside him in front of his computer monitor.“So, how was your first day?” He smiles as you settle in.

“Not so bad. I think the skeptical looks will take some getting used to.”

“They’ll warm up. Your situation is unusual, after all,” Jungwoo comments. “I’m surprised how quickly you’ve adjusted without skipping a beat. Almost as if you’ve been working for another organization all along,” he jokes. You laugh nervously. “Speaking of unusual, Taeyong seems to .. like you.” He eyes you inquisitively.

“Yeah. I’ve known him for a while. We didnt get to have a proper goodbye the last time we saw each other.”

“I see,” Jungwoo nods. “So were you together? Back before…”

“Oh no, we weren’t,” you shake your head. “Just friends.”

He squints, smiling. “Really? Because you two seem awfully close. I’ve actually never seen him like this before. I’ve been working closely with him for a while now and he has a tendency towards being on the softer side but he is never not strict and can be ruthless when needed. That’s how we become so successful. But with you, all that seems to melt away.”

You can’t imagine Taeyong being ruthless. Ever since childhood, and even until now, he’s been nothing but sweet and kind in everything that he does. “I think he’s just sentimental,” you wave it off. “It’s been twelve years, after all.”

Jungwoo doesn’t seem to buy it. “Whatever it is, it’s only a matter of time before he starts showing favoritism towards you and everyone will take notice. Actually, he already has shown favoritism, and everyone has taken notice.”

Your cheeks burn. You were supposed to not draw attention to yourself. “If you’re talking about letting me in without going through initiation, I think that was just a one time thing. I’m sure from now on, I’ll be treated just like everyone else. No special attention here.” 

Jungwoo is about to say something before a woman approaches his desk, calling your name. “Boss wants to see you in his office.”

Jungwoo gives you an insufferably knowing look. You ignore him and follow the lady. She guides you down the main floor of cubicles and towards the end of the hallway with large wooden double doors. It’s clearly the room of someone important. She drags open one heavy door by the long vertical handle and ushers you inside. You step tentatively through and balk at the scene before you. Taeyong’s office is massive - as big as a house. The ceilings are two stories tall. On the left wall, there is a main desk area in front of three bookshelves and various art decor. An armchair sits behind the large desk made of some fancy high caliber wood. On the right, there is a seating area with leather couches and chairs upon an expensive looking, misshapen- shaped rug. Of course, there’s a marble fireplace on the right wall to top it off.

“Oh my god,” you whisper as you step in. Yuta would be fuming with jealousy if he saw this.

You hear a chuckle. You didn’t even notice Taeyong standing by the back end of the room, given that the size of his office completely dwarfs him. He walks towards you with a wine bottle in hand. “Do you like it?” He smiles. “It’s my favorite room in the whole building.”

You step further into the room, taking in even more details you didn’t see at first glance. The leather of the armchair, the carved ivy detailing on the fireplace, the nameplate on his desk that looks suspiciously like it’s made of gold. “Yeah, I can see why.”

He grins again, motioning to his wine glass. “I was thinking we can catch up over wine. We barely had a chance to talk today. And we have twelve years to cover.”

You smile slowly and nod. “Sounds like a great idea.”

Within twenty minutes, you two are laughing over sloshing wine glasses and reminiscing excitedly over old memories. “I could not believe you,” he laughs, filling your glass again.

“I just wanted to know what riding on a bus felt like!” You protest, lifting the glass just as he was done pouring to take another sip.

“But you got on the bus with no ticket at eight years old?” He gazes at you, wide eyed.

“I was curious what a bus would be like! I’m pretty sure the bus driver thought I was one of the other passenger’s kids when I came on so he didn’t bother with the ticket.”

He struggles, laughing between breaths. “How long did it travel before you started freaking out?”

“Like ten minutes.” He laughs louder, hitting his hand on the desk you both are leaning against. “I demanded to be let off. I realized I didn’t know any of those people or where I was going. It was a good thing the bus stopped near your house.”

“I remember you rang the door crying,” he giggles, sipping his glass. “I figure being so rich really does inspire curiosity in such everyday things.”

“Yeah, with all that untaxed money our fathers made from illegal activities, we missed out on a lot of everyday things, so I was completely justified.” You emphasize, watching him laugh again. You smile giddily, feeling energized and oddly proud you can make him laugh so much. 

“Of course you were,” he acquiesces easily. 

“Our fathers were always busy but do you remember how they’d just drop us off at one of our houses or the other when they needed to go to work?”

“Oh yeah, those playdates were fun.” He smiles, eyes distant. “You were genuinely my only friend back then.”

You protest with a noise before you even finish drinking from the glass. “That’s not true! Remember your ninth birthday party with all our classmates?”

He scoffs before taking another sip, his smile fading. “Yeah, classmates, not friends. Remember that one kid blew out my birthday cake candles before I could? And I just broke down in tears?”

“Oh no, I do remember.” You recount your sadness while watching your friend crying and then the burning anger your nine-year-old self felt afterwards. “Oh and then I-“

“Then you took a chunk of the cake and shoved into that kid’s face,” Taeyong laughs brightly. “You got in so much trouble. And you ruined the cake, but that made my day.” You giggle, remembering the lecturing by multiple parents and the annoying kid crying into his mother’s skirt with pieces of cake still smeared on his face. All that mattered to you though was that Taeyong was smiling through the entire aftermath.

“I didn’t like that kid anyway. He teased me on the playground every day, yet my mom invited him.”

You frown. “I hated him for that.”

He looks at you fondly. “I know.”

You flush a little bit under his gaze, then straighten up and blame it on the alcohol. “Remember middle school and high school and how awkward we got?”

Yong suddenly grows shy and scratches his neck. “Ah yeah… I regret those days.”

“Puberty does wonders,” you roll your eyes before looking at him pointedly. “And our peers not minding their own business while being extremely heteronormative and interrogating any co-ed friendship throughout the entire school,” you point your glass at him. “Which ultimately led you to completing ghosting me freshman year.”

Yong waves his wine glass in apology, approaching you. “I’m sorry! People wouldn’t leave me alone! Besides.. you were ah..” he trails off, looking to the side as he always does when he's embarrassed. You mentally note again how difficult it is to believe he’s a mob boss. 

“I was what?” You press lightly.

“You were becoming really pretty and.. uh.. I.. was a toad,” he sighs.

You laugh out loud, reaching out to hold his hand in comfort. “You were not!” 

“I was! Do you even know what fifteen year old boys look like?” He shakes his head as he comes to stand before you. “All the wrong proportions.”

You shake your head, smiling giddily at the wine flowing through your system. You set your glass down onto his desk and tug him closer by the shoulders. “You were perfect,” you say purposefully, but don't miss the way a flush rises to his cheeks. Whether it's from the wine or your words or both, you can't tell. “Remember when I cornered you in the library sophomore year?”

His eyes widen. “Yes! I couldn’t tell if you were going to punch me or kiss me.”

You laugh again. “But instead I cried and said I missed you and asked you to talk to me again.”

Taeyong chuckles, eyes growing sober. “Yeah. And I promised to. But the next day..”

“Yeah, the next day.. I left.” Silence fills the room. The muscles of your face are slightly tired from all the smiling. You realize you’ve barely registered how close Taeyong has come to stand in the midst of talking. Your hands are still on his shoulders. His smile fades away until now there's an intense look in his eyes.

“I missed you, Y/n.”

Your chest aches. “Me too. I missed you too.” His eyes dart between yours, and find yourself falling into them. They are the same sparkling, wondrous, soulful eyes you've always known, which have always looked at you like this. It's when these eyes dart to your lips that your mind stops working. A burning, fluttering sensation erupts in your stomach like it did when you were back in middle school, being questioned by your friends on if you were in love with Lee Taeyong. You register him leaning a bit closer. His nose nudges yours, hands slide around your waist, and his hot breath fans your mouth. You subconsciously tighten your grip on his shoulders, your heart rate speeding up, your stomach twisting into knots. All you have to do is angle your head up…. 

Your lips barely brush his before a loud knock erupts from the double doors. Both of you freeze and are ripped back into reality. “Boss? Something just came up. We need you in the meeting room.” A muffled voice sounds through the door. 

Your hands retract from Taeyong’s shoulders with heat crawling across your face. His hands slip from your waist in return, his head falling forward in disappointment before calling out, “I’ll be right there.”

You clear your throat, cheeks burning. “I should go. Unless you need me for whatever that is.“

He shakes his head, rubbing his hand over his mouth like he does to hide his blush. “No no, you go on home. I don’t want you to be overworked on your first day.”

You gaze at him. He looks a bit put out and avoids all eye contact, frowning. You briefly wonder if he even enjoys being a mob boss. You lean up and kiss his cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He brightens up considerably, a smile blooming back onto his lips, eyes sparkling once more. “Yeah.. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

...

You return home in the evening, mentally replaying every single moment of that day. You swear your heart feels lighter than it has in years, as if the answers to all your life questions have been found. The world around you even seems to be a bit more colorful and you find yourself enjoying the walk from the parking lot to your apartment. You lightly smack your head. “Oh god, what am I doing? I’m a member of the mafia, not a giddy high school girl in love.”

Were you in love? Your cheeks burn, remembering how you shamefully melted at every single thing Taeyong did and said today. You even threw all caution to the wind and almost kissed him. You force yourself back to reality with a pounding heart. You really don’t want to know the answer to your question. You spot something in front of your doorstep and find a small cardboard package addressed to you from an unknown address. You step inside your apartment and rip open the cardboard flaps, revealing a brand new cell phone with a note. It reads: Activate this. Don’t take this anywhere outside your house. So, Yuta sent you a separate untraceable phone with which you can contact him to provide intel. You loathe how smart that man is. Groaning, you plop onto the couch and activate the phone.  As soon as it’s set up, you receive a call. “Hello?”

“Missed me?” Yuta’s voice sounds from the other end.

You rub your forehead. “You tracked my location to figure out when I came home so you could call me?” 

“Yes but mainly so I could find out where the Scorpion’s base was,” you hear him smiling on the other end. “And now I do, thanks to you.”

“Great,” you say sarcastically. Now Yuta knows where the headquarters are. You’re not sure if that’s good. 

“So?” He prods. “Tell me everything.” You hesitate and then relay to him how you were accepted without initiation and are working directly under Taeyong. You feel dirty while doing it, knowing you’re nothing but a weapon to Yuta for selling out a man who completely trusts you. “Good. Very good. Keep doing this until you collect enough information that we can use to really hurt them.”

“…Alright,” you say tiredly. There’s a glaring silence from the other end. You sigh and adjust your tone.  “Yes, Boss, I’ll get right on it.”

“Good,” he says before hanging up. You toss the phone across the cushion, feeling disgusted. What are you doing? How can you do this to Taeyong? You bury your head in your hands, mulling over your reality. At the same time, Yuta and his father helped you and your family when you had no one. You feel guilty if you don't do as he says, as if you were caught between two impossible choices.

You don't sleep well that night. 

...

You return to the office the next day. Jungwoo texted beforehand asking if you needed a ride to the office but you figured you could take your own car. Once you’re inside the building, it amazes you again just how much like a typical financial office space the entire place looks. People are busy with files and documents, rushing this way and that in their business clothes, meetings are held in conference rooms, and telephones ring throughout the floor. What a mask for the sheer amount of illegal activities happening here. You find Jungwoo seated at his desk, working away already. He greets you with a smile and a pat to the chair next to his. You vaguely remember you’re supposed to be helping him pick locations for some shipment dropoff. 

“Shall we pick up where we left off yesterday? You know, before the Boss whisks you away again?” He grins, teasingly. “By the way, I saw you leaving the office yesterday looking very flushed.”

Yesterday's memories flash through your mind, of the laughing and flushed cheeks and that almost kiss. You clear your throat abruptly. “We were just drinking wine and catching up.”

He grins into his coffee mug, swinging his chair a little to face his computer screen, not believing you for one second. You sigh and begin your work, asking plenty of questions when you need to. Jungwoo is kind and explains everything, their operations, clients, alliances, even the hierarchy of the organization itself. It’s a wealth of intel and you loathe it. You loathe having to know and learn things from people who trust you. You dread having to report it to Yuta. Your resolve in this “mission” falters by the day and you’re not sure your loyalty can last this week.  

You barely see Taeyong today. You only catch a glimpse of him talking to a subordinate in the hallway before disappearing into his office. Whatever came up yesterday must have made him very busy. You try not to deflate. Once the day ends, you bid Jungwoo goodbye, give one last glance at the hallway to Taeyong’s office and head home. You don’t get a call from Yuta that night. After all, he made it clear that you are expected to call him and report any new intel you receive, but you don't have it in you today, or for any day for that matter. The evening passes by uneventfully and you fall asleep in your bed. 

...

Like a dutiful employee, you return to the office the next day and the next, slowly getting used to the daily routine of the organization. You even begin to enjoy it. You are given the easiest tasks and are often paired up with Jungwoo, who you already know and who readily helps you understand things. You wonder how many new initiates were afforded the same privilege upon joining. Taeyong even invites you to his office again a few times this week for more wine and story time sessions. You’re happy to see him, but this time, you’re careful to keep a distance and not drink too much lest you repeat what almost happened the other night. Kissing him would make things… complicated, even more than they are now. You're not sure you’ll go back to Yuta if you do, no matter how much you want to kiss him. Taeyong seems to notice your distance and keeps a respectful space. You try not to feel disappointed that he does.

From the outside, it becomes evident that everyone else views you differently. They either avoid you completely or are overly respectful and almost treat you as their boss. You ponder Jungwoo’s words earlier, that everyone will take notice of Taeyong’s favoritism of you. The regularly scheduled rendezvous office sessions with their Boss probably aren't helping. You wonder if your preferential treatment will invite resentment from anyone. So far, everyone has been respectful to you, but by the end of the week, you get your answer.

You get your answer to two things, actually. One, your preferential treatment definitely does invite someone’s resentment. Two, you couldn't imagine Taeyong being ruthless. You said that before today. On the way to Taeyong’s office one day for another meet up, one of the male employees lingers behind you, the same one you’ve seen around with a perpetual stink eye and a bad attitude. You don’t recall exactly what happens, only that he’s spitting insults at you as he follows that steadily grow to shouting. 

“Outsider!” He shouts. “You didn’t even go through the initiation and you’re on more classified projects than I am!? Hell, you’re probably making more money than me.” You shoot him a glare without a word. You’re almost to Taeyong’s office. The brute will leave you alone then.

“Doesn’t even have the decency to turn around,” he growls. “Fucking bitch.” Then, his hand is in your hair, yanking you backwards sharply against his chest. The pain is like needles shooting throughout your scalp, stars and tears bursting from your eyes. Despite the shock, your training kicks in immediately, and you elbow him in the ribs so that he keels over. He lets go of your hair, giving you the chance to turn around and go for a kick to the chest.

You don’t have a chance to do anything else before someone is throwing him off of you. He’s knocked into the wall of the hallway before he falls down. Taeyong is bent over him, clutching the man’s jacket until his knuckles turn white to lift him partly off the ground. He is absolutely furious, something you have never ever seen before, yelling something that you don't register. Then, he punches him in the face. Other people are shouting and running down the hall towards you three. Taeyong’s eyes are hard, jaw clenched, his fist cocked and pulled back as if to punch the man again. You step forward, hands finding his shoulders and stepping him away from the man groaning on the floor. Taeyong’s eyes are cold and glaring.

“I want him out!” He shouts, uncharacteristic, pointing past your shoulder. “I want him stripped of everything, all clearances, documents, his name on everything. I want him out of here and dropped at a police station! He can rot in jail for all I care!” People rush to do his bidding, restraining the groaning man and lifting him off the ground. An ugly bruise is already forming on his cheek where Taeyong punched him. You tug him into his office and shut the large door closed. The commotion and noise from outside is muffled here in the silence of his room. Taeyong however is still restless. His chest is heaving in anger, jaw clenching as he paces back and forth. He’s clutching his one fist, which seems slightly swollen. 

“That fucking pig.” He growls, taking you back. You’ve never even heard him curse before today. “What the hell was he thinking!? Putting his hands on…” he focuses on you, softening. “Did he touch you? Did he hurt you? Of course he hurt you, I saw him-“ his voice wavers before becoming harsh again. “I swear to God I will-“

“Taeyong, hey, look at me,” you reach for his arms to stop him from pacing. He stops moving and closes his eyes to take a deep breath. In the next moment, he exhales and opens his eyes to gaze at you, his stunning eyes that you’ve loved for years. Your heart softens. You don’t want him to be in such pain. 

“I’m sorry. I’m not usually like this,” he mumbles.

“Well, he got what he deserved. You just beat me to the punch.” 

“It’s not that. I’m not this jittery or restless. I’ve dealt with worse than these kind of people before. I would’ve instructed someone else to restrain him but when I saw that it was you, I…” he trails off, eyes growing unfocused.

“Are you okay?” You cup his bruised hand.

His eyes flit back to you. “You’re asking me?” He releases another breath, thinks for a moment and shakes his head. “No I’m not,” his voice wavers.

You push forward and hug him gently. You wonder if it’s been a long time since he’s lost his composure. “I’m okay. I'm here and I'm okay.” You can feel him trembling against you and slowly relax, arms wrapping around your waist and pulling you tightly against him. Then he gives in, inhaling your scent and burying his face in your neck. 

“You’re okay,” he repeats, a bit shakily. You’re taken aback about how absolutely undone he is, how worried, how much he cares for you. It might even be a trauma response from you disappearing from his life all those years ago without a word.

A lump forms in your throat. “I’m sorry,” you mumble into his shoulder. He pulls away in confusion, his wonderful eyes roaming your face in question. “Not for this. I’m sorry I left. I.. must have put you through so much pain.”

His eyelids flutter, arms around you squeezing tighter. It’s ridiculously comforting. “That wasn’t your fault.” You stay silent, tucking your chin back onto his shoulder, heart feeling heavy. “I’m sorry for what that pig did to you.” His voice is harsh, and you can feel his jaw clenching against your shoulder. “He was always a shady guy, harassing other members.” 

You pull away slightly. “It's okay, it's not my first time.” He looks at you with such disturbed anguish you feel bad for saying anything. “But I'm okay. I'm alright.” 

He sighs and gives you a thin smile. Then, he blinks and remembers to let you go. Your arms detangle from each other and you stand there, gazing silently, before he speaks. “I’m sure you could have taken him,” he smiles.

“Yes, I could have,” you grin. 

He smiles a bit proudly, then looks to the door. “I should.. take care of the commotion outside.”

You nod. “Sure.. and thank you.”

He looks confused then looks away, scratching his neck “You don't have to thank me. It was… well I didn’t even process what I was doing when I did it.”

You smile. “Still, I got to see another side of you.”

He flushes, looking away. “And you… you like it?”

You shrug. “I finally know why you're a mob boss.”

He smiles, his expression almost relieved, before he chuckles and takes his leave. When he disappears into the hallway outside, you feel an ache from the empty feeling of missing his arms around you. When you get home and Yuta calls, there's no information you want to give him. “What did you learn this week?”

“Nothing.”

Silence fills the room for a moment. “Are you serious? You’ve been there for a week now and there's no new info?” 

“What do you want to know, Yuta?” You snap. The deceptiveness of this mission has finally taken its toll on you. Seeing Taeyong drop everything to defend you today is enough to make you not want to help Yuta again. 

“I don’t know! Key operations? Shipment drop-offs? Members' names? Where can we hurt them the most, Y/n!?”

You groan internally, wishing you can just hang up. You remember finishing your task with Jungwoo in picking a drop off location for a shipment. You figure this is relatively harmless information to keep Yuta off your back. “They’re dropping off some important shipment for some high profile clients, probably government officials, tomorrow at eleven at the hotel on twelfth street. Maybe if you intercept them you can get that shipment and hurt Taeyong’s operations.”

“Taeyong? You’re not calling him the Scorpion anymore?”

You curse mentally. “Scorpion, sorry.”

There’s silence from the other line. “This information is barely useful but I’ll take it.” He pauses. “Do you remember where your loyalty lies?”

You roll your eyes. “Of course.”

“Good. Because the minute it changes, I’ll have you extracted from there.” He hangs up abruptly. It’s a threat. He knows your allegiance has changed. Although, it’s not as if you tried very hard to conceal that fact.

...

You decide to go in late the next day after lunch, mainly because you were tossing and turning awake all night. But the minute you walk into the office, the air is different. Everyone is tense and nervously mumbling. You approach Jungwoo at his desk who also looks more nervous than usual. You take in his bouncing leg and him peering at the computer monitor, reading an email intently. He barely notices when you slide into the chair next to him. “What’s wrong with everybody today?” Jungwoo startles at your voice, but instead of greeting you with a warm smile as he usually does, he looks at you sympathetically. You gaze at him, your smile fading. “Jungwoo, what is it?”

“Taeyong was shot.”

“What!?” you stand up so fast, the chair tips over and clatters to the floor behind you. He stands up with you, hands up in a placating gesture.

“Listen, he’s fine! He was meeting with some government officials today during our dropoff location and somehow, someone seemed to know he was there and that he was the Scorpion. They tried to take him out.” You are paralyzed, a wave of nauseas guilt hitting you all at once. “I’m not sure what followed. There was a scuffle of some kind, maybe he fought the gunman after being shot.. the details were unclear. It was a bullet graze to his shoulder and a few other injuries from the scuffle. He got checked at the hospital and they bandaged him up. He’s resting at home now. But he’s kind of depressed and won’t let anyone in, he said, though I think he’ll make an exception for you.”

Your heart flips. “Can I see him?” He nods and both of you hurriedly take your leave and get into Jungwoo’s car to drive to Taeyong’s home. His “home” turns out to be a ridiculously sized penthouse in a ridiculously sized high rise luxury apartment. “I guess the salary is good,” you mumble, peering up at the building from your window.

Jungwoo snorts. “You have no idea.” You enter the equally ridiculously luxurious lobby and Jungwoo escorts you to a special elevator that seems off limits to everyone else. “This will take you directly to his apartment.” He says, ushering you inside the elevator and pulling out a card from his wallet. “Just text me to let me know when you want me to take you home.”

You watch him scan the card against a pad and step back out of the elevator. “Thank you, Jungwoo,” you say sincerely.

He gives a nod. “Just make sure he’s alright.”

Then, the doors close, cutting off your view of him, before you’re taken directly to the top floor. With a ding, the doors open, revealing polished marble floor and ceiling. You step through hesitantly. His penthouse is much like his office, oversized and luxurious. It’s two stories tall with marble walls and floor, and a floor to ceiling window view of the city skyline in the living room that stops your breath. You wonder if he lives in this entire place alone, as you wander through the space. Somehow, you find your way to his bedroom and knock on the door. You hear a groan from the other end. “I said go away, Jungwoo, I don’t want-“

“It’s me.” Silence answers from the other side before you hear a small “come in.”Your heart leaps into your throat when you spot him lying on the bed with a bloody bandage wrapped around his shoulder. Other cuts and bruises litter his arms and face, and probably his torso which are obscured by his shirt. Tears sting your eyes. You see people injured everyday as part of your job but this is not bearable. Even worse, this is all your fault, all because you told Yuta that intel about the drop off. Now Taeyong’s injured, and nearly died because of you. You’ve never felt so disgusted with yourself. “Oh.. oh no,” you hold back a sob as you approach his bed. 

Taeyong gazes up at you, no doubt able to see your stress. He even offers a small smile as you sit down gently at the edge of the bed, your stomach churning at the bloodied bandage on his shoulder. “I’m guessing I’ve looked better?” He smiles, though his eyes are tired. You blink back your tears, not even processing his humor. Your hand comes up to hover over his cheek. He gazes up at you with what looks like hope. You banish all doubts and gently cup his cheek, finger stroking his slightly bruised skin. His eyes flutter closed and he nuzzles your hand immediately. Your heart squeezes in pain and affection.

“Taeyong, I…” you swallow a heavy breath. What can you say? You’re sorry? Sorry for not protecting him? Sorry this is all your fault? Sorry, you were sent here as a spy to gather intel and you’ve been lying to his face this entire time? Guilt stabs at you ruthlessly, as you gaze down at this sweet boy meant for a softer life than this. Instead of speaking, you take clean cloth nearby and gently wipe a dirt smudge from his cheek. He watches you silently, his eyes like the starry night sky that you fight not to focus on. You spot a deep bruise on his wrist, and take another clean bandage to wrap around it. His hand is light in yours, his eyes watching you carefully. Once you’re done, you can't help but raise his hand to your lips and kiss his wrist reverently. His chest stutters in breath. Cuts on his fingers and the back of his hand catch your eye this time. You take another bandage and clean each one, kissing them too, one by one. His eyes turn soft, always soft when they’re on you.

“Does it hurt?” You ask softly when you’re done.

“Not anymore.” 

You flush, turning back to his fingers, stroking them gently with your own. ‘Remember how I used to put bandaids on you when you fell on the playground?”

He smiles and the butterflies take flight in your stomach. “Of course. You’d grumble that it’s not that bad while putting it on and looking at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like… like I’m the most precious thing in the world,” he says softly, “Like you love me. Like how you’re doing right now.”

You fall completely silent, the breaths halting in your chest. Wordless gazes are exchanged. Then, he reaches up with his good hand, tangles his fingers in your hair, and pulls you down to kiss him. You don’t resist and melt so fast against his lips it's almost embarrassing, but he could never make you feel embarrassed. His kiss is soft, reverent, and gentle. You sigh into his lips as he strokes your hair gently. Warmth blooms and spreads to every inch inside of you until he pulls away with soft lidded eyes. Your forehead rests on his. Both your eyes are closed with breaths mingling as you both savor the moment after so many years of waiting. Then, he kisses your forehead and your heart twists again, with guilt and love and pain and all. 

“Taeyong I…” you struggle and he notices. His newly bandaged hand comes up to stroke your cheek in comfort as he nuzzles your nose. “I’m so sorry.”

He takes it as you being sorry for his injuries, because he doesn't know. Doesn’t know you’re a traitor. “Don’t be. I was careless.”

You can’t even object and explain that he never did anything wrong. Frustration wells up inside you. “After all these years I just want to be with you.” 

It’s a careless slip, a frustrated wish voiced aloud when it was meant to be kept buried in your thoughts. But it’s too late. A light kindles in Taeyong’s eyes that replaces all the tiredness they held before. His lips lift into a beautiful smile that makes your heart flutter in all ways and you realize you are doomed. You never had a chance against him.

“Then be with me.”

...

After more bandages and kisses, you don’t want to leave Taeyong, but know he needs rest. When you let him know as much, he pouts and asks you to stay. You give him a final kiss to the forehead in response and tell him you’ll be back tomorrow. He lets you go after that. Literally. He was holding onto your wrist to prevent you from leaving. 

With your heart thumping and affection running high, you give Jungwoo a call and ask him to pick you up and drop you back at your place. You thank him profusely for doing it so late in the night. When you step through the door, you spot the secret cell phone that Yuta gave you lying on the table, and feel anger rip through your body. It was Yuta. He took your intel about the drop off and sent men there to steal or sabotage it or who knows what else. When they saw Taeyong, they couldn’t pass up the opportunity to kill the boss. It’s a miracle Taeyong even made it out alive. You grit your teeth and pick up the phone. A notification pops up with 3 missed calls from Yuta. Without another thought, you call him back. It goes straight to voicemail. You figure. It’s late in the night so you decide to leave a message. As soon as you hear the beep, you growl into the phone. “The deal’s off. I can't do it and I’m not coming back.”

You hang up and pull out your own personal phone, holding the two cells side by side in your hands. Yuta’s tracking both of them. You make up your mind to have both destroyed and dumped tomorrow.

... 

You feel much freer going to work after that voicemail for Yuta and destroying both your phones. You let Jungwoo know you need a new phone and it takes no effort for him to get you one. Besides this, it takes a few weeks for Taeyong’s shoulder to heal. He misses work the entire time and rests at home. You visit him after work each day and take your own car so as to not bother Jungwoo. Most of the evenings and nights are spent changing his bandages, talking and sharing sweet kisses.

“It's nice to be taken care of,” he comments, sitting on the edge of the bed. He has a tank top and you try not to fixate on the muscles of his arms as you remove his shoulder gauze. 

“No one’s ever taken care of you while injured?” You ask, putting some ointment on his shoulder wounds. He winces a little and you give him an apologetic look.

“Well, I live mostly by myself. And I've never been this injured before. Jungwoo does have access in case of an emergency and he needs to get me. But other than that, no one knows I live here.”

You lift his arm slightly to wrap the gauze over and around his shoulder. His eyes roam your face, watching your concentrated features. “But this giant penthouse and no one ever comes by? That’s lonely. Especially knowing you,” you smile.

He smiles back before scratching his ear. “Uh, well.. I’m not entirely alone here. Sometimes my past partners would stay here.”

“Past partners?”

“Yeah.. you know, relationships.”

“Oh,” you say. Of course he hasn’t been single, you mentally note, just look at him. The thought makes you feel strange, though. You’ve missed such a huge chunk of each other’s lives but feel like you’ve known him forever. You finish wrapping the bandage around his shoulder.

“But I'm glad you’re here and not.. them or anyone else,” he manages out. “To be honest,” he laughs, looking down at his hands, the cuts having healed long ago. “I was looking for you in those people, but never quite found you.”

Your heart melts, eyes taking in the way he’s bent forward, avoiding your own. You cup his cheeks, bending over to kiss his forehead. “I was looking for you too all these years.”

He glances up and smiles slowly. “Really?” You nod. “So, we wasted our time?”

Your thumb strokes his cheek, and you watch the way his eyes flutter. “I suppose we did.”

“Well, in that case, we’d better make up for it.” He wraps his arms around your waist and tugs you into his chest so hard you both topple backwards onto the mattress.

Surprised laughter bursts from you, hands trying to push him off as he rolls you to the side and onto the bed. “You’re injured! Stop it!” you say between laughs.

He tries to prop himself on the bed with you underneath him, eyes dancing with amusement. “I'm the kingpin of the greatest mob empire. A little shoulder wound won’t - ow!” his shoulder flinches as he puts pressure on it.

Concern floods your chest. “See, I told you.” You maneuver him to rest flat on the bed against his pillow once again. “You need to rest, oh great kingpin lord of everything.”

Unbelievably, he pouts. So you acquiesce and lean over to kiss him. He hums happily, threading his hands through your hair. When you pull back, his eyes are soft. “Can you stay tonight?” You glance at his shoulder but he tugs at your arm. “Please? I don’t get sleep anyway when you’re not here.”

You swallow, gazing at his pleading eyes. “Of course.” A smile blooms on his face before he makes room for you to lie down next to him. Your body is a mess of nerves and butterflies but once you’ve settled in his soft sheets, he immediately wraps his good arm around your waist and bends forwards to kiss your forehead.

“Goodnight Y/n,” he sighs, snuggling closer. 

“Goodnight,” you echo, feeling more comfortable than you have in a long time. 

...

The next day, you wake up feeling well rested for the first time in your life. Taeyong’s body is plastered to your back, his good arm wrapped around your waist like a vice. The sunlight filters through his window blinds, falling onto his soundly sleeping face like bars of gold, and you think, just here and now, life is perfect. You’re not sure you’ve ever said that before. 

You flip over to see him. Your heart lurches at his peacefully sleeping face. He looks like an angel. You push back his hair from his eyes and lean over to press a slow kiss to his temple.

He stirs, inhaling. “Hmm, what was that for?” he asks sleepily, eyes still closed. 

You chuckle at his sleepy smile.“Nothing. You looked cute.”

He blinks open one eye. You giggle at his messy hair. “Cute, huh? I’m the mob kingpin lord of everything and you call me cute?” he mumbles sleepily.

“Hmm, definitely the cutest king for sure.”

He chuckles, reaches his arms over his head to stretch but flinches in pain, bringing his arm back down. “Ah, still sensitive.”

Worry flashes through you. “Are you sure you wanna come in today?”

“Yeah, it's been over a week and I'm feeling much better. Besides, a mob can't run without its cute boss.” He mumbles sleepily, throwing his good arm around your waist again. You gaze at him longer, your heart fluttering. It’s a slow realization that also happens all at once somehow - you want this everyday, for as long as you imagine. It grows worse the longer you stare at him. He cracks an eye open. “What?” 

It’s impossible to hold it back now no matter how much you try. “I love you.”

He grows still, both eyes flying open as he gazes at you in slight surprise. “What?”

You run your fingers through his soft strands again, pushing them away from his eyes, your heart lurching. “I love you.” Your voice is soft, almost as if you’ll shatter him.

Taeyong stares for a moment before pulling you in to kiss you, morning breath and all, but you can’t give a care in the world. When he finally lets go, he’s grinning from ear to ear. “I love you too. So much.” You laugh in disbelief as he cups your cheek and presses his forehead to yours. “To be honest, I’ve been having trouble holding those words back since the first day you came here.” Love flares in his eyes. “I loved you even before this. I’ve loved you since childhood.”

You’re slightly surprised at the sting of tears in your eyes. “I’ve loved you since then too.” 

Taeyong cups your cheeks and presses short kisses again and again on your lips, saying I love you between each one. You chuckle, blinking back tears as you accept them. Then, he pushes aside the heavy comforter, and rolls you over so that he’s on top, kissing and gently stroking your hair, making your heart lurch over and over again. Soon, his short kisses become longer until your mouths are pushing and pulling like tides. You kiss until your lungs burn. When you pull back, gasping for breath, he presses his forehead to yours. 

“Y/n,” he mumbles reverently. Your fingers skit down his jaw to the nape of his neck. He shivers in response, hot breath fanning your lips. You pull him impossibly closer to you and he meets your lips again. His tongue slips through your lips this time and sends sparks through your stomach. It grazes your own tongue, and you sigh, letting yourself melt into him, his warmth and body heat, the unbelievable feeling of being in his arms, his fringes tickling your forehead, his breath fanning your face. You kiss until you can't take it anymore.

He whines a little as you pull away once again. You laugh breathily, watching him balance on his propped arms over you. “Isn’t your shoulder hurting like that?”

He gives you a boyish, lopsided smile. “Honestly, my shoulder has been hurting the entire time, but I don't care.” In horror, you try to rip away from him but he easily drags you back and pins you to the bed without so much as a retort. His fingers intertwine with yours and hold them against the pillow. 

“For a cute mob boss, you’re pretty strong,” you remark. He only grins and buries his head in your neck, pressing kisses down the skin. More electricity buzzes through your body. His kisses are hot and wet and you arch when he meets a pulse point. Your voice comes out shaky. “Taeyong, if you keep going, I won't be able to-“

“Me neither,” he answers. His voice is a different color than usual, one that you haven't heard before. It’s gravelly and rough. Combined with his body insistently pressing yours into the mattress and his kisses to your neck, your body turns into a mess of tingles and butterflies. 

His teeth nips your pulse point and you gasp, pressing your hips against his slightly. He picks up on this imperceptible movement and rolls his hips against yours with a low groan. You can feel him through his pants, and you arch and moan at the friction. Your hands clutch the cloth of his tank top from his back until it's bunched in your fist. He pulls back a small to observe your reaction, his pupils dilated.

His hand comes up to touch your face reverently. “Y/n, do you want to…”

“Yes, keep going, please.” You should be ashamed at how easily you beg, but you could never feel that way for him, especially with the way his pupils dilate and his breath comes out ragged.

“How far.. do you want to go?”

“Everything, I want everything from you,” you press your head to his, feeling strangely emotional. “I just want you, please.” He seems still for a moment, gorgeous dark eyes boring into yours. The uneven breaths fill the silence, as if he were savoring this moment. Then he reaches down , fingers slipping inside your pants, and pressing your clit through panties. A moan falls from your lips, your hips arching towards his touch. His dark eyes drink in every reaction. Then, he moves to suck your neck again and you’re clutching his tank top harshly as he works your clit, moaning into his ear. You have half a mind to drag his tank top half way up his chest until he gets the idea and pulls away from you. He sits up, slipping it over his head, and tosses it to the side, revealing his bare skin with tattoos littered here and there. When he falls back to you, carefully supporting his injured shoulder, you drag him in for a kiss. “You are so beautiful.”

He moans slightly into your mouth, tongues meeting again before pulling away. “I can say the same for you.” He eyes your shirt. “Can I?”

“Yes,” you manage out.

His lithe hands peel your shirt up and over your head. His eyes roam over your torso with a bated breath as you sit up a little and undo your bra. It’s a few seconds of awed silence once you lie back down before his hot mouth planting on your nipple. You arch and moan loudly, your eyes clenching shut. “Oh god.”

He strips your pants and underwear from you in one movement. His hand returns to your clit though this time, his finger slides into your core, stretching your walls. A moan tumbles from your lips as he comes up to press kisses to your face. “My love,” he calls gently as you moan again, “my Y/n.” Sparks fly behind your eyes in your pleasure. Your head presses back against the pillow and you let out a particularly loud moan. Then, he rips his hand away as well as his mouth and you’re left teetering, then coming back down the way you came, unsatisfied. You let out a whine but he sits up, panting harshly, grabbing a condom from the drawer in his nightstand and settles back between your legs. He gives you another kiss. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Your heart thrums each time you say it. Then he’s slipping inside you, stretching you until your eyes flutter closed. You’re full and you realize this is how you've always belonged, how you were always supposed to be. He thrusts slowly, lips hovering over yours or pressing all over your face, his eyes fluttering when you squeeze around him. You realize this is different from all the other partners you’ve ever been with. It feels like he fills you with life , every second he looks at you or smiles or walks into a room, he fills you with purpose.

You live for his moans, unabashed and light and airy and beautiful. It makes you lose yourself so much faster. His lithe hands clutch the bedsheets beside you, lips grazing your neck, hair tickling your face. You realize you want him all the time, near you all the time, you want this forever. You memorize everything, his touch, his scent, his features screwed up in the pleasure you give him. You’d give him anything. You memorize him until he hits a spot inside you that has your brain coming to a halt. He notices easily, lifts one of your legs to hook over his good arm, and hits it again, much more intense this time, until you're shivering and arching, your mind turning to mush. Sweet praises fall from his lips as he pushes into you. You’re perfect, you’re so beautiful, my love.

My love. 

You contract around him like a vice, burying your head in his neck, muffling the moan bordering on a scream as you come apart. He shivers as your nails dig into his back and halts his movements until your walls grant his cock mercy enough to move again. He finishes the last few thrusts until he's pressing deep inside you with a loud groan, and you vaguely think you wouldn’t mind hearing that sound forever. He collapses on top of you, panting and breathing harshly but you couldn't care less about his weight squeezing you. Your hands tiredly comb through his hair, littering kisses along his forehead while he catches his breath against your chest. Pleasure brims and hums through your body and mind as you relish the feeling of him in your arms. After a few beats, he lifts his head up just enough to kiss you. “I love you.” 

You smile, brushing back his sweaty fringes. “I love you, too.” You’re rewarded with a beautiful smile before he rests his head back on your chest. “Wait, wasn’t your shoulder hurting this entire time?” 

He makes no effort to move. “Yes, but I didn't care.” You groan and he only chuckles against your skin.  

...

You end up going a little late to work that day. Taeyong doesn’t seem to mind, though. He seems content enough to brush his teeth with you, shower, change into office clothes, grab breakfast and drive you to work in his car, even though you have your own parked in the garage. You’re guessing it's the inkling of domestic bliss that’s keeping a smile on his face and making him leisurely savor each mundane moment with you this morning. As for you, it’s something you never knew you needed. It’s easy to imagine a life like this and only this, with none of the complications. Taeyong looks over at you in the passenger seat with a smile, bright eyes, so many times during the drive to the office that you’re laughing. “What is it?”

He chuckles and shakes his head, turning back to the road again. “Nothing.” You let it go, but your heart flutters. Once you step through the lobby, the busy chatting stops and are replaced by jeers of welcome aimed at Taeyong after his week’s absence. Soon after, though, their curious eyes are trained on you. It’s obvious you came in the same car together and therefore probably from the same place since you usually drive yourself. If anyone had any suspicions before about you both, they definitely know for sure now. Once you and Taeyong enter the elevator, he pulls you close and kisses you once again. “I love you,” he smiles.

You laugh, adjusting his tie. “I love you too. Not tired of saying it?”

The way he looks at you, eyes half lidded, an amused smile across his lips as if you’re the most perfect thing in the world, makes you feel foolish for even asking. “No. And I never will be.”

Your heart flutters, biting back your smile. “Me neither.”

He grins this time and kisses your forehead. Then, he deflates a little. “I wont see you much today.” His fingers brush a lock of your hair. “But maybe by the end of the day, you can swing by my office?”

“Deal,” you agree, snaking your arms over his shoulders. “We'll go home together after?”

“Of course,” he smiles, leaning forward to kiss you one more time before the elevator doors ding open at the top floor. He grins again and pulls away. “I love you.”

You laugh. “I love you, too.” You go your separate ways. When you approach Jungwoo’s desk, he’s already smiling, face tilted and propped on his hand. 

“You’re in a good mood.” Jungwoo comments.

Your steps falter. “Ah.. I’ve uh…”

“No need to explain. Everyone saw you two come in together. The boss is practically bouncing with each step,” he smiles knowingly, turning back to his computer. “It’s good that he looks better though. Everyone was worried. Thanks for taking care of him.” He says, glancing up at you. “For all those days.”

Your cheeks burn. “How did you know-“ But Jungwoo gives you a look that makes you feel foolish for even asking. You plop down in the chair next to him, propping your bag against the desk. “Of course you know.”

“Actually, you might see more of him today. He has a client meeting at a high end club and I’m guessing he’ll take you as a date.”

“Really? Why does he need a date?”

He shrugs, crumpling up a piece of paper in his hands. “He doesn’t.” He throws it in the basket. “But he’ll ask you anyway.” He grins.

You watch him clean up his desk of unneeded and old documents. “You’re very perceptive of people aren't you?”

Jungwoo smiles. “It’s my job. I recruited you, remember? I find out things about people.” He says a matter of factly before changing the subject. “So, a newbie whose first mission is with the Boss himself. If no one was sure of your privilege, they’re sure now.”

You exhale, shrugging. “I'm pretty sure everyone is sure of it by now. I just hope I don't get attacked again.”

Jungwoo freezes then, concern flooding his eyes as he turns to face you. “I never asked, how are you feeling after that?”

You shrug. “I'm fine, I guess. I’ve dealt with worse.”

Jungwoo nods slowly. “Taeyong was angrier than I’d ever seen him. He made sure we removed that guy. But please know he was an outlier. People may not be the friendliest here but everyone’s generally happy to have you around.” He cups your hand in comfort, sincerity evident in his eyes. “I hope you always feel safe here.” He pauses to smile. “Even though we're an illegal organization.”

You wordlessly listen to Jungwoo, feeling strangely touched. Yuta never made you feel like this. “Thank you,” you say, and you mean it. 

He gives you a warm smile that makes you feel even softer. “Now come on, we have a lot of work to do today and many things to discuss.”

“Like what?”

“Like, did you sleep over at Taeyong’s last night?” He grins, leaning over in interest. You shove his arm, pulling peals of laughter from his lips. The rest of the day passes with jokes and work, with you secretly counting down the hours until you can visit Taeyong in his office. It seems as if an eternity passes until Taeyong himself is strolling onto the main floor and approaching Jungwoo’s desk. 

“Hey guys,” he greets. Jungwoo glances at him with a hint of surprise. You figure this is an unusual occurrence since Taeyong usually summons people to his office. “I was just wondering if I could borrow Y/n in my office for a second, if I’m not interrupting or anything.” Taeyong seems a bit hesitant.

Jungwoo shakes his head slowly. “You’re never interrupting anything. You're the Boss.”

Taeyong blinks. “R-Right…” he turns to you. “Is it okay with you?”

Jungwoo watches the exchange with growing interest. You try to ignore him and stand up from your seat. “Of course it is.”

“Great,” Taeyong says, before waving at Jungwoo, which you also assume to be unusual given Jungwoo’s perplexed expression “Bye, Jungwoo.”

Jungwoo waves slightly in confusion. “Bye…?” He watches until you two disappear from sight.

Taeyong curses once you’re out of earshot. The laughter you’re holding back spills from your lips. “What was that?”

He slows enough to allow you to fall in line with his walking. “I have no idea. I just.. felt weird beckoning you to my office chamber as if you’re my maid or something.” He shakes his head. “God, Jungwoo’s going to think something is wrong with me.”

“I’m sure he doesn’t,” you reply, biting back a smile. So, he feels weird about you calling him Boss and also about ordering you around. It’s strangely sweet in its own way, how a man with all the power at his hands refuses to see you as anything but his equal. 

He drags open one massive door to his office and ushers you inside. Once you’re in, he shuts the door, pulls you to his chest and kisses you. “Mmm what are these for?” You ask when his long kiss dissolves into small short sweet ones littered on your lips. 

“I just missed you all day. And missed kissing you all day.” You giggle as he turns to littering kisses over your face. Your hand wraps around his tie and tugs him to you abruptly so that he can kiss you properly on the lips. He makes a soft noise that travels like electricity through your body. The kiss turns deep once again, your hands coming up to comb through his soft hair. When you pull away, your breaths are shallow and his gaze is intense. “Believe it or not, I actually have work for us to do.”

You chuckle. “Jungwoo told me. We’re going to some high end club? 

He takes a moment to gather himself before pulling away from you. “Yes, just to visit a client we’re sorting out a contract with.” 

Your nerves twist in your stomach. You remember the last meeting with a client ended in a gunfight. Your eyes settle on his shoulder, where you can still see the bandage underneath his office shirt. “Are you sure?”

He glances at you and sees the concern in your eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ll be safe,” he smiles reassuringly. “To be honest, I still don’t know why I was targeted that day and by whom. I’ve ordered everyone to track them down, but we haven't found any clues.” He runs his fingers through his hair. “It’s probably a rival gang that somehow got our info.”

Your blood turns to ice. You haven’t even told him about what happened that day, about where you’re from and the truth about why you’re here. You can sell out Yuta right now. You can give Taeyong all the information and help him take down your former leader. But the words fail you and you realize that you can’t. You’ve spent a decade working under Yuta, longer than you’ve even known Taeyong. As much as you hate it, your loyalty to Yuta are your chains. You can’t rat him out. And worse, even if you do, what if Taeyong hates you? What if he sends you away and never wants to see you again? What if you have to return to Yuta? Return to a cold, meaningless life full of violence and crime, devoid of sunshine and sleepy smiles and slow mornings.

You swallow back any words and stay silent. You feel awful. You’re a liar. You never want to lie to Taeyong, ever. But you’re a coward and you don’t know what to do. Even if he doesn’t know now, he will find out the truth eventually and hate you then. Taeyong seems to notice your intense conflict and mistakes it for concern. He steps towards you, a soft smile finding his lips that nearly makes the terrible thoughts melt away. “I know you feel bad, but it's not your fault that I was injured,” he takes your hand gently in his. “Besides, I don't think any sniper will be able to find me at a strip club.”

Your whirling thoughts pause momentarily. “We’re going to a strip club?”

“It’s technically a gentleman’s club. It’s just a meeting with an old client. She runs the whole place and makes quite a lot of money from it. She wants us to protect her territory. A lot of members of the criminal underground frequent there and have been stepping out of line and making her workers uncomfortable. The security they have there doesn't intimidate these kinds of men enough. She wants mob protection, so these criminals will feel less inclined to do whatever they want.” 

You nod. “It’s an honorable cause. But if you’ve met her before, why am I coming?”

His eyes slide away from yours in embarrassment. “Because.. I’m uh… they like me over there,” he flushes a light pink, “I’ve gotten.. too much attention when I went alone in the past. I might as well show them that I'm taken.”

The image of women and probably men hanging over Taeyong as he talks business, flirting with him, their fingernails running down his chest, makes your insides twist in jealousy. Yes, you figure, you should be there. “Yes, you are taken.” You grip his tie and watch his eyes flare. You chuckle and mentally note his reaction. “So, this is our first date?”

He snorts. “At a strip club? No way. I'll plan a much better one than that.”

“I thought you said it’s a gentleman’s club.”

He laughs. “Come on, let’s head out. We’ll have to dress up a little.” You both stop by your apartment to pick up some fancy clothes and make up before driving over to his place to get ready. By time you change, style your hair, apply makeup and jewelry, the sun sets and the evening sky’s moonlight glows through the windows. When you walk into the living room and find Taeyong in a tuxedo, silver cuffs, and his hair neatly combed back, your heart nearly stops in your chest. He has a similar reaction when he spots you. “Wow.” He stares breathlessly for a moment before blinking back to reality. “Oh no, maybe I should go alone. This isn't a good idea.”

“What? Why?”

His eyes run over you once again. “Because you’re beautiful. Too beautiful. There's going to be too many sleazy criminals there. They’re already harassing the workers. They’re not going to leave you alone.”

“I’ll be fine. I can handle myself. Besides, do you think I’m the only one who looks good? I’m not letting you go there alone looking like that.”

“Why not?”

“Because you’re too beautiful too,” you echo his words, watching him flush. Then, because you’re feeling playful and curious, you decide to push further. “And because you’re mine.” His eyes flare. You see him swallow imperceptibly. You don't know why it feels good to see him like this, but you want to do it some more. “They’ll keep away if they know what's good for them.”

His breath catches in his throat. He swallows again and seems to blink himself back to reality. “F…fine, then. Just tell anyone who asks that you’re with me and I'll say that I'm with you.”

“Tell them that I'm yours and you’re mine. Understood,” you grin.

“Ah… right,” he mumbles, unable to find a suitable reply. A pretty blush spreads across his cheeks as his eyes slide away from yours. It never fails to satisfy you. He pauses, then gently cups your face and brings you close to kiss you. He pulls away and gives you a warm smile. “Okay, let's go."

...

You know that gentleman’s clubs are just higher end strip clubs, but this one is so far beyond anything you've seen before. As you walk in, you’re hit with the sight of patrons dressed in black tie, waiters carrying flat dishes holding unknown colorful alcoholic drinks, curved leather booths scattered throughout the space, crystal chandeliers hanging overhead. “I can see how this owner can afford us,” you mutter. Your arm is looped through Taeyong’s as he guides you through the area and towards the back rooms. You pass by people chatting, drinking, smoking, and eventually spot the main stage. Some dancers are already there, dressed in sparkly two pieces. 

Some of the girls passing by to get to the stage notice Taeyong and smile brightly at him. Some  touch his shoulders and arms, bat their eyelashes, give cherry lipped smiles, even though you’re quite literally hanging off his arm. You suppose your presence here doesn’t spurn any of them in the slightest. Taeyong guides you into one back room that looks like a luxurious private meeting room of sorts. An older woman adorned in jewels and a shimmering gown is seated upon an expensive looking armchair with a lit cigarette between her painted nails. A few girls stand or are seated around her. They smile and greet Taeyong when he walks in but their friendly gazes turn to questioning glares when they fall on you. It seems as if the air itself stops when you walk through the door. 

“Who is she?” the older woman asks, voice raspy probably from years of cigarette smoke. 

“She’s my date,” Taeyong answers easily.

They all eye you suspiciously. “This is the first girl you’ve brought in as a date. How long has she worked for you?”

“How is that relevant?” Taeyong counters.

The woman ignores him and glares at you. “How long, girl?”

“…A few weeks.”

Murmurs start from the girls. The older lady laughs and takes a drag from her cigarette. “And you let her in this high up already, working by your side? Ever the softie you are,” she notes. Taeyong flushes slightly. “You’re not worried she’s a spy?”

Your heart jumps. Taeyong’s brows furrow. “Of course not. And I’ve known her much longer than a few weeks. We just.. were separated for a long time.”

Her eyes narrow a bit. “That’s even more dangerous.” Her lips blow a puff of smoke. “She’s not allowed in here. That’s final.” 

Taeyong growls. “Listen, Mabel, we have a contract to sign.”

“Yes, with very sensitive content. Which unauthorized people should not be allowed to listen in on.” Her eyes coldly drag down your frame. “No matter how pretty.”

Taeyong looks like he’s about to argue but you stop him with a hand to his shoulder. “It’s fine,” you say, not wanting to complicate things. “I’ll wait outside.”

He glances at you, brows knitted. “Are you sure?” 

“Yes. It’s no big deal.” You give him a smile that doesn’t reach your eyes and step out the door. You hear a muffled sentence from Mabel of she’s got you bad, huh? through the door before you’re walking into the buzzing scene before you.You decide to sit at the bar because you need to be alone. Mabel’s words have triggered you. You feel awful, guilty, and disgusted. You have to tell him the truth, even if he hates you forever. But what if he doesn't hate you? What if he understands, forgives, and then wants you to help him take down Yuta? You pause. How can you take down Yuta?  You spent a decade under him, working for him, being with him through good and bad times. You can't just turn against him completely. You feel stuck. You seem to always feel stuck these days and it’s making you miserable. 

“Why the long face?” You hear a rich voice behind you. It rips you from your internal monologue. It’s a tall man with dark hair, twinkling eyes and a colorful suit. He sticks out easily among the crowd. You notice he already has a drink in hand.

“Ah.. just a bad day.” You say a bit dismissively, looking back down at your drink, hoping he’ll get the message and disappear. He doesn’t.

He nods in understanding and slides into the stool beside yours. “I’m Johnny. You Yong’s girl? I saw you come in with him.”

“Uh.. Yes.”

He nods, taking a sip from his glass. “He’s never brought anyone with him here before.”

You eye him. “Do you work here?”

“Nope. I’m from my own..um… group.” He smiles. “I come here sometimes as a patron.” Right, you think, Taeyong did mention that members of other criminal groups hung out around here. It’s the reason why the owner needs protection in the first place. Johnny bumps you slightly with his elbow. “So, why are you so sad? Is he not treating you well?” He smiles easily. “You can come to our side, you know, and work as a spy. You have the look. A beautiful woman with eyes like yours, who wouldn’t believe every word that comes from your lips?” Johnny smiles into his glass. “Best part is Taeyong doesn’t have to know.”

He’s joking, but you know it's the way deals are made underground. The thought of taking him up on his makes bile rise in your throat. “No.. I don’t…” you blanch. 

He notices the look on your face. “Too loyal?” he nods in understanding. “It’s not for everyone.” he glances at you. “But you never know.” He raises a hand to touch your chin. Your reflexes get the better of you and you grip his wrist before he can touch you. 

“Y/n,” Taeyong’s voice cuts through the air, catching both you and Johnny in surprise. He’s fuming. Similar to the time when the man jumped you in the office, his expression is hard and unmerciful. “Is he bothering you?” His eyes slide to Johnny who releases a breathy chuckle and turns back to sipping his drink.

“I was actually just leaving.” You slide out from the seat and walk past Taeyong who gives Johnny a lingering hard glare before following you out the door.

Once you’re seated in his car, Taeyong grips the steering wheel so hard his knuckles turn white. “What the hell was he doing? I knew I never liked him for a reason.”

“He’s from another organization?” You ask.

“It's a smaller one. It operates at the outskirts of the city. They’re one of the… less moral organizations that others need protection from. They’re a thorn in our side but nothing we can’t handle.” He glances over at you, concern replacing his irritation. “Are you okay? You look.. sick.”

You shake your head. “It’s nothing I… just…” you exhale tiredly. “It’s nothing.”

His worried eyes scan your face. “Is it because of what Mabel said? Don’t listen to her. I trust you with everything I have.” You gaze at him, speechless. His words make you feel infinitely worse after the night you’ve had.

When you return to his apartment, you change out of your dress like you can’t wait to get it off. Then, you mindlessly set to packing up the things you’ve left at Taeyong’s place while staying over the past few days. Taeyong watches you wordlessly, still in his suit, looking as if he’s about to say something, then changes his mind. The cycle repeats until he works up the courage. “Did you…want to stay over tonight too?”

You glance at him and try not to chuckle at his puppy face. “I would, but I have to go home and take out the trash and do the dishes and .. get new clothes,” you sigh, walking over to him. “But I’ll come visit later, okay?” Your fingers take to combing through his hair, coaxing a sigh from his lips.

“What if you moved in with me?” He says it so easily, lost in the feeling of your nails against his scalp. Your fingers pause and his words hang in the air. At your silence, his eyes fly open in panic. “Is that too soon? Of course it is. Fuck, forget I said anything.”

He so visibly retracts in on himself that you’re scrambling to reassure him. “No, no, I’m just… surprised is all.” 

He sighs almost helplessly, brows pinching in frustration. “I just see you here and .. when we spend time together, I..I want it… all the time… and nothing else,” he says heavily, grasping your hand and holding it up to his chest. His dark maroon eyes are large and heartfelt. “Sometimes I wish I just had a simple life. No mobs, no criminals, no territories or fighting. Just you and me in a house, living peacefully.”

Your eyes burn, pricking with tears. “Me too,” you whisper, unable to convey just how badly you’ve dreamt of the same dream for so long. “Me too.”

His expression is almost as if he’s witnessed a small miracle. He pulls you into the tightest hug, as if he can’t hold you close enough. You breathe him and relish the weight of his head tucked against yours, the smell of his lingering cologne and the comfort of his arms. “We can talk about it later,” he mumbles into your neck. “Can you stay over tonight, please?”

You forget about packing. “Of course.”

...

The next day when you come into work, you spot Jungwoo sporting a new type of pistol that spikes your curiosity. You ask him to show you the features and end up seated, facing him with the gun in your hands. Jungwoo’s fingers slide against your own as he guides yours to the grip and the trigger. "The safety lock is actually here," Jungwoo points out, turning over the unfamiliar silver pistol in your hands before guiding your finger to the small button. You test the weight of the gun with both of Jungwoo’s hands cupping yours. "It's comfortable, isn't it?" He offers with warm eyes. "Yeah, it is,” you say incredulously. “I haven’t seen-” "Jungwoo." A serious voice cuts through the atmosphere. Both of you stiffen and spot Taeyong, arms crossed with hard eyes, taking in the scene before him. "Don't you have something to turn in for me?” Jungwoo releases your hands as if they were burning hot coals. "Yes, sorry Boss. I was just taking a break and showing Y/n my new gun." "Well, get on it.” His usual soft voice is hard. Jungwoo’s face drops. Taeyong’s eyes slide to you. “Y/n, can I see you in my office?” He doesn’t wait for you as he begins walking back. You and Jungwoo exchange bewildered glances as you stand to follow him. Once you step into his office, you notice that Taeyong doesn’t greet you. He leans over his desk, his hands gripping the wooden edges. “Did you.. need me for something?” You ask, perplexed by his demeanor. 

He straightens up, running his hand through his hair. “No,” he sighs, turning to glance at you. “You… you ah… you and Jungwoo…” he trails off, averting his eyes. He huffs. “You and Jungwoo…spend a lot of time together.”

You try not to laugh. “Yes, you assigned us to work together. On everything. Don’t you remember?” 

He only grumbles, rubbing his forehead. “Right.”

“Are you alright?” You test carefully.

“I’m fine,” he says curtly, turning his back to you once again to walk towards his desk. You wait for him to elaborate but he doesn't. 

“Well… if you are, could you apologize to Jungwoo later? It was kind of rude.” He glances at you and then exhales, plopping into this arm chair. He tries to speak but struggles, then seems to give up and glare at his tie. “Hey,” you say gently, following his path around the desk until you’re standing by his chair. “Tell me what’s wrong.” You touch his chin, then run your fingers through his hair that has his shoulders slumping with stress seeping out.

"I'm sorry,” he sighs, the hardness in his voice gone. “It’s just, the past few days.. with you finally being mine after so many years… but then stupid Johnny at the club was with you and then Jungwoo was holding your hands and… I just got jealous. It's silly, I know. You love me. There's no doubt about that." He mumbles, sighing. “I can’t help it.”

“Oh,” your brain processes his words. “You were jealous?”

"What else was I supposed to be?" He now lifts his face to look up at you directly. "I think of you in every moment, in every breath I take, even in every dream I have at night. And then I see you with Jungwoo.. or someone else.. and I get jealous of them, for being in your presence. Because sometimes, they’re the ones that have your eyes… or hands on them. Not me.”

You chuckle. “Even though I have my eyes on you ninety nine percent the rest of the time?”

“Only ninety nine percent?” he laughs, his smile finally appearing. “I want the full one hundred.” He twists his chair a little to bury his head in your stomach. “I’ll give you anything you want, Y/n. Anything in this world.”

You sigh, wrapping your arms around his shoulders. “I know.” He doesn’t respond and seems deflated so you try to reassure him. “I get jealous too.”

He lifts his head to look at you. "Really? I never noticed." 

“I don’t tell you.”

He suddenly sounds curious. "Jealous of whom?"

Your cheeks burn and you look away. “I don’t know. When the women were all over you at that same club the other day. When I hear you haven't been alone all these years, that you loved someone else. It.. makes me jealous.”

Taeyong’s eyes seem to kindle with light. He stands up slowly until he’s slightly towering over you. "So.. you're jealous of my attention too.” His eyes darken only slightly, but the air shifts. "Would you prefer that I give you one hundred percent as well so that I only ever pay attention to you?”

You feel flustered at your vulnerability but provide your answer without breaking eye contact. “Yes.” 

He falls silent then. The air is still around you, growing heated as you gaze at each other, wordlessly. "What would you do if they were here right now?” His voice is low, raspier than before.

You know he wouldn’t engage; has no interest in anyone else but you, but from every previous interaction with him, you know by now he’s very into you being possessive. So, you decide to indulge him and playfully growl. You lean over and kiss his pulse point. He swallows hard. “I’d wring them away from you.” 

Your words work on him. He shivers in your arms. "What else?” he asks, his voice slightly more gravelly in your ear.

You think. “I’d also push you against the nearest wall and kiss you until you’re panting, making sure they watch.”

He grows still. “Really?” You nod. It looks like it’s the right answer. He abruptly pulls away from you with a determined look on his face. "Good. I need you. Right now. Let's.. let's go to the closest wall we can find."

You laugh out loud, following along as he pulls you away from his desk. “Which wall?" He tugs you towards one end of the room, coaxing another laugh from you.

“There is no one to watch here. Should I just kiss you against a wall?”

"Yes. Yes, that's the idea," His voice turns rough once again. He pulls you to the wall nearest his desk and turns around to face you. "Show me, love." he orders, his eyes dark with his fringes falling into them. Your throat grows tight, all your previous laughter disappearing. He leans close to you again, hand wrapping around your wrist so that you can’t back away. "I want you to show me how jealous you can get. Right now." He growls lowly. You swallow thickly, and force your limbs to move. You raise your hands, his loosening from your wrist, and press against his chest. He doesn’t break eye contact as you push him against the wall. He gasps a little when he hits the surface, eyes darkening again. You press forward to kiss him harshly. He moans as he kisses you back just as aggressively. “Yes,” he breathes shakily between kisses. “You’re so good.”

Your mouths push and pull like tides as you keep up the show. “You like this? Being shown who you belong to?”

He’s gasping between kisses, all your words exciting him further. "Oh.. god yes, I do." he breathes out. "I love it.. I love knowing that I’m yours.” He lets out a small moan. "You'll make sure that no one will steal me away from you, right?"

You kiss down his neck, nipping the skin slightly, causing him to tremble in your arms. “Yes. No one can take you from me. You’re mine.” You say the words you think will affect him most and you’re right. A pretty blush settles on his cheeks and he moans softly at your kisses. 

"Yes... no one will take me away from you because you're mine, and I'm yours,” he breathes, eyes lidded.

“Yes,” you soften, littering kisses down his jaw. “You’re mine and I’m yours.” He shivers when you undo his buttons to litter more kisses along his collarbone. You subconsciously press closer to him and feel his hardness graze your thigh. “You’re this worked up? From just my words?” You ask fondly, nipping his chest. His eyes are closed, cheeks flushed, hair falling into them.

“F-From you. I’m worked up from you,” he mumbles.

It’s endearing. You comb this hair back from his face and kiss him. “Well, it would be unfair to let you go home like this.”

His eyes seem to focus on you in confusion before you press your palm against the bulge in his slacks. He shivers against you. “Y/n-“ You press until he bites his lip. Your nimble fingers unzip his pants and slide in past the hem of his boxers to grip him. He gasps, eyes flying open. “Oh god,” he moans. You keep a tight grip as you stroke him, watching his head fall back against the wall, jaw working open. You lean forward to kiss his neck.

“Good?”

“Good… so good,” he nods. You struggle to work him with the small space you have in his boxers but he moans so beautifully even with what little you do. “Y/n,” his eyes open, half lidded, shallow breaths. You pause to look at him. “I love you.”

You soften, push forward to kiss him gently, chastely, so at odds with your hand still stroking him. “I love you too, so much.” You squeeze him gently and he gasps, breaking away from your kiss and arches against the wall, moaning, and you know you have to hear more. With a final kiss to the hollow of his throat, you drop to your knees. He gazes down at you, eyes going wide, then jaw clenching, arousal seeping into his face. You grip his pants and boxers slide them down a bit along his hips until his length is free for your undivided attention. The sight of it completely hard has arousal surging through you but a brush of his hand to your cheek breaks your focus.

He’s gazing down at you softly, arousal drenched on his face but tended by loving concern. “Are you sure?”

You take his hand by your cheek and kiss it firmly, smiling up at him. “More sure than anything.” Then he hisses as you stroke him, hard in your grip. You budge closer until your lips are right by his length and gaze at him with dark eyes. “I want you to know what I do for you and nobody else.”

All softness drains from his face and his eyes grow ravenous. He gives you a nod and you take him into your mouth. His head hits the wall, body trembling a little as your mouth engulfs him. You drag back and come forward, tongue swirling against him, slowly setting a rhythm that has you humming. His breaths grow harsh and shaky quickly, his hands combing through your hair. You relish the feeling of him, the weight of him in your throat. You want to hear him moan but one glance tells you he seems to be holding back. His teeth dig into his bottom lip, eyes clenched shut in concentration, hand gripping your hair gently. You decide to pick up your pace and he curses, biting his lip hard. Your shallow sucks grow deeper and his length goes in further along your throat. He trembles and a low groan finally loosens from his lips. You yourself nearly moan at the sound and take him even deeper, until he hits the back of your throat. His eyes fly open and he attempts to pull back his hips, tugging you by your hair back a little to get you to slow down. “Y/n… I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”

You ignore him, grab his hips and shove him back into your mouth. He harshly gasps out your name and it’s everything you wanted to hear. You gaze up at him, tearing yourself from his length with great self control. “I’m in control right now, aren't I?”

He shivers at your authoritative tone and surrenders. “Yes, ma’am.”

Your stomach burns at the title and you quickly set back to work, taking him deep in your mouth. This time, he moans freely, his hand back in your hair. His soft caresses of your hair become tight, his finger curling around the strands absently as his face screws up in pleasure. Soon, he’s subconsciously guiding your head in your movements as his hips push forward to meet your mouth. It makes his length go even deeper in your throat until you have to focus more not to gag. His free moans are music to your ears, his head is tilted back against the wall, eyes clenched closed. With one particular stroke, you feel him pulse in your mouth. Then, his eyes are flying open and he tugs you off of him roughly by your hair. The sensation sparks pain and pleasure through you, coaxing a noise from your lips, which he seems to notice. He pants harshly, eyes lidded, as you gaze up at him in confusion. “I’m… too close,”. He struggles to find his composure. “I .. don't want to lose myself in your mouth.”

“Where then?” You tease as he helps you stand up. His eyes darken. 

“You’ll see.” Your breath catches as he steps forward, backing you towards his desk. “I think it’s my turn to show you how possessive I get.” His lips crash into yours and it's rough, rougher than he’s ever kissed you. You gasp as his hands grip your cheeks and hair hard, pressing you insistently against him. You feel heat pool quickly in your lower abdomen. He walks you backwards, kissing you hard until your back hits the edge of his desk and he’s towering over you. His dilated umber eyes hold you captive, his hair messy, cheeks flushed, lips parted with shallow breaths. 

“Sit.” He directs you. You obey, lifting yourself on your tiptoes and then seating yourself on the wooden edge. Then, he kneels, and it’s so graceful and how he does so, but your throat goes painfully dry. He takes one of your legs in his hand and kisses your ankle, still strapped in by your formal shoe. He lifts it so it slides over his shoulder and does the same with the other. 

He gazes up at you, brows low, gaze dark and you swear you’ve never been so turned on. He grips the hem of your skirt and slides it up to reveal your thighs. He comes closer to kiss the revealed skin, never breaking eye contact with you, his gaze searing into yours. Your gut is a mess of fire and butterflies, twisting and flipping and grappling for sanity while your mind wonders where did that young shy boy that you knew all this time go? 

“Y/n,” he groans, sliding your skirt up all the way until the front is bunched around your hips. It's when his hands grip the hem of your panties does electricity strike your senses. He gazes at you as if asking for permission and you lift yourself up slightly in response.

He smirks and slides your panties down your legs, past your socks and over your heels before tossing them somewhere neither of you bother to remember. He settles back close between your legs and the image of him gazing up at you on his knees sears itself in your brain. Then, he leans forward and licks a stripe along your core that has you gasping and clutching his shoulder. He smiles and presses his hand against your stomach, hinting at you lie back against his desk. You shiver and obey and it's not even until your head hits the wood does he lick another long, broad stripe that has you arching.

“Shit,” you gasp, clutching the edge of his desk. You feel him grin between your legs before his fingers slide inside you. Your eyes clench shut, mouth falling open as the burning stretch gives away to pleasure. He pumps his fingers leisurely into you, making your toes curl in your shoes. He licks your clit at the same time, causing a long moan and a jerk for your hips. You vaguely wonder when was the last time you’ve been pleasured like this. 

He pushes his fingers deeper and curls them deep inside that has you letting out a long moan of his name. He groans at that and retracts his fingers, leaving you empty. “Look at me,” he says raspily into your skin. “I want you to look at me.” You lift your head up a small ways to see him between your legs, his dark eyes glaring at you, his nimble hands hooking around both of your thighs. Then, he slides his tongue inside his tongue inside, hot and thick. You let out a high pitched moan, hand coming down to tangle in his hair as you arch up. “Oh god,” you clench around his tongue as he goes deeper. He groans in satisfaction and you can feel it reverberate through your body. Sparks of pleasure fly in your vision. His tongue twists and moves and flicks inside you, turning your limbs and mind to jelly. Your head hits the back of his desk as you arch again and suddenly you feel his nails digging painfully into your thighs. You lift your head up to glance back down at him and he gives you a pointed gaze. Right, keep your eyes on him.

He continues his ministrations, leaving you arching and moaning and whimpering all while struggling to keep eye contact. He doesn’t let up once, not even when you accidentally tug his hair too hard, which earns a hiss and then a moan. He continues, tongue sinful sliding deep inside you before moving to wrap his lips around your clit and suck hard. That has you gasping, moaning, hand tightening in his hair as your face screws up in pleasure. He watches every single facial expression carefully while working you all the while. He slides fingers inside while suckling your clit and when he curls them once again deep inside you, you fall apart.

‘Oh god, oh god,” you moan out as you hurdle towards your end. He groans when he feels you coming, and redoubles his efforts so that you have to cover your mouth when you scream. You fall back against the mercilessly hard wood as the  purest bliss washes over you. You arch and moaning and shake around his tongue until he groans into your core, tongue lapping up everything you have to give him. He leaves you then, granting you enough mercy to come back to reality and your body with all the energy sapped out of you. 

He’s suddenly near you, bending over and pressing his body against your weary one to kiss your forehead. Hand comes to comb through your hair gently as you regain your composure.

You open his eyes to see him smiling softly down at you. “Good?” You nod breathlessly. He smiles proudly. “Good. Because I’m not done with you yet.” 

Your words catch in your throat as he guides you to sit up against the desk once again. He stands before you, towering, his hair even messier now thanks to you, and a slight shine to his lips where he didnt wipe you off completely. He cups your cheeks reverently and bends down to kiss you. It’s loving and passionate and you find yourself melting against him one again. His hand runs through your hair before he tangles it in a few strands in the back of your head and tugs firmly. You gasp harshly, breaking away from the kiss as your head is forced back a little. He examines you briefly before he tugs again experimentally. You moan this time, eyes fluttering and pleasure buzzing through your body. He drinks in your reaction like it's an elixir of gold. “Just as I thought,” he mumbles before gently combing through your hair again. “I can’t believe I do this to you. The effect I have on you,” he says reverently, watching your hair slip from his fingers. 

You catch your breath. “You have every effect on me.”

He gazes at you intently before leaning over and gives you another kiss. Then, he helps you off his desk until you're standing on your slightly unreliable, still shaky legs. He steadies you with his grip on your hips. He presses his lips to your temple and eyes his desk behind you. “You know… I dreamed of having you here.” His eyes are dark again, pupils blown wide, voice raspy. “Some days, it distracts me so much that I can’t do any work sitting here,” his eyes flit across the wood. “I’ve wanted it for so long.”

“For how long?” You ask. 

“Since the day you walked into this building,” he laughs, nudging your nose with his. “You were so beautiful,” he sighs, settling his forehead on yours. “And the first time we drank wine here and I almost kissed you? After that, god, those thoughts would not leave me.”

“What…” you swallow, “what thoughts?”

His eyes darken. “Of you bent over my desk, moaning and whimpering as I fuck you.” Excitement buzzes throughout your body, arousal seeping through you once again, so embarrassingly quickly after your release. Taeyong cups your jaw, his thumb resting on your lip. his stare is dark, unwavering. “What do you say, my love?”  

You swallow hard. “We should make those thoughts reality.”

His eyes darken impossibly more. “You sure?”

“Please.” His eyes darken again, growling as he kisses you hard. Then, he turns you around, pressing your stomach into the edge of the desk and drags his hands down your body. He presses and kneads your clothes breasts, his hard length pressing into your ass as he kisses down your neck. You moan and arch against him. “Bend over,” he instructs. A wave of arousal hits you hard as you do his bidding. Once you’re bent over with your forearms resting against the wood, Taeyong flips over your skirt. You hear him groan, probably at how unbelievably sopping wet you are by now, especially from having come once already. Then his hard length is sliding into you and all thoughts grind to a halt. Both your moans synchronize as he slowly thrusts into you, mumbling praises while you fight to stay sane. You are still so sensitive and the lazy drag of his length against your walls compounds your pleasure. He eventually picks up speed, sending pleasure coursing through you with each stroke. One hand tangles in your hair, and you feel him press down against your back until his lips are by  your ear. “God, I love your hair.” He gives a firm tug so your head is pulled back against his neck, coaxing a shaky moan from your lips. He groans and sinks his teeth into your neck. You gasp at the sharp pain mixed by the pleasure brought from his hips. 

“Oh,” you gasp out as his hips speed up, his hand still in your hair, his teeth by your neck. It all sends your mind spiraling. He moans into your ear, whispering praises on how good you feel, how long he's waited for you, how much he loves you. Then, his other hand comes up to grip your throat and suddenly, you’re whimpering.

“Is this okay?” He whispers lowly in your ear, his hips not faltering in their brisk pace. 

“Yes yes yes,” you manage out, relishing the pressure on your throat. You want to feel him everywhere, in any form, as much as you can while he takes you for himself. 

He chuckles. “Good girl.”  You moan and clench so hard his thrusts stutter and he gasps into your ear. “God, Y/n….You like that dont you?” You moan in response and he chuckles, resuming his thrusts. He kisses down your ear and your neck. “My good girl, my sweet girl.”

You gasp, feeling yourself clench even tighter at his praise, pulling more moans from his lips. You push your hips back to meet his thrusts and he groans.

“Say my name, Y/n,” he orders, hand slightly tightening around your throat. 

You mentally scramble to remember words. “Ah, Taeyong.”

He groans lowly, possessively, his thrusts turning rougher, making you cry out. “Say.. say you love me,” his voice is a bit softer this time but still demanding. 

“Hah.. I love you,” you manage out, fingers scratching the wood for leverage. 

He releases a harsh breath against your ear. “Again.” 

“I love you,” you gasp, eyes clenching shut at his harsh pace. 

He moans, gently kissing the side of your face that he can reach from behind you, so at odds with the rough thrusts that are making you shiver. “Again, love.”

“I love you,” you cry out. He growls as his thrusts grow faster and the grip on your throat grows tighter, pulling whimpers and incoherent mumbles from your lips. His other hand untangles from your hair and reaches down to rub your clit.

“Ah!” your yelp echoes through the office. The hand clutching your throat slides up to clamp around your mouth. 

“Careful, I may have a big office but they can still hear you from outside,” he warns, voice strained in pleasure as his lips brush your cheek. “And I wouldn’t mind all of them hearing you. But I think you’d be very embarrassed walking past them into the office after this.” 

You breathe harshly against his hand, and pressing it against your mouth to signal him to keep it there because you know you’ll definitely not be quiet. He growls, his thrusts growing harsher now that your moans won't reveal you. His fingers resume drawing circles on your clit that has your whimpers coming out muffled against his hand. Your legs are shaking again, mind numb, moaning incoherently into his hand clamped around your mouth. He lets you sink flat onto the desk when you can’t hold yourself up anymore, the coolness of the wood offering some relief to your flushed face. He fucks you until his breaths grow harsher his moans louder before he drapes himself over you. 

“You’re mine,” he growls into your ear. He hits a spot deep, deep inside you that has you careening. Combined with his words and his finger on your clit, you lose yourself into pleasure for the second time. The world washes in white as you come, gasping harshly into his hand and dragging nails down his desk, walls squeezing him mercilessly. “Y/n,” he moans, desperate, thrusting into you until he strains and stills suddenly. With another moan of your name, his warmth spills inside you. He lets out a long groan as he shakes before collapsing on top of you.

Both of you fight to catch your breath. After a few minutes, it seems to take all of Taeyong’s energy to drag himself off of you and collapse into the armchair nearby. You’re still gasping over his desk, not trusting your legs to support you if you stand. “Oh my god.”

He chuckles, hand combing through his hair. “Did I get carried away?” 

Pleasure is still thrumming across your body, through every inch of every nerve. “Please.. get carried away more often.” He laughs out loud. You push yourself off the desk and shakily stand up. 

“Come on, let's get cleaned up,” Taeyong says, tangling his fingers with yours. “I have more things for you in mind at home.” 

Your stomach flips. “Still haven’t gotten it out of your system?”

“Nope.” 

At home, he gives you so many hickeys that you have to wear a high neck shirt and a scarf when you go to work the next day. When you meet Jungwoo, he only quirks a brow.

“What?” You ask. 

“Nothing,” he smiles knowingly. “I’m guessing it's going well with the boss?” You flush under your scarf. “He apologized to me, you know. You wouldn’t happen to have something to do with that, do you?”

“Uh,” your voice comes out high pitched. “Nope no, uh.. he just feels bad.”

He smiles, eyes narrowing. “Does it have anything to do with the scarf you’re wearing in June?“

“Don’t you have work to do?” You snap. He only chuckles and turns back to his computer.

...

Several pass with this routine of work and then staying over at Taeyong’s place some days of the week. The days you do, you wake up from restful slumber with his arms around your waist, his sleepy mumbled protests when you try to leave his arms, even for the bathroom. On the weekends, you spend time making breakfast and sharing kisses and watching funny movies and cleaning his apartment. It’s domestic bliss and you wish it lasted forever.The days when you don’t stay over, you stare at the emptiness of your apartment and wonder if you should just move in with him. You would have said yes already had you not felt so guilty for lying to his face everyday. You can’t even imagine taking that step when he still doesn't know the full truth and how you’ve betrayed him. Judging from his sad expressions any time you pack up and head back to your apartment, you can tell that he wants to ask you to stay for good, to move in, but he hasn’t mentioned the idea after the first time he brought it up.

Apart from this, life is routine for a while. Soon after, however, strange things begin to happen. A few of the lower ranked members get ambushed while running some operations in the city. The following week, a shipment was stolen. A few days later, some high profile clients suddenly decide not to work with the group anymore. And, the worst of all, somebody shoots at Jungwoo on his way to work. Yesterday, Taeyong told you that someone was following his car while heading home. He managed to lose them before they discovered where he lives.

“It’s bewildering,” he said in his office, brows pinched in concern. “No one has ever attacked us like this before. We are the most powerful criminal organization in the city with the highest security. Who could suddenly have access to all our details and carry out attacks like this?”

Today, your stomach churns with dread as you drive home. You remember how shaken everyone was, including Taeyong, and you hope to god it isn’t what you’re thinking. As soon as you step into your apartment, you spot a letter on the floor by the entryway.  Someone must have slid it under the door.  Come back or we kill him. You have one week. -Y.

The note shakes slightly in your hands. You read the words over and over until they’re seared into your memory. Then you push down the overwhelming sensation of dread swelling up inside you. Your suspicions are confirmed - Yuta’s behind everything. And now he’s exploiting your weakness for Taeyong so that you’ll be forced to come back to him. You don't know how he got access to so much classified information to do as much damage as he did. He seems to be everywhere, attacking everyone at once, out of fury. You wonder if it’s because of you. Either way, it’s only a matter of time before they kill Taeyong. 

Still shaking, you crumple up the note and slam it into the trash can. You feel the sting of tears in your eyes and shut the door to your room, collapsing onto your bed. You won’t be able to sleep tonight. You make up your mind about at least one thing, though. Taeyong won’t get hurt again because of you. 

...

The next day, you don’t bother checking in with Jungwoo and drag your feet to Taeyong’s office. He stands at his desk, organizing files and smiles at you brightly when you enter the room. Then, he registers the expression on your face. “What’s wrong?” His brows furrow.

You steel yourself with a shaky breath. “I’m leaving.”

His face falls, hands dropping the files onto the desk. “What?”

And suddenly, you can’t hold back your tears. “I’m leaving. I have to leave.”

He registers your tears, realizes you’re crying for the first time in front of him, and swiftly walks over to you. His arms pull you into a hug, pressing your face into his shoulder. “Why? Why are you crying?” Concern heavily laces his voice. 

“All these attacks that are happening.. you being followed… it’s all because of me,” you manage out against his chest.

His arms tighten around you, his breath stuttering. “Y/n, what are you talking about?”

You sniff and pull back, taking in his concerned face. It’s likely the last time you’ll see it when he still has love for you, before you tell him the truth. “I was sent by another organization as a spy.” It’s like slow motion, the way his face drains of all emotion and grows hard and shaken. His arms retract away from you as if you’re poison. He steps back suddenly, far out of your proximity and your heart shatters. “I know. I’m a traitor,” you say shakily, staring at the ground so you don’t have to look at that heartbreaking face. “You have every right to be angry.” Tears fill your eyes, emotion choking your words. “But I had no chance with you. I knew even before he sent me here that I’d fall in love with you and I told him as much.” 

Taeyong makes no further movements to step close to you. His voice is cold when he speaks. “Who sent you?”

You exhale. “Yuta.” His expression hardens. He knows him. You’re not surprised. Yuta’s mob is second only to Taeyong’s in the city. “He sent me here to gain intel because he knew we were close. He…he knew you would trust me and keep me close despite being a new recruit,” you say wearily. “I told him I didn’t want to but he forced me. It…it was so hard being here, seeing you, lying to you and everyone, you have no idea.” Tears fill your eyes as you chance a glance at him. Taeyong’s face is carefully neutral but his eyes betray him. They are filled with unspeakable hurt. Your heart lurches.

“I gave him some intel about that shipment drop off at the hotel. Then, you got shot. That was because of me.” Taeyong inhales sharply, you can see in his eyes that you’ve shattered his heart further. You feel nauseous. “I didn’t know it would get you hurt. When I saw you injured and bleeding, I called it off. I told Yuta I was never coming back.” Your words stutter and tears slip from your eyes. “So, he took revenge. He’s behind all these recent attacks, all because of me. He sent a note to my apartment yesterday saying either I come back or he’ll kill you.”

Taeyong seems alarmed and then turns thinking, mind working overtime. You continue.

“So many people have already gotten hurt, even Jungwoo, because of me. It’s only a matter of time before you get injured o-or worse and I can't.. I can’t be responsible,” you gasp, wiping your eyes. “So, I have to go back. I have to never see you again.”

Taeyong’s face is unchanging, his voice still cold. “Why didn’t you tell me the truth before? Especially after you called it off with Yuta?”

You exhale. “I should have. I should have told you from the beginning. But I’ve been loyal to Yuta for a decade. After my father escaped, we joined his mob. It’s only because of his protection that the police didn’t catch my father and throw him in jail.” Understanding seeps into Taeyong’s eyes. “I couldn’t betray him. But I couldn’t betray you. I just… I was just stuck,” you bite out, clenching your fists. “And I was afraid if I told you the truth, you’d want me to leave. I was happy here for the first time, with you. I just wanted to disappear into this life, where I didn't have to think about anything else, not even the idea that you’d find out the truth and hate me,” Pain seizes your chest. “I was a coward.”

“But you want to leave now,” he notes, expression still neutral.

You blink at him. “Because you’re in danger. It doesn't matter how I feel anymore.”

He watches you for a second before the slightest hint of emotion shows on his face. “Do you love him?” He swallows, eyes pained. “Yuta?”

“No!” The word falls so quickly from your lips but his pained expression doesn’t shift. “I’m only loyal because he’s like family. Like… like you. I couldn't easily turn against him just like how I couldn’t be against you. But I never loved him,” you say evenly. “And I love you more than anything.”

Taeyong’s expression falters, softens. “If… if I allow you to stay, will you help us bring him down?” He asks carefully.

Words fail you for a moment. You thought Taeyong would yell in anger, throw you out like he did with that man. Instead, he gives you the smallest chance of penance. As of yesterday, you found happiness with Taeyong while Yuta threatens you and uses the love of your life to hurt you. It’s clear he will never see you as anything more than his weapon. And for the first time, everything feels clear. “Yes, I will.” 

Taeyong seems relieved. “Then… then stay. Help us bring him down.”

You blink at him, wide-eyed. “You trust me?”

Taeyong looks away. “I don’t know yet. But I can’t just let you go back to him. Who knows what he’ll do to you as punishment.” His hands curl into fists. “And I may not trust you completely, but I still love you. And I’m not losing you again, not after I found you after all these years.” You inhale. You never imagined that this conversation would end in any way other than with you leaving and never seeing Taeyong again. Something painfully tight in your heart loosens and suddenly, tears spill from your eyes. Taeyong reaches for you, then falters for a moment before deciding. He steps forward and pulls you into his arms. His fingers tangle in your hair and press you close to his chest. You melt against him, relishing the sound of his heartbeat as you cry freely. “Shh, it’s okay.”

“I love you,” you cry.

“I know,” he says gently, stroking your hair. He kisses your forehead. “I’m not losing you again.”

...

Over the next few days, you tell Taeyong everything you possibly know about Yuta and your old mob, including sensitive information. You hold nothing back. You know this is the time for endings. Taeyong uses every scrap of your information and turns them into orders for other members, into strategies and plans that will give an advantage, and generally puts things to work to ruthlessly take Yuta down. You are grateful that he does not tell the entire office of your treachery. It only appears as if Taeyong has received a sudden influx of highly sensitive information related to a hostile rival mob in a stroke of good luck. But as members of a criminal organization, not everyone is so naive, and they pick up on your sudden increase in visits to his office. Their warm looks suddenly turn to suspicious glares and wide kept distances. 

Jungwoo’s reaction hits you particularly hard. You’re not sure if Taeyong told him the truth about you since he’s his right hand, or if, more likely, Jungwoo found it out by himself. Either way, when you try to speak with him the first day after your revelation, he gives you the cold shoulder. You dont blame him, of course. He gave you information in confidence, which you relayed to the enemy and indirectly put him in danger. Still, your stomach sinks at his aloofness and spreads ice through your heart. You make sure to visit Taeyong’s office only from now on and relay only the necessary information, missing your friend’s twinkling eyes and warm smile the whole time.

Over the course of this work, even Taeyong keeps a distance. He doesn’t show you affection as much as he did before. When he does, it’s with a slightly guarded look in his eyes as if you’ll attack at any moment, with his kisses and touches all too fleeting. Sometimes, you feel lucky if he gives you a smile. You try to blame it on the busyness of work in taking down a rival mob, but it makes your heart crumble all the same. You know he needs time to build back trust, so you give him space. You don’t stay at his place these days and leave work before he can ask. It’s better than him telling you no or, worse, feeling pressured to offer. Whatever he feels, you want to be there for him, always, and hope that he’ll eventually make his way back to you. 

With everyone in the entire office regarding you suspiciously, work becomes a cold place. You’re also well aware that the ultimatum’s deadline is approaching, of which Yuta ordered you to come back within a week’s time or he’ll kill Taeyong. You’re sure that it will be more difficult for Yuta to target Taeyong now that the latter has all the dirt on him, has bolstered his defenses and is launching raids and attacks against Yuta, but it still makes you uneasy.

Taeyong seems to remember this too and asks you about it during one of your meetings with him. “Where did you say you found that note from Yuta?”

“My apartment.”

He blinks. “So he knows where you live?” You nod uneasily. He stiffens slightly. “Y/n, you can’t stay there.”

“I know.” You sigh. “I was thinking of secretly moving to a hotel. I’ve been packing and getting ready.”

“No!” He says bewilderedly but cuts himself off with a sigh. “With me. Stay with me.”

You stare at him. “Are you sure?” 

He gives you a level gaze. “Of course.”

You hesitate for a few moments before nodding. “Okay. I’ll bring over my things.” His face melts in relief, churning small butterflies in your stomach. Taeyong seems to want to say something else but decides against it and turns back to work. It’s enough though, for you. 

“I can take the guest room,” you offer, once you’ve unloaded your boxes and suitcases into his apartment.

“Don’t be silly.” He runs his hand through his hair. “Just use my bed, like you’ve done a million times.” You hesitate, uneasiness stirring in your gut. His dark eyes fix on you. “I don’t hate you, Y/n. You don't have to worry about making me uncomfortable.”

You still don't budge. He makes a show of plopping down on his bed and scooching to the far most end, patting the space beside him. You acquiesce with a sigh and climb in, settling into the sheets and lie down, facing away from him. You relish the familiar feeling of his mattress and his scent on the sheets, remembering the last time you were here before everything changed. “Goodnight Y/n,” Taeyong mumbles behind you.

“Goodnight,” you say into the darkness. Of course, the next day, you wake up tangled in each other's arms. You nearly hate yourself for it. He’s still sleeping and you find yourself quietly admiring his features, as you always do, when you wake up beside him. He looks so angelic and peaceful. You chance a small kiss to his forehead that you don't deserve before tearing yourself away. He catches you, though, arm wrapping around your back to press you to him as his eyelids flutter open. It's silent for a moment before he kisses you. You melt embarrassingly fast in his arms before he pulls away with a sigh. It’s silent for a few moments before you speak.

“I didn’t have a choice,” you say thickly, your heart aching. 

“I know.”

“I should've told you. I wanted to tell you.”

“I know,” he smiles, his eyes sad. “Your soft spot is your family and the people around you. And you were stuck between two. I know because it's mine too.” You sigh, blinking back the sting of tears in your eyes. He brings your hand up to kiss your palm. “I forgive you. Now, just forgive yourself.”

A few stray tears make their way down your cheeks. He wipes them gently. “Sorry. You probably prefer a girl who’s much less messy than me,” you laugh weakly.

He shushes you. “In all your rawness, ugliness and truth, that's how I want you.” His words seep into you. He gives you a final kiss to your forehead before removing himself from the bed to get ready for work. You manage to do the same.

...

This new way of life continues for several weeks more. Yuta continues his attacks on the mob but not on the same level as before since Taeyong has been counterattacking and sabotaging his operation, thanks to your help. You continue to supply as much information as you can remember, like how many members Yuta has, where they’re active, who are their allies, what documents he kept in his ever-secretive files. It helps greatly and Yuta’s attacks seem to decrease by the next month.

Everyone’s coldness towards you seems to thaw until you are accepted back as their member, all except for Jungwoo. He still doesn’t speak to you as much as before and when he does, it's curt and quipped, with cold, short words, not spending more time in your presence than necessary. It torments you. You make up your mind to have a direct conversation with Jungwoo so that he knows how sorry you are. But you also haven’t been feeling well suddenly the last few days and have not come into the office all together. Yesterday, your stomach churned as soon as you woke up and Taeyong caught you throwing up in the bathroom. He was worried and fussy and you assured him it must have been some bad fish you ate the day before. He didn’t want to leave you alone, and outright refused at first to go to work, but you assured him you’ll take some medicine and will be fine in a few hours. He left only after ten minutes of convincing and a promise that you’d call him if you were not feeling well.

As soon as he left, you finally let the dread swallow you whole. Could you be pregnant? You recounted that night in Taeyong’s office months ago when you definitely didn't use a condom. You facepalmed. If only you two hadn’t been so far gone with each other that day, you would’ve remembered. You tried to relax. Maybe it was something else. You did, in fact, eat fish the day before. One pregnancy test would have solved this question but you decided to do it later. Today, you’re determined to come into work and talk to Jungwoo. Damn your queasy stomach. He’s your only focus. Thankfully, you manage not to throw up this morning and unnecessarily worry Taeyong. Instead, you get ready and drive to work with him. As soon as you get into the office, you make your way to Jungwoo who is busy with some emails on his computer. 

“Jungwoo?” He doesn’t turn to face you, his full attention fixed on his screen. “Can we talk?” He sucks his teeth and doesn’t bother to turn around. “Look, I know I’ve-” An unpleasant nausea rises in your stomach, and suddenly you’re bolting towards the female restroom without another word. When you finally emerge back onto the main floor after emptying your guts, you spot Jungwoo staring at you from his desk, eyes narrowed suspiciously. You approach him, giving him a pathetic attempt at a smile.  “Just some bad tuna.”

“For three days in a row?” He asks. You merely stare at him in question as to how he could possibly know that. “I know you haven’t come into work the past few days,” he answers. You stare at the ground, tapping your shoe against the carpet, feeling foolish. He releases a sigh. “Does Taeyong know?” You shake your head and grumble, rubbing your forehead.

“Why not?” 

You exhale. “I… I'm still processing it myself. I'll tell him soon. I just need my head to clear.” you say wearily.

“Does anyone else know?” He asks. You shake your head. Jungwoo watches you with an unreadable expression. Then, he adjusts the chair beside him, the one that used to be yours. “Sit,” he instructs. You gaze at him with a glimmer of hope and obey. Once you do, he turns to face you, brows pinched in concern. “How are you feeling?”

“Nauseous,” you grimace, pressing your hands to your abdomen. He bites back a laugh. 

“I can guess. I meant your mind.”

You slink in your chair. “I'm scared. A mob at war is no place for a child.”

He nods. “And how do you feel about telling Taeyong?”

“Not much better. I’m sure he’ll be happy. I’m not worried about that. But for many months, I'll be… pregnant… and vulnerable.. With this war, if I fall into danger or if anybody takes me, I think he’ll destroy everything, even himself, trying to get me back.” You gaze at the carpet, deep in thought. “And I’m also afraid he’ll lock me up and never let me do anything out of fear for my safety.”

“Well, for the first one, you don't have to be pregnant for him to destroy everything to get you back,” Jungwoo says, smiling “And the second one, yeah, he would probably do that.”

You chuckle, glancing at him. “I know I have to tell him. I’m just… figuring out how to, I guess.”

“You’ll figure it out,” he reassures you. 

A few moments of silence settles between you. “I missed you,” you finally admit, watching the unguarded flinching emotion in his face before he attempts to shutter it away. You cover his hand with yours. “I’m sorry, I truly am.”

Jungwoo gazes at you then, sincerely, and whatever resistance he’s trying to put up against you fails. “I know. I'm sorry too. I'm here for you, you know?” You nearly tear up in relief. You tug him into a hug, which he reciprocates easily. Warmth spreads through your chest and to your heart that has been aching for months. Then, Jungwoo tugs himself away from you. “Careful, I don't want Boss yelling at me again.”

You laugh. “I won't let him do that. It's the reason why I got pregnant anyway,” you mumble.

He looks at you sharply “What?”

“Nothing!” You stand up suddenly. “I uh.. am late, bye.” You hear him laughing as you scurry off.

...

You join Taeyong in his office to help out on some work. Your stomach seems to settle down the rest of the day, thankfully. Your brain swims while you watch Taeyong work busily, trying to figure out how to break the news to him. Would he be happy? Of course he would. You know he wants this more than anything. You just have to work up the nerve. Maybe you can later, when you return home. The day ends and he drives you back to his place, as he’s been doing for weeks since you’ve moved in with him. “You know, it’s nice having you live with me. It feels almost as if we’re married.”

You snort. “We don’t argue enough to be married.”

He chuckles. “We’re happily married, how’s that?” He offers.

“Oh, so that’s why people specify the phrase ‘happily’ before the word ‘married’.”

“Yes,” he laughs. Once you get into his apartment and settle in, he gives you a look. “I would marry you, you know.”

Your cheeks heat up. He looks sincere. “Really?”

His eyes twinkle. “Yes.”

You gaze at him, speechless with emotion before you remember your news. “I need to tell you something.” His brows quirk as he undoes his wrist watch. Just then, the elevator dings behind you, signaling someone has gotten on from the bottom floor. Both of you freeze and turn to face the metal doors.

“That’s strange. No one has access to the elevator except Jungwoo. Did he tell you he was coming over?” Taeyong asks. You check your phone. No text messages or calls. Chills run down your spine as you stare at him and shake your head slowly. Taeyong’s eyes widen. Then, the doors ding open and you realize it’s most definitely not Jungwoo. “Y/n, get back!” Taeyong shouts.

Four or five men with guns step out of the doors and into the penthouse. It’s a surreal sight but they are all familiar. Yuta’s men. You scramble backwards away from them but one lunges to catch your sleeve and drag you off the chair towards them. You barely register Taeyong grabbing the gun from his dresser and aiming at them with a shout to let you go. The man who has you in his grip whirls you around to face Taeyong and presses a gun to your head. All the color drains from Taeyong’s face, but he doesn’t lower the gun. The man holding you captive growls behind you. “She belongs to us. We’re taking her back.” His arm  bars your neck and presses hard until you wince. “Yes, bring even traitors like you back,” he snarls into your ear.

Taeyong flinches as if to make a move but all guns suddenly train on him and he freezes once more. You merely gaze at Taeyong, trying to apologize with your eyes. His face is hard, his eyes a storm of emotions. His gun is still aimed at your captors, both hands wrapped around the handle, one finger around the trigger but you know he’s outnumbered. The gun against your temple pushes into your skin. “If you make one move, we’ll shoot her right here.”

Taeyong’s eyes flash. “Why don’t you just take me instead? Or kill me? Isn’t that what your boss wanted from the beginning?”

“Because someone would just replace you. Why do you think Yuta didn’t just send her as an assassin? We want to destroy your organization from the inside out. And she,” the gun nudges your head. “Is the key. She knows all your secrets by now. And as long as we have her, we’ll control you.” Another man speaks up. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t kill you and her if you try anything.”

“It's okay. I’ll be okay.” You reassure Taeyong as calmly as you can.

Taeyong’s eyes shine, the gun wavering in his hands before he lowers it. “I’ll get you back, I promise.”With that, the men are stepping back into the elevator, dragging you with them. Your last view is Taeyong’s distressed, anguished face before the metal doors close.

...

After a never ending van ride with your familiar kidnappers calling you a traitor and telling you to wait until Yuta gets his hands on you, you end up back at his base, sitting in a dark, empty room with a single chair and a lightbulb dangling above you. You know this room. It’s one of the rooms they used to question enemies and prisoners, although “question” is an understatement, you think, spotting the faded bloodstains on the ground. Just then, the door opens to reveal a familiar face with long red hair. “Long time no see, Boss” you hum as Yuta steps into the dim light of the room. 

He looks angry. His eyes glint as he slowly circles you. “Yes,” he gives a fake smile. “I recall the last time I saw you, when you were still loyal.” 

“Yes, that was a while ago. Many things have changed since then.” 

He snorts. “Things, huh?” He stops in front of you, peering down. “Why don’t you tell me every single piece of intel you know about that place, just like I ordered you to?”

You match his glare. “Do you need it? You seem to be managing fine against them on your own.”

Yuta grits his teeth. “Not anymore. Your boyfriend put up a good fight against us. You saw to that, I’m sure.”

“How did you manage to do that much damage in the first place?” You ask.

“I wasn’t aware this was my interrogation session.” He growls. “Besides, I don’t answer to traitors. You’re lucky you're even alive to ask questions. I could've had you killed for your treachery instead of being taken.”

You huff out a laugh. “Then you would’ve lost your precious chance to use me to take down Taeyong’s mob.” 

His eyes flare. “Right, Taeyong. The one you threw everything out for.”

“I told you when you gave me this case and I didn’t want to take this one. I told you the risk.”

“I didn't think we’d lose you so easily. After ten years, you throw that loyalty away?”

You glare at him. “Ten years is not enough for me to put my loyalty to you over him.”

He seems to falter. Then, he steels himself, eyes flashing with anger. “How long then? Twenty years?” You don’t reply. ”Fifty? One hundred?” When you still don’t respond, he throws his hands in the air. “I don’t believe this.”

“It's not personal, it's just-”

“Yes, it is personal!” He jabs a finger into your face. “I send you to do a job and you throw out everything we built together over some crush!?”

“You know by now it’s not some crush!” You bite back. The anger on his face crumbles a little into surprise. You sigh frustratedly. “You don’t understand. I didn’t have a choice. I was stuck between you and him. I couldn’t betray either of you. Do you know I didn’t rat you out right away? I didn’t tell Taeyong or anyone until you sent me that fucking note. And when I did tell them, it was because I was going to leave and come back to you. That’s when they saw me as a traitor. I was loyal and a traitor to both sides.”

Yuta falls silent for a few moments before speaking quietly. “But you didn’t come back to me. You stayed and helped him take me down. You made your decision in the end.”

“Yes, I did. But it’s because you were going to kill him. It’s not because you meant nothing to me.” 

He falls quiet again. “Tell me what you know of the Scorpion, Y/n.” You stay silent, staring at the floor. “You know this business. If you don't tell me what you know and prove to me your allegiance, you’re of no use to me.”

“What then? Are you going to torture me? Kill me?” You ask him. “Would you do that to me, Yuta?” 

He doesn’t respond. He only turns and walks out the door, speaking over his shoulder. “You have one day to make up your mind.”

....

Taeyong is losing his mind. Jungwoo has never seen him like this. He called an emergency meeting, had people come back into the office to assemble in the conference room, and proceeded to pace and ramble and stumble over his words as he tried to explain the situation. He runs his hand through his hair until it stuck up on the ends, even stopping to kick a chair over in frustration. Jungwoo still can’t believe you were taken from his apartment. He figures they must have tracked you somehow. “I want everyone to split up and come up with plans to get her back,” Taeyong orders, his voice uneven. “We already know where his base is, thanks to her. We’ll meet back here in ten minutes. Dismissed.”

The room empties out with people already mumbling ideas. Taeyong goes back to pacing, scratching the back of his head nervously before growing taut. Then, he kicks another chair over with a frustrated grunt. It’s only then does he notice Jungwoo is still in the room. “Ah,” he blinks, embarrassed, staring at the chair. “I was just… just frustrated.” 

“I know this is a dumb question, but are you okay?” Jungwoo asks.

Taeyong’s face crumbles into despair. “They just took her… right out from under me, they just came in and pointed a gun at her head and took her.”

“I know,” Jungwoo tries to sound soothing. “I’ll help in any way I can.”

Taeyong doesn’t look reassured. His brows are pinched and his lips have been twisted in a perpetual frown since he walked in here. “We have to come up with a plan.”

Jungwoo nods. “Any ideas so far?”

Taeyong chews his lip. “Maybe we can just raid his base with sheer manpower. She can figure out how to run or hide in the commotion. If she gets her hand on a weapon, she can even help us out before we get her out of there.”

Jungwoo’s stomach churns, remembering how, just today, you couldn’t get through a full conversation with him without vomiting. Worse yet, you’ve been like this for the past three days. The plan doesn’t seem like the best idea given your condition. “I don’t know about having her join the fight. We have to keep her protected at all costs.”

Taeyong looks at him inquisitively. “I mean, she can handle herself. She’s a trained soldier.”

Jungwoo realizes you never got the chance to tell Taeyong the truth. “She didn’t tell you?”

Taeyong blinks. “Tell me what?”

“She’s pregnant.”

Silence blares loudly in the room for a full minute. All emotion drains from Taeyong’s face only to be replaced with shock. “What?”

“She’s pregnant. I caught her throwing up just this morning.”

Taeyong looks dazed. “She’s pregnant..?” Jungwoo nods. Taeyong’s eyes become misty. He suddenly grips his forehead. “She told me it was bad tuna.”

Jungwoo bites back a laugh. “She told me that too.” He watches Taeyong blink back tears and take a breath, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. “Boss, listen. We can't let her fight on her own. She’s not well as it is and can barely keep her food down. On top of that, the baby…”

“The baby...” Taeyong breathes. His eyes are a million miles away. “Her and my baby… and,” His eyes grow cold, jaw clenching. “And Yuta took her.”

“Yes, he did.” Jungwoo says. “And he might kill her tonight if she doesn't give him any useful information.”

All panic is gone from Taeyong. Now he’s cold, rigid, familiar, the one that Jungwoo is used to. “We’re not going to show mercy.” Taeyong growls. “And we’ll find a way that doesn't put her.. or.. our baby.. at risk.”

Jungwoo grins. “Yes, Boss.”

...

You’re locked in a cell for the night. Not really a cell, more like one of their spare bedrooms that can be locked from the outside. It’s not too bad; it has a bed and a bucket. The bucket is particularly useful for your nausea bouts that have started up again since they locked you in here. Even if you try to escape, it will be difficult in your condition. Fatigue aches throughout your body. Your head feels light and your stomach is perpetually queasy. Being kidnapped, questioned and thrown into a cell certainly hasn’t helped. At least they gave you some semblance of a dinner, you think, eyeing the slop of food in a bowl on your table.

You can’t sleep, obviously, and opt to keep your mind busy during this insufferable silence. You try to trace how Yuta knew where Taeyong’s penthouse was in order to kidnap you. Then, it hits you. Your old cell phone that you threw out because Yuta was tracking it - you did that after you visited Taeyong’s place for the first time. Yuta must have just figured that any place you were staying at for a long stretch of time that wasn’t the office or your apartment was Taeyong’s.You wonder what Taeyong must be thinking. He was so panicked when you saw him last, understandably. You told him the location of Yuta’s base weeks ago, so he definitely knows where you are. He’s probably on his way here right now, or hopefully before tomorrow. 

You wonder if Yuta would really have you killed tomorrow if you don’t cooperate. He’s always been strict, mean, ruthless, but never entirely heartless. You find it hard to imagine him being able to execute you after spending a decade together. 

Suddenly, the sound of shouting and banging doors erupts from outside. Then, gunfire. You shoot up in bed and catch the sight of people running to and fro through the small window of your door. It looks like Taeyong came early after all. 

...

“We attack from the front main entrance in heavy numbers. Jungwoo, you lead this group. A small group will loop around the side. There should be a back entrance that will likely not be guarded because of the commotion at the front. I’ll slip in there and find her,” Taeyong instructed the team.

They follow it perfectly. As Taeyong slips through the back entrance and descends into the underground base, he hears shouting, gunfire and footsteps bounding down hallways. He quietly navigates the abandoned backrooms. He vaguely remembers you describing the layout of this place once. If he remembers correctly, the place where they hold prisoners should be…He turns the corner and finds a series of doors lining the entire hallway. Behind each one is a bedroom. All of them are empty except for one whose light is filtering through the small window of its door. Anticipation swells inside him as he dashes to the room, muttering a prayer that you be okay. 

The door is locked. He curses and peers through the window. He sees your face, alarmed and caught off guard before you register that it’s him. The sweetest relief floods him at the sight of you unharmed. You mouth something that he can't hear before you motion to the outside wall at the end of the hallway. He follows the line of sight and spots keys dangling on a wall hook. He dashes over to grab them before running back, unlocking the door and shouldering it open. You’re swallowed in a hug so quickly you can barely breathe. Taeyong’s arms are around you, squeezing you to him, tucking you under his chin, before running through your hair and cupping your cheeks. He’s mumbling questions and you realize he's checking to see if you're injured. You can feel him trembling. “Hey, hey, I’m okay,” you reassure him, holding his hands that are cupping your cheeks.

Anxiety bleeds from his face. He checks you one again, then pulls you in for another crushing hug. You can’t help but sigh and melt in his arms, grateful that he’s here. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” he murmurs.

“It's not your fault.” You rub his back. Another round of gunfire erupts in the background. “We have to get out of here.”

He pulls away. “No, we’re not running. Yuta will just come after us. We’re going to defeat him here.”

Your stomach flips. “Defeat… Will you kill him?”

Taeyong’s brows furrow. “Yes. He was going to kill you wasn't he?” 

“I know… I just-” More gunfire rings out. You turn to Taeyong. “Give me a gun. I can help. I know their weaknesses and where to hide in this place.”

Emotion envelops his face. He cups your cheek softly. “Not this time.”

“Why not?”

“You… the baby…” he trails off, his eyes shining. 

“Oh,” you swallow. “Jungwoo told you.”

He releases a breath, lips curling into a small smile before he presses his forehead to yours. “Yeah, he did.”

The sounds of gunfire and shouting grow louder. “I can help, Taeyong. It can make a lot of difference out there. What if our guys run into a dead end hallway and get shot down? I can help everyone navigate this place, especially where to retreat to.” 

He pulls away from you. “No.”

Your eyes roam his face. “Please. I'll hide. What if you take more losses because you could have used me?”

“That’s a risk I'll take.”

“Taeyong…”

“Please, just for this one time, please do as I say.”

You fall silent. He’s never given you an order before. His hand slips from your cheek as he turns towards the door and the sound of gunfire. You make a last attempt. “I'll hide, I'll keep safe. I just want to help.” He shakes his head one more time, steps out of the room and closes the door, automatically locking it from the outside. You speechlessly stare at him through the small window. He gives an apologetic look before running off. You stare in disbelief and then rattle the door handle. It doesn't budge. The sound of gunfire rises and you anxiously wonder if it's because Taeyong entered their line of sight. If he gets hurt again when you could've done something about it….

You slam your palms against the door this time, desperation and anger rising inside of you. He locked you in here like another prisoner. “This is not happening,” you mumble. More gunfire rings out. Someone shouts in pain. Tears sting your eyes. There must be some way.

You look through the door window at the ground of the hallway outside and spot the keys on the floor close by. Taeyong must've dropped them as soon as he unlocked the door and ran to hug you. You kneel and find a big enough gap under the door for your palm. You stick your hand out, fingers brushing the edge of the keys. You pinch them with your fingertips and drag it through the door successfully. 

You stand up and exhale in victory, fumbling with the keys. You unlock the door from your side and make your escape. Gunfire echoes from all around you, from every floor and hallway. Most of the people you find along the way are unconscious or too injured to fight, and a few you fear may be dead. Most of them are Yuta’s men. You know almost all of them and it makes your heart ache. Then, you hear Taeyong’s shout and all blood drains to your legs. You sprint into the main hall and spot Taeyong’s familiar pistol on the floor by the door to Yuta’s office, which is open. Your stomach lurches and panic seizes your brain. You fight down the rising nausea in your stomach and run through the door. 

Taeyong is bleeding on the floor in front of you, clutching his leg while Yuta stands by his desk, the same spot where he gave you this mission all those days ago. His gun is aimed directly at Taeyong. Without thinking, you hurl yourself into his path.

“Stop!” You shout. 

“Y/n!?” Yong shouts in disbelief. “What are you doing here!? I told you to stay there!”

You glare at Yuta who’s been frozen since you first stepped in his line of sight. “If you’re going to shoot him, you’ll have to shoot me first.”

Yuta stares at you, gun still aimed. His face is hard but uncertain. “You’d give up your life just for him?” You don’t respond but your expression is all Yuta needs as an answer. Taeyong gives a protesting groan behind you. The sound of gunfire tapers off in the distance. The raid sounds like it's coming to a close. Yuta releases a breath, his gun wavering. “All I wanted to do was take down the Scorpion. You made it so, so difficult. I only retaliated.” Yuta grits his teeth.

“You harassed my people, infiltrated my organization, and tried to assassinate me. Taking her was the final slight,” Taeyong growled. “Don’t act like you are the victim.”

Yuta glowers. “Y/n, I will let you walk out of here right now if you step out of the way.”

“Walk away, huh? So what about that ultimatum you gave me when you brought me back here?” You ask him. “You were never going to kill me if I didn't give you intel because you can’t do it.”

Yuta avoids your eyes and doesn't respond. You were right; he has a soft spot for you too. “So, what’s it going to be? Will you kill us both?” you ask.

Silence fills the room. His gun is still trained on you. Then, you hear Taeyong’s voice from behind you. “She's pregnant.” 

Shock envelops Yuta’s face. His gun wobbles before he lowers it. He seems to search for confirmation in your face and finds it. He groans,  running his hand through his hair. “Fuck.”

You stare at him, perplexed. He turns around and grips the edge of his desk, head falling forward in defeat. When you realize he’s not going to shoot, you immediately kneel by Taeyong’s side and check his injuries. There's a gash below his knee but it doesn't seem terribly serious. “Y/n,” Taeyong whispers. “Grab my gun back there and shoot him while he’s distracted.” 

You freeze. “What? I can’t do that.”

Taeyong’s brows furrow. “Y/n-“

“She won’t kill me if that’s what you're whispering about," Yuta calls, sighing heavily before turning around to face you once more. “She’s too soft. Too attached.” His head falls forward. “What a fucking weakness,” he mumbles, almost to himself.

“And you?” Taeyong glares. “You won't kill me as soon as she's not in your line of sight?”

Yuta only looks on tiredly. “No. I’m not going to take a father away from his kid before it's even born.” Silence fills the room. It looks like Taeyong doesn’t know what to think. You remember how Yuta has always refused to hurt children and, if he could help it, parents. It's why he and his father gave you a chance to join this mob when your family was on the run. Similar to Taeyong, there's a softness behind the ruthlessness that sets their mobs apart from all others in the city. “Everything I built is gone,” Yuta sighs tiredly. “Most of my men are dead or injured, my base is discovered.”

You help Taeyong sit up, and tear a cloth from your shirt to wrap it around his wound. “We both did some bad damage,” Taeyong grunts as you tend to his injury. “We seriously compromised each other. Worse yet, we’re the two biggest mobs in the city and now we’re handicapped. The worse, less moral, more violent ones will try to take over.”

Yuta hisses. “The ones peddling drugs and trafficking humans. They will turn this city into a fucking warzone while vying for power.” 

Taeyong nods in agreement. His bleeding seems to have stopped. He sits up with a wince. Yuta stares glumly at the ground.

“Maybe you both can come to a truce,” You suggest, catching their attention. “I know we’re literally sitting in the aftermath of a bloodbath of a mob war but… if you have a common interest, maybe you can come to an agreement or ceasefire or….” you trail off as both men stare at you as if you’ve grown two heads. You sigh exasperatedly. “Do you want Johnny’s mob taking over? The one that's already terrorizing that club we went to and probably every other establishment in the city?”

Taeyong and Yuta exchange glances. They seem to come to a begrudging, silent understanding. Taeyong turns to you. “Ceasefire for now. We’ll… talk about this later. We have to check on our members.”

You eye Yuta in question. His eyes are narrowed and you know he’s mulling over every angle and opportunity in his head. In the end, he exhales. “Fine. Ceasefire. Go tend to your wounded.”

...

In all, a handful were injured. A few died. You find Jungwoo unharmed and give him the tightest possible hug. Once you leave the base, Taeyong gets checked over at a hospital. They don’t ask any questions, as always, since they have a general idea he’s with the mob that runs the city. You stay with him overnight until he's discharged in the morning. Both of you return to his place after that and try to recover over the next few days. Taeyong orders the office closed for a few weeks. He says that, after everything that’s happened, people need time to process the loss of life, assess the damages and heal mentally and physically. Yuta honors the ceasefire and, for a few weeks, it seems as if there is peace.

A few days after the raid, you finally register the dull anger broiling in your stomach. You find yourself keeping a slight distance from Taeyong whenever he’s nearby and you realize, for the first time, that you are angry with him. He realizes this too and finally speaks on it one evening when both of you are watching television in his bedroom. “Back in Yuta’s base, you know why I had to leave you in there, right?”

“No, I don't.” You sit up from the bed to face him. “You almost died. Maybe it all would’ve been better if I joined and we talked Yuta down sooner.” 

Taeyong frowns. “Or he would’ve hurt you. You trust in his goodness too much. I was only trying to protect you.”

“It didn't feel like protection. It felt like an easy way to guarantee your peace of mind at the cost of my free will.” You stare at him. “You cannot make decisions for me.”

“I can if you’re carrying our child.” He glares back.

You purse your lips. “I’m aware that I need to protect myself and the baby, but I wanted to protect other people too, just like you. That isn’t something you can order me not to do. You’re not the Boss in everything.” You pull away from him and slide off the bed.

“Y/n.” His expression of anger turns to pleading.

“Do you know how helpless I felt? You could have been dying and I would have been stuck behind that door. And if all of you were killed, what then? I’d just be stuck there, with no one to come get me out.” 

“But we weren't killed and you did get out. Somehow,” he says bluntly. His expression looks like a parent’s who is chastising their child for disobeying orders. The look you gave must have been so full of disappointment since he sighs and acquiesces. “I wasn't thinking much at the time. I was just afraid you’d deny my order and run into combat, which you did. I… needed to keep you somewhere safe.”

“Keep me or lock me?” You huff. “It felt so insulting to be physically locked away and not being allowed to do what I thought was best at the time in my mind because fear clouded yours. Why are your wishes more important than mine?” 

Taeyong visibly slumps against the headboard. “No. They are not more important. I was just.. selfish and scared. When they..” He falters before his voice comes out shaky. “When they came here, put a gun to your head and took you from my own place where I should've been able to keep you safe, I thought you were dead. I lost it. Every minute when I didn't know you were okay, I was losing my mind.” He releases a heavy sigh, blinking back tears. “Then when I saw you again unharmed in that cell, I was so relieved. I couldn't bear the thought of you being in danger again and I just acted on my feelings.” He swallows. “I’m sorry.”

Your heart lurches. You climb back into his bed and take him into your arms. “I didn't think of that. I’m sorry too.” He sniffs and presses himself closer. What a mess, you think. Injured twice, put in danger’s path too many times, all with a baby on the way. “This is no life for a child,” you sigh, tickling his hairs under your chin. “I wish we could get away from all this.”

His hand presses against your stomach. “Maybe we can.” You glance at him in question. “I can step down as boss. We can abandon this violent life, raise our child safely and live in peace.”

You blink, gazing down at him. “That sounds like a dream. But you said the mob was compromised and the city will suffer.”

His words come out muffled against your chest. “Maybe Yuta could take over.”

Your brain grinds to a halt. “What?” 

You pull back to look at him. He sighs, propping his head on his arm. “I don’t know. I don’t know if it’s a good idea. I can’t think straight right now. Too much has happened recently.” He glances at you. “But we originally kept other mobs in check. We kept the city stable and safe to an extent. But now, we’ve destroyed each other. Others will challenge us. If we merge into one organization, we can consolidate power and retain our standing.” He chances a look up at you. “Besides, I’m impressed with how he was so good at finding out our top secret information. He might be a boon to our team.”

You release a breath, sliding down against the headboard. “I never thought I’d hear that from you.”

He shrugs. “I didn’t know the extent of the damage we were doing to each other until we were in his base, surrounded by bodies, from both sides. Not to mention our months of attacks against each other before that.” he sighs. “People have taken it hard here. We are weakened.” He says. “And Yuta didn’t…. he kill me when he could have. I would have killed him in his position. I guess that’s something.”

You gaze at him. “So is this the truce you will offer him? Merging? And you’ll step down and make him boss?”

He winces. “I don’t know about making him boss. He can run his own unit as part of our larger organization if he chooses. But I’ll step down.” He says, smiling. “And we can live far away from the violence and never think about it again.”

“That… sounds almost too good to be true.”

He takes your hand and kisses it. “We deserve it after all these years. I want to be a father rather than a kingpin. I’d much rather be by your side raising our baby and being your h… um,” he averts his eyes and clears his throat. “Being domestic.”

Your heart melts, noticing the pink tint to his cheeks. “You do love domesticity.” You chuckle. “Who will take your place then?”

Taeyong grins. “I think someone deserves a promotion.”

...

Over the next few weeks, Taeyong notifies Yuta of the proposed plan, who begrudgingly accepts. He also tells the office about the news of the merger, earning loud protests of outrage. “We’re supposed to work alongside the people that killed us!?” One member shouts. 

Taeyong gazes around the conference room. “It’s either this or we close down. Given what’s happened, it will be extremely difficult to climb back to where we were,” he explains. “We will be vulnerable to attacks by other mobs and more people will die. If we don’t come to an agreement with Yuta, he might begin attacking us again as well. This will repeat for a while.” Grumbled murmurs echo around the room. “Also, I will be stepping down.”

That gets even louder shouts. Taeyong raises his hands signaling everyone to settle down.

“You said we’re compromised but you’re going to leave us without a leader!?” A woman protests.

“Someone will replace me, of course. Someone who is far better suited to the position than me, someone who is much more intelligent and perceptive will be a force to be reckoned with if anyone dares challenge us from now on.” Taeyong smiles, eyes fixing on one person. “Jungwoo.”

Jungwoo looks stunned. The mumbles of protests pause entirely for a few moments before they turn into cheers and hollers. Someone slaps him on the back a few times in congratulations and he blinks as if in a daze. “Me? As Boss?” 

Taeyong grins. “Do you accept?” Jungwoo blinks furiously before nodding. “Then, congratulations.” The room bursts into applause. Absolutely no one objects to his appointment. Jungwoo has always been the most intelligent and discerning, and will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with against any of the mob’s enemies. Within a few days, Taeyong officially hands over the position, his office, and the reigns to his right hand.

...

In the following weeks, Taeyong exchanges a few calls with Yuta, mostly on how to merge the organizations, and discuss grievances and conditions. They settle on some specific deal you don’t understand, but it must be adequate since Yuta agrees to merge and actually comes over to the office for a few meetings. Within a month, they officially merge and things seem to stabilize and run smoothly. Jungwoo takes to the new role quickly as well. He already knows the inner workers of the mob so he needs very little training. In turn, Taeyong is able to resign fully. Jungwoo insists on throwing a going away party, filled with some teary goodbyes, congratulations and well wishes with the pregnancy. From here, you can begin to believe things will actually get better. 

With all the new free time, Taeyong is able to help take care of you for the rest of your pregnancy. He supports you through all your woes, like making you food, holding your hair back while you’re hurling into the toilet, massaging your aching muscles. Some nights he props his chin onto your stomach, speaking to the baby with a light in his eyes. It’s the deepest peace you’ve ever felt. A month later, your morning sickness evens out and you identify the faintest change in the protrusion of your stomach. A baby bump. When you first show him, Taeyong is over the moon. He can’t keep his hands off your tummy. His eyes shine and lips are curled into a smile that stays for a week. It’s also when you chance a question at Taeyong that you meant as a suggestion, just something to think about, but it changes everything. It’s when you’re lounging in bed, one of those restful days. Sunlight pours in through the blinds and the television is low in the background. “Taeyong?” He hums in question. “Do you want to get married?”

A beat of silence passes. “...What?” You chance a glance at him. He’s absolutely shocked. Heat flares on your cheeks in embarrassment. 

“I don't know… I just thought maybe someday we can. I know we don't have to, but I just thought we’re going to be together… I mean, forever, right?” You blush. “That came out cheesy. I meant neither of us have any intention to leave, so might as well-”

He cuts you off with a kiss and pulls away before you can even process it. “Yes, yes, yes,” he litters butterfly kisses across your face and pulls you into a hug. You melt, laughing into his shoulder. “I thought you wouldn’t want to.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” You giggle. “We’re already having a whole kid together.”

“I don’t know,” he pulls back, a smile curled wide over his lips. It’s wonderful to see him happy. “I want to. I definitely want to.”

Your heart soars. “Then let’s get married.”

....

It’s short work to plan your wedding. Neither if you want it too large, but much of the office is invited to reception afterwards. It arrives in another month, your belly swelling a little bit more by then, but not noticeable under your wedding dress. The ceremony is emotional and filled with reverence. You’ll never forget the sight of your groom in his tux, shining eyes and smile, calling you his wife and him your husband, the words like magic on your tongue. The reception afterwards is a jubilant contrast, full of dancing and drinking. A few colleagues, including Jungwoo, pat you on the back in congratulations. You pass the night in a tizzy of dancing and laughing until a familiar figure enters the hall. You think it’s a stranger before you realize it’s Yuta. He spots you, eyes running over your wedding dress before giving you a smile. “Yuta?” You ask in disbelief. “I can’t believe…”

“That I'm here at your wedding? Neither can I.” He laughs a little, surveying the venue hall before focusing on you again. “Taeyong invited me.” You stare at him in surprise. He shrugs. “We are business partners and all.” He grabs a glass of champagne off of a passing waiter’s dish. “Surprisingly, it seems that your husband and I work well together.”

You bite your tongue but can’t seem to hold the words back. “How can we know that you’re not going to split and attack us again when you’ve recovered enough power?”

He blinks. “What, and repeat the same cycle that ended me up here? Don’t worry. I’m not that stupid, sweetheart.” He says, and suddenly, you’re the one who feels stupid. “You look beautiful by the way. Your father would have been proud.” Emotion grips you without warning. Yuta gives you a final smile and turns away, sipping his champagne as he disappears in the mesh of guests and dancing.

The rest of the evening passes in a blur of chatter, smiles, drinks, dancing and food. When the night ends, you and Taeyong climb into his car to the whoops and hollers of the crowd, and drive back to his place. You both would have been tipsy out of your mind and gone straight to bed, but since you can’t drink, Taeyong refuses to as well, claiming emotional support. That leaves time for other things.

“Alright, how do you want this to go down?” You ask, undoing your jewelry in front of his vanity.

Taeyong laughs, unzipping your dress when you offer your back to him. “You mean for our wedding night?” You nod as you slip off the gown and sigh at the freedom of not being weighed down by a thousand pounds of fabric. He eyes you as you undo the rest of your jewelry, your hair and underclothes. “I can think of one thing.” 

“And what’s that?” You ask, catching sight of him through the mirror. He’s leaning against the bedpost with his arms crossed, still dressed in his tux but without the jacket, looking as handsome as ever. 

"I think I'd like to be your plaything for a while.” Your brain grinds to a halt. You turn to blankly stare at him. He smirks. "What's the matter?” He reaches out to place his hands on your hips. "I promise I won't resist whatever you want to do to me.”

You swallow thickly. “You’re teasing me.”

"Oh, I'm not teasing you at all, love,” He smiles softly, his hands tightening slightly around your hips. "I'm giving myself up to you.” You blink hard. A former kingpin at the complete mercy of his wife. Just the thought of it has heat blazing through your body. His voice breaks you out of your thoughts. "Play with me, tease me, do this however you want. I’m yours,” his lips brush your jaw. “I’ll be your good boy.”

You inhale deeply as his arms wrap around your waist and press you to him. “You’ll do anything?” He hums in acknowledgement, kissing down your neck. “Alright,” you test, “kneel for me.”

He smirks, and steps away from you. He then kneels down, lowering himself until his knees hit the ground and he’s peering up at you. “You… you actually did it.” you breathe.

His eyes dance with amusement. "What, did you expect me to disobey you?” He chuckles softly, and his eyes going dark. "Or is it just seeing me on my knees that's making you lose your train of thought?”

“Uh… yes.. it's the knees.”

He grins, reaching out to caress your calf. “Now what should I do?”

“I don't know. I didn't think I'd get this far.”

He laughs. Then, he takes your hand and begins kissing your palm. “Use me, love.”

Heat flares in your stomach. You cup his cheek gently. “Would anyone have suspected the mob king lord of everything was so submissive? And obedient at that?”

He nuzzles into your hand. “I think they all know me pretty well. Besides, I’m only like this for you.”

“Hmm,” you move your hand to cup his chin and rest your thumb on his bottom lip. You do it out of curiosity, but his lips close around your thumb without hesitation. His dark eyes burn into yours as his tongue circles your thumb. You are struck with a flashback to that evening in the office, how he held you down against his desk with his gaze burning into yours and ate you within an inch of your life. Heat burns and pools through your body. You pull your hand away, tug him up to stand again and kiss him hard. He groans into your lips, arms wrapping tightly around your waist and mouth parting immediately to grant you entrance. He lets you completely dominate the kiss, your tongue sliding past his lips. His demeanor is so different from that time in his office. He’s much more vocal now, whiney even. His lips are soft and pliant, his brows knitted in slight desperation, his hands roaming over your body. You break for air and plant kisses under his jaw.

“My good boy,” you mumble. His eyes flutter closed and he releases a loud groan. You pull away to take him in. His lips are stained from your lipstick, his hair that was neatly combed before now slightly messy, his dress shirt rumpled, eyes lidded and mouth panting. “Get on the bed.” He obeys quickly. You watch as he settles against the headboard before waiting for your next order, his eyes expectant and eager to please. “Take off your vest and shirt.” He listens without complaint. He tilts his head back to undo the tie at his collar before throwing it to the floor, then unbuttons his vest and dress shirt underneath. He works with urgency, nimble fingers determinedly undoing every part of his ensemble all because you asked. 

Now free from your garments except your slip underdress, you comfortably climb onto the bed to rest beside him. His dark eyes fixate on you as the final button is undone. He tears off his dress shirt and throws it off to the side, revealing his familiar bare torso that encourages your eyes to run across his tattoos.“You’re beautiful,” you mumble before leaning over and kissing him deep. He melts immediately, hands cupping your cheeks to pull you closer. You pull away abruptly to leave hot, open mouthed kisses down his jaw and neck until he’s groaning lowly and melting into the mattress. You nip his skin with the slightest nick of your teeth as you travel down to his collarbone. It has a profound effect on him, pulling shallow breaths and moans from his lips. Your lips travel over his heart and down his chestline. His breathing turns harsh, and moans grow louder. You opt then to lick down his abdomen, leaving him shivering. 

You glance up at him. You figure your gaze must have been dark and full of lust because he looks completely wrecked and held immobile. His cheeks are flushed, lips stained red, pupils dilated. You maintain eye contact as you kiss and lick and nip down the rest of his abdomen, urging his muscles to quiver and flex the lower you go. Once you get to his pantline, he’s already straining against his slacks. You press a final kiss to the spot below his navel, earning a jump of his muscle and a low groan from him, before undoing his belt and tugging the garment completely off his legs, along with his boxers. You don't wait to press kisses to his thighs. His hard cock is so easily within reach but you choose to litter kisses along his hips, thighs, and navel instead. You tease until he’s whimpering and pressing his hips up from the mattress and towards your mouth. When you kiss the juncture of his thigh and pelvis, he gasps, tangles his fingers in your hair and moans. “Please, Y/n.” 

“Please what?”

His hazy eyes manage to focus on you. “Please stop teasing.” 

You hum, moving to suck the juncture of his pelvis while your hand not-so-accidentally grazes his balls. “You mean like this?”

He gasps harshly, fingers tightening in your hair, head tilting against his pillow. “Y-Yes, yes like that.”

“But I don’t want to stop. Not until you’re completely gone, and begging and teary for me.” You see him swallow, eyes darkening a few shades. He barely has time to find a response before you’re back to kissing, sucking, and biting his thighs until he’s panting and whining once more. After a few more minutes, you can tell that his mental cohesion is slipping. His brows are knitted, bottom lip bitten and red, eyes helpless with the slightest hint of desperate tears.

“Please, please, please Y/n,” he babbles, gasping at your tongue on his hip bone. His hands are still in your hair and you allow them to stay there so long as he isn't forcing your head towards where he needs you the most.

“Just a little longer. You said you wanted to be my plaything, didn’t you?”

He shivers at that, eyes clenching shut. His cheeks are flush much more now. “I can’t take it anymore.”

You hum as you mouth along his pelvis. “Tell me what you want.”

“You mouth,” he moans brokenly.

“You already have my mouth,” you say, pointedly ignoring the straining, leaking cock within reach.

His eyes fly open when you mouth his balls, suckling the skin. He shivers hard, eyes rolling back. He pants harshly, fighting to remember words. He trembles under you, hands shaky in your hair. “On my cock, please, please.”

“As you wish.” When your lips close around his cock finally,  his face twists into a pained grimace. You slowly stroke him with your lips, tongue swirling around his length, pulling harsher breaths and shivers from him. His eyelids flutter and are so deeply lidded they are almost closed. He seems to fight to keep them open if only to take in the sight of you between his legs. You take him up till his base, enveloping him entirely with his mouth until his cock hits the back of your throat. He arches and releases a deep groan. He twitches in your mouth, and you realize he’s already close. You take the liberty to speed up, your lips meeting the hilt each time, tongue swirling around his length. He gasps harshly for breath, back arching, hips trembling and bucking up to meet you before you hold them down with your hands. You suck him faster, making his moans grow higher in pitch until he’s suddenly seizing up, tight and still, his head pressing back into the pillows and back arched beautifully. His warmth fills your mouth and you groan, relishing it as you swallow. He’s shaking everywhere as collapses on the bed with another breathless moan. 

You continue licking him clean while he pants to catch his breath. He’s still hard in your mouth, you realize, and you can’t help continue sucking him until he’s flinching and tugging you off of him by your hair. “Ah, too much.” You relent, thinking you’re tormented him enough for one night, and press a final kiss to his hip. He pulls you up to kiss him, hands reverently cupping your cheeks, mouth and tongue moving leisurely against you. When he pulls away, he has stars in his eyes. “You’re amazing.”

You laugh. “It was that good, huh?”

He presses another kiss. “I think I almost blacked out.”

You laugh. He guides your leg over his hip to straddle him comfortably. You kiss his palm. “Y/n,” his eyes shine, cheeks still flushed. “Tell me I’m perfect.” You blink at him and he explains. “The first day you came to us, when we talked in my office, I told you I looked like a toad and you said I was perfect.” He flushes “I couldn't tell you at the time how it made me feel, but now I can.” He kisses your hand. “Tell me I’m perfect. Tell me everything.”

Your heart melts at his pleading, vulnerable eyes. You hope he knows you’ll give him everything he asks for. You give him a soft kiss. “You’re perfect,” you say, watching his eyes glow with your praise. You litter kisses across his cheeks and forehead. “You’ve always been perfect. You’re sweet and strong and kind and you’re mine. Absolutely perfect.”

He shivers and groans, hands pulling you roughly against his lips to kiss you. You melt into him, hands running through his hair, breathing in the lingering scent of his cologne. You slip off your underdress and the rest of your garments, watching his eyes darken. When you straddle him again, you’re already so wet from having him in your mouth from before. You slide him in easily up til the hilt, pleasure bursting across your eyelids while he grips your hips like a vice, lips parted and head tilted back against the pillows. This time, it’s slow and passionate, just like your first. You bend low to kiss him and barely allow a few inches of distance the entire time you ride him. You relish his groans, his fluttering eyes. Praises fall from your lips in abundance, without pause or restraint, and you watch the flush of his cheeks grow darker after each one until he's vulnerable and moaning and tucking his head into your neck, coming inside you a second time with a broken whimper. It hurls you towards your own edge, gripping and contracting around his length as you hold onto him for dear life.

When the moments passed, the vice grips on each other loosen, and both of you catch your breath. He doesn’t let you roll off him onto the mattress. Instead he holds you close, pressing one hand to your stomach, which still looks barely different than before, but his eyes shine as if the baby is already here. 

...

The rest of the pregnancy is blissful. It consists of buying baby items, picking out names, cleaning out Taeyong’s guest room and setting it up for the baby, though both of you know it will probably end up sleeping in your room with the guest room used for nothing other than storage. As the date approaches, Taeyong gets increasingly more anxious. You try to calm him and redirect his focus to baby proofing the entire penthouse, which works well. He’s adorable, nervous and tittering, worried if he’ll be a good enough father. You remind him again and again that he will be.

When the day finally comes and contractions erupt and you’re whisked away to the hospital, Taeyong is a mess. Jungwoo even visits to calm him down, which works. By the end of a long day, a baby girl is born. He’s absolutely enamored, and has her in his arms all night, rocking her gently, cooing and speaking soft words that have her falling quiet to listen. Sometimes, he remembers to tear his eyes away to give you a teary, beaming smile. It’s enough to make you the happiest person alive. Upon coming home, it takes many sleepless nights for you two to get the hang of it - the feeding, the crying, the burping. Within a few weeks, though, it’s a natural order, a timetable, a cycle. Tonight is one of those rare ones when you’ve miraculously gotten the baby to sleep a few hours longer. Taeyong and you relish the few moments of quiet and try to get some sleep.

“You’re a good mother, you know,” he mumbles sleepily in bed, arm thrown around your waist. “I’m glad she looks like you.”

His words envelop you in warmth. “I think she looks more like you, actually. Don’t you see her giant brown eyes that take up half her face?”

He chuckles and makes your heart flutter even after all this time. “My eyes are not that big.” 

You cup his cheek. “They are and they’re wonderful and I’m glad she has them.”

He cheeks warm under your palm. He pulls you close and kisses you. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

A high pitched, piercing cry rings out, startling you both before you’re groaning. “She gets that voice from you, though,” he says.

“She does not!” You complain. He gives you a pointed look at your near screech of protest. “Fine, maybe a little.”

He chuckles, stopping you from slipping out of bed. “I’ll get her, don’t worry. Get some sleep.” You sigh in thanks.He presses a kiss to your forehead before he’s slipping out the door. The piercing crying suddenly quiets down once his coos interrupt the noise and soon, the house is silent with no sound other than a baby’s whimpers and your husband’s soft words. 

In that moment you’re grateful for all the choices you’ve been able to make. 

[softsan]

˚ 🥀⊹ 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐋, 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐌 𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄. (𝐩𝐭.𝟏)

✉️ ・ 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭.

✉️ ・ ── 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬: | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 |

✉️ ・ ── 𝐦𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 | 𝐲/𝐧'𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬

✉️ ・ ── 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Mafia AU, Angst, Kingpin!Taeyong, Queenpin!Y/N, Fem!Reader, Childhood friends, Betrayal, Enemies to lovers, Eventual Smut. ✉️ ・ ── 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:  You were the only surviving heir of the old-time Mafia kingpin that had ruled the four territories. You were long thought to be dead, living the normal life you had always wanted...Until you run into a Taeyong, a formidable ghost from your past. You are then thrown back into the Mafia underbelly, reuniting with enemies you had hoped had forgotten you. Will you run away? Will you stand beside Taeyong, kingpin of the North, and be his queen? Or will you take your rightful revenge.

✉️ ・ ── 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Possessive Themes, Future Explicit Sexual Content, Murder, Kidnapping, Strangulation, Torture, Weapons, Graphic Violence, Heavy Angst, Explicit Language, Alcohol Consumption, Mentions of Drugs, Betrayal, Morally Grey Characters.

✉️ ・ ── 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭.

Past. 

You felt all the air leave your lungs, your chest constricting as you tried to gasp for just one more breath. You heard the patter of your blood as it hit the hardwood floors.

“Y/N,” His desperate eyes plead. 

“What did you do to her?!” Your brother demanded, yanking against the chains that were secured around his wrists. 

“Good catch Taeyong!” One of your captors clapped his hand on Taeyong’s back.

You tried to lift your shoulders, but they refused to support the weight of your head. You were but a lifeless heap, carelessly discarded and left to slowly bleed out on the ground. The man’s sickening laughter echoed throughout the room, filling what was left of your heart with dread.  

“Do it,” His voice urged, “Kill her now.”

Present.

“Today will be different,” You stared at yourself in the mirror, “Today I will smile, and I’ll mean it.” Your eyes circled down to your neck, your confidence waning. 

“Come on!” Your roommate urged, “You can say it better than that.” 

Your shoulders slumped in defeat, “You make me say the same thing at the start of every semester.”

Your roommate clicked her tongue, looking up from her phone. “And I believe this semester is going to be fucking fantastic.” She pointed at your white dress that cut just above the knees. “Look, we’re both looking cuter than ever. We have a new apartment,” She pointed to the living room’s ceiling to exaggerate her point. “This is our second year at college, and you, my friend, are going to put yourself out there.”

You shook your head in dread. “I thought we agreed that in this household, you can be the party fiend, and I’ll be the one that spends her nights binging TV shows on Netflix.”

Your roommate Jen threw you a dirty look.

“Hey! Who else is going to keep the universe in balance.”

Your roommate rolled her eyes. “The world is not going to stop spinning on its axis if you go out once in a while.”

“I highly doubt that.” You mutter to yourself, earning a playful hit from your dear roommate.

You and your roommate Jennifer had been cohabitating with one another since you were both seventeen. Back then, it had been a struggle to find someone willing to share a space with a teenager. That coupled with the awful reputation your foster father and sister had garner for themselves, you weren’t exactly considered an ideal house mate. However, to your pleasant surprise Jen was equally in need of someone to cover half of her rent. 

You had somewhat known about Jen prior to living with her. She had been quite popular at your school, the social butterfly. Admittedly, you were a little suprised to hear she like you, had moved out on her own, yet you never pried. 

Despite, her cheerful demeanor, you sensed a sadness akin to your own. You were both content pretending the other didn’t have secrets they’d buried deep inside their pasts. 

The day had been too long, and the sight of a setting sun was a welcome one. A picturesque scene of pink and oranges painted the skies which backdropped Taeyong’s beloved city. 

“Let’s get a drink to cool down,” Johnny piped, securing his gun back in his trousers.

Mark looked over disapprovingly, “You know you should really invest in a holster.”

“Not a chance!” Johnny grinned, “Taeil will flip if I make another extravagant purchase this month.” 

Taeyong slightly shook his head, half-heartedly smiling. Taeil, his consigliere had only gotten on Johnny’s case after he bought two restaurants and three record stores on a whim. Johnny simply was dead set on never purchasing himself a holster.  

Mark discerning Johnny’s lame excuse, decided to play along, “If you’re tight on money, why don’t we drink at the crappy-looking place.” He pointed to a shabby, bar with rusted molding at the end of the street. 

Taeyong grimaced, he didn’t like spending too much time in disputed territory. The street they were standing on fell in a grey area, both claimed by him, the King of the North, and the terrible Black Crow of the West. 

“We should head back closer to base,” Renjun cut in, noticing Taeyong’s hesitancy.  

Taeyong had his own bars and hotels where he could drink and dine with complete ease. He saw no need to do so here. 

“Let’s do it,” Johnny exclaimed, pulling a protesting Renjun into a friendly headlock.

“It’ll be fine,” Mark reassured, nudging Taeyong’s shoulder. “Nobody’s that stupid to take on all four of us.”

“I’m here! I’m here!” You breathlessly apologized to your manager, reaching for a bar apron.

“It’s fine,” He assured, handing you a docket, “First day back?” 

You nodded, trying to catch your breath “It’s the first day, and I feel like I’m already behind on all of my classes.” 

“Well, tonight should be pretty standard for a weekday.” He commented, his eyes scanning the empty tables, “I’ll be up upstairs talking to a supplier but, give me a wave if you need me.” 

“Will do.” It wasn’t uncommon for you to be working the bar alone.

The 'Old Sand Bucket' where you worked was certainly past its prime. Its interior was outdated, half of the bar stools wobbled, and even the bar counter was unleveled. It just wasn’t a place that attracted a surplus of people. 

You pulled your first load of wine glasses from the dishwasher, lifting them into the bar to be polished.

The door to the bar chimed, “Welcome to the Old Sand Bucket.” You said, without looking upward. “What can I get you?”

Taeyong gave the bar a lengthy overview. It didn’t appear to be suspicious, just the opposite. The dated bar was completely unoccupied beside the humming bartender who was mindlessly polishing wine glasses.

He examined you like the rest, evaluating the level of threat you were. Your head stayed down, occupied with your task. You barely spared a glance at his boys, who began ordering drinks.

You wore a simple black shirt underneath a bar apron with the ‘Old Sand Bucket’ labeled on its front. Your hair was tied in a low ponytail, revealing the curvature of your neck. At its base was a silky black ribbon knotted in a neat bow. Other than being pretty, you didn’t appear to stand out. 

Taeyong hummed, satisfied the bar his boys wanted to drink at was nothing more than a dinky, uninspired establishment.

You heard another person pull out a wonky barstool, which made four people in your bar. Not bad, as you usually didn’t have customers come in until half past nine. 

You placed down a bourbon and coke to your left—a man’s voice offering you a quick thanks.

“What can I get you?” You asked, finally looking up at the last man.

“Whatever’s good.”

Your eyes widened, blinking repeatedly, willing the ghost of your past to disappear back to your nightmares.

This can’t be real. This can’t be him. Please. No.

But he didn’t. He sat in front of you. His bored expression faded as he caught you staring. You immediately dropped your face, your face burning.

Taeyong furrowed his brows, confused. The way you looked at him just then… It was as if you knew him. He wasn’t mistaken. He couldn’t be. The way you were mumbling your answers, your arms shaking as you reached to pour a shot of vodka.

You did the best you could to keep a low profile, keeping your face down, and distracting yourself with work around the bar. You wanted nothing more than to abandon your shift— your heart furiously pounding every time you heard one of their four voices address you. However, at around eleven there was an unusual influx of people (what you believed to be a bachelor’s night out), therefore you needed to power through your discomfort. 

You wavered for your manager to join you downstairs, while you stepped out of the bar and started clearing tables. 

Taeyong kept you in the corner of his eye, unable to shake the curiosity that brewed in his stomach.

“Give us a smile, love,” Slurred one of the drunken bachelors, who had stripped off his shoes and was now wearing one on his head. 

You complied, in order not to make a scene. You reached over his table to pick up one of the empty pints. You felt the irksome feeling of fingers brushing against your neck. You jumped back, dropping your tray. Your hands immediately shot to your neck, clasping where your black ribbon ought to be. 

The shattering of glass made Taeyong stand, interrupting Renjun mid-sentence. Your eyes were aflame with anger, your mouth parting in horror. You were trying desperately to conceal the base of your neck.

Without a second thought, Taeyong approached, pulling the drunken patron up by his wrinkled collar. The man began sloppily flailing, trying to make his pathetic getaway. 

Taeyong snatched the black ribbon out of his hand, before not so gently throwing him to the ground.

“I believe this belongs to you.” Taeyong stepped forward, extending his arm in your direction. 

You instinctively stepped back, your eyes narrowing on the black ribbon between his fingers. There was no way for you to reach for your ribbon without exposing your neck.

“You keep it.” You said as firmly as you could, turning your back to him.

He watched as you retreated to one of the back rooms, his interest in you only spiking.

You hid yourself in one of the alcohol storerooms, searching for something to cover up your neck. You resorted to some paper towels stained with raspberry syrup. It wasn’t one of your greatest ideas, but it seemed to work when your manager came bursting in.

“Where’d you go?” Your manager pressed, “You left broken glass for me to clean up by table fourteen.” 

"It accidently lock myself in the storage rooms again.” You lied.

Your manager sighed, ushering you out.

You did a quick scan of the bar, noticing the four men had since left. 

“What happened to you?” Your manager pointed to the paper towels and raspberry syrup. 

“Ah,” You pressed the wet paper harder against your neck, “A customer spilled a drink all over me.” 

Your manager shook his head, “Go home and clean up,” He signaled you to grab your things, “I’ll close up,”

Scattered, you thanked him and reached for your rucksack.

“Wait,” Your manager handed you an envelope, “Some guy left you a tip.” 

Who gives a tip in an envelope? You eyed it cautiously. 

You waited until you had turned a corner before you used your fingernail to pry apart the sealed envelope.

Inside was a one-hundred-dollar bill, your black ribbon, and a napkin that read 'Thanks for your service’. 

Taeyong kept his distance, hiding in the shadows. He watched you leave the bar, with your hand holding some paper towels to your neck. You use the other hand to tear open the envelope he’d left for you.

To his surprise, you barely acknowledged the bill—you were more interested in the black ribbon and the napkin. You stared at the napkin for a couple of minutes, your teeth grinding. You then scrunched it into a ball, throwing it onto the sidewalk with the envelope containing the hundred. You, however, kept the black ribbon.

Taeyong observed you as you slowly pulled the paper towels away, revealing a dark scar that wrapped around your neck... It was as if someone had strangled you with barbed wire. 

A flood of emotions went through him, sympathy, guilt, and finally, coldness. He couldn’t help but remember a young girl who had experienced a similar fate.

You had died many years ago. Or at least he thought so…

NETWORKS: -​

MONI’S NOTE: Woah! I cannot express how excited I am to dive back into this world. For those who don't know, this is an old fic of mine that I wrote like 5 years?! ago. I've decided to rework it and improve the story (also finally give it an ending). I would much appreciate your thoughts, comments, reblogs and likes are extremely valued.

TAGLIST: Let me know if you'd like to be added to this taglist!

© softsan - all rights reserved. please do not repost on any social media sites, translate, or modify any of my works.

[neobomb]

NCT fic recs [Pt. 1]

A collection of mature dark themed nct fics. mostly yandere, mafia or horror (or just messed up themes) includes all units (nct 127, nct dream, wayv, nct u and former members bc i miss lucas sm)

yuta x reader: Wolf [nakamoto] by @neo-cult-ure

jaehyun x reader: Devoted by @maknaesdancersrappers

mark x reader: Creepin by @killshotbabe

jaemin x reader: PL4YGIRL IS LOVE... by @domjaehyun

doyoung x reader: Invisable by @aehyei jaehyun x reader: devotion/obsession by @whereisten yuta x reader: heathens by @yutaholic sungchan x reader: Infatuation - Sungchan [Pt. 1], [Pt.2] by @stayarmytinyzenmoa-l

taeyong x reader: Late Night Adventures with a Green-Haired Kingpin by @whereisten mark x reader: zugzwang by @recklessmark kun x reader: Spoonful Of Sugar;; QK by @kpoptrashlord-007

mainly johnny x reader but some jaehyun x reader: the art of eye contact by @peachydyoung

mark x reader: freakshow by @peachydyoung

lucas x reader: Stranger Danger by @whereisten

[yongility]

NEO TV # I LIKE ME BETTER WHEN I'M WITH YOU. (jaehyun x reader) 6/?

genre: angst, suggestive, gang au, rich kid au, enemies to lovers (kinda), a lil of fluffy stuff. slowburn, series.

warnings: drug use mentions, gangs, fights, use of weapons, adult language, illegal activities, cheating (not on the main couple), toxic family environment, addictions, manipulation, insecurities, illegal street racing, death mentions. jeno is jaehyun's younger brother, angst, smut and if I slip something my bad haha.

word count: +10k?

a/n: im the worst I KNOW! It's just i kept trying to write this chapter like a million times and it never ended like I wanted to and seeing as I have a language barrier (cuz English isn't my first language if u didn't know haha) I was just being unsatisfied with the chapter, but I force my ass to sit down and write this down so i hope u like it!

Sigh...

Overthinking.

(Y/N) had never been good at not thinking too much. Ever since she was little, she always found herself trapped in her own mind, unraveling every last detail of any situation. Perhaps it came from her mother, who had an almost supernatural ability to turn the smallest into the biggest, the most trivial into something monumental. Her mother sowed doubts where there were none, and every little imperfection became a tragedy in her house. That had marked her way of being, of perceiving the world and, especially, the people around her.

She hated it. But, despite everything, she couldn't help it.

Lying on the bed, her eyes fixed on the white ceiling, she felt how the silence enveloped her, how it pressed on her shoulders, on her chest. A heavy, unbearable silence, like a blanket that drowned her. The thoughts did not cease, on the contrary, they intensified as time progressed, dragging her more and more towards the storm raging inside her.

Five days. Five long and exasperating days.

Since the last time she saw Jaehyun. The last time he'd been at her house at one in the morning, when everything had been so... strange. So full of heavy silences, elusive looks, and something on his face, something she couldn't explain. A look she had never seen before. As if it was charged with something, with a desperation so great that he didn't know how to share it. Something that was far beyond the tension of her argument with Mark Lee. Something dark, hidden in the depths of Jaehyun, that she couldn't quite grasp.

Worst of all, now, five days later, she knew nothing about him. The unanswered calls, the messages delivered but not read. She had tried to contact him so many times, but the frustration was just overflowing her.

What was going on? The uncertainty was worse than any answer she could receive. In her mind, questions swirled like a whirlwind. Was she the cause? Had she done something that had driven him away from her? Why had he left so abruptly after their encounter?

She remembered that night. That last shared moment. It had been so... intense. So close, so intimate. An instant of shared vulnerability that had allowed her to feel that, at last, she was connecting with him in a deeper way. But then he was gone. Without a word. Without a word, without a gesture to indicate that something else might be behind his departure.

Jaehyun's words kept echoing in her mind, over and over again. "You're the one that can keep me on track."

Those words stuck to her skin like an invisible mark. What did they really mean? Was it true what he had said? Was she the one who could keep him focused? She wanted to believe it, wanted to be that person for him. But deep down, a fear was creeping in. Was she just being a distraction for him? Was she simply the release valve, the temporary relief for the anguish he was feeling, only so that later he could lose himself in his own pain again?

Knock. Knock. Knock.

She was confused, she didn't know what to do or what not to do. Should she go find him at Neo Zone? Or just wait for him to decide to show up? But, if Jaehyun decided not to... then what would she do?

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The sound of knocking on the door brought her out of her whirlwind of thoughts. She looked toward the door without moving a muscle, throat tight, stomach twisting. The last thing she wanted was to confront her mother, but the knock was persistent, as if someone had decided to break the silence of her room and force an interaction she didn't want.

But, despite the heaviness she felt inside, she got up. A slow, weary movement, as if she were walking through thick water. When she opened the door, she did not find what she expected, neither her mother, nor the inevitable argument. Instead, there he was.

"Daeho..." she murmured, her voice muffled, as if somehow his presence gave her back something she had lost in those days of constant overthinking.

It really had been a long time since they had last met face to face and to say it wasn't a surprise to her would be a total lie.

"Hey," he said, with a smile that didn't quite light up his face. "Can we just... hang?" he asked, scratching the back of his head as if it were weighing on him.

She nodded without another word, stepping aside for him to pass. As soon as he was through the door, Daeho plopped down on his bed unceremoniously, and (Y/N) mimicked him, lying down next to him quietly. They both stared at the ceiling, engulfed in the same silence that had filled their room before his arrival, though it felt somewhat less empty now.

It had been so long since they had shared a moment like this, a moment of simple companionship. She remembered the years when he had been her best friend, her inseparable companion, the only person she truly trusted within the family. But now, lying next to him, she felt as if she had a stranger by her side, someone who, despite all the shared memories, had fallen into a darkness from which she could no longer rescue him.

Daeho broke the silence, his voice soft but laden with an almost tangible weight. "How have you been?"

"I could be better," she replied, with a sincerity he understood without the need for details. He nodded, without looking at her, and went back to losing himself in the ceiling.

(Y/N) gaze strayed to him, and for the first time in a long time, she looked at him closely. His face seemed to have aged years in just a few months. His skin, paler than usual, was dotted with small imperfections that he once cared for with care. The dark circles under her eyes were deep, and her expression had an air of resignation that hurt to see. He sighed, swallowing the lump he felt in his throat.

It was ironic. The person she had grown up with, with whom she had shared so much, now felt like a stranger. She couldn't remember the exact moment when their friendship had changed, or how they got to this point. It had all happened so subtly, as if the words and gestures that had once bound them together had now lost their power. Perhaps time had eroded all that. Or maybe they simply didn't understand each other in the same way anymore.

A pang of pain shot through her. It wasn't just sadness she felt at seeing him like this, but also a pent-up rage, a helplessness that made her want to scream, to wonder at what point he had reached this point. How had he fallen so low?

Perhaps that moment had been from two years ago, when things had become a little darker in her family environment. When her aunt and uncle seemed unable to stop hurting his self-esteem again and again and again. Maybe it was since that gala when all eyes were on him, judging him, laughing at him, stalking him, waiting for him to make a simple mistake so they could point at him.

So they could tell him that he was not worthy of everything he had around him.

That he couldn't be as good as his father was.

That he was a mere spoiled child who deserved nothing.

Perhaps that was when it dawned on Daeho that he could never live up to the expectations he had to fill.

"Daeho..." she whispered, unable to keep the thought to herself alone. There was something heartbreaking about seeing how her cousin was losing himself, something that reached straight to her heart.

He closed his eyes, as if he knew what was coming, and remained silent, as if everything was in order.

"Why did we end up like this?" the question left his lips without meaning to. And as she uttered it, she felt a surge of pain run through her, as if that simple phrase was a reminder of how far away they were from each other.

Daeho closed his eyes for a few moments, as if trying to find an answer. Finally, he spoke, his voice muffled and distant.

"It's the only time I forget," he said, staring at the ceiling, not daring to look her in the eye. "When I do it, it's like I can stop thinking about everything."

"You're not forgetting," she asserted, "you're destroying yourself."

He let out a bitter laugh. "I don't think I'm doing it any more than they're destroying me," he said, his words hitting her with the force of a fist.

Silence filled the room again. She wanted to react, to scream at him, to convince him that he couldn't go on like this, but the words stuck in her throat. How to tell him that she could see him falling and could do nothing to stop it? How to make him understand that he was killing a part of himself?

"I can't keep watching you destroy yourself," he said at last, his voice trembling.

Daeho fell silent, and she felt a tide of memories rise up inside her. She remembered the years they had shared, the times when he was her refuge and she his, the days when nothing could separate them. Daeho had been more than a cousin; he had been her confidant, her best friend. To see him like this, consumed by something she could neither understand nor control, broke her heart.

"You don't have to," he replied softly, but the intensity of his words hit her hard.

(Y/N) wanted to laugh, a bitter, hurt laugh, but instead, she felt the lump in her throat grow larger.

"You said you'd quit it," she reminded him, almost in a sob.

Daeho turned his head toward her, and their eyes met for the first time that night. The look on his face was so devastated that she (Y/N) wished he hadn't looked at her.

"I can't," he admitted, his voice tinged with desperate honesty. "I've tried so many times, and each time...each time I realize I don't want to give it up. I know it's not what you want to hear, but...I'm in too deep. I don't know how to get out, even if I wanted to."

(Y/N) felt the pain in her chest become almost tangible. Seeing him like this, hearing those words, hurt in a way she could never have imagined.

"Why do things have to be like this?" she asked, feeling a lone tear fall down her cheek.

Daeho sighed, a long, exhausted sigh, and hid answer was so raw it seemed ripped from deep within him. "It's what I chose," he murmured. "It may not have been the best decision, but at least it was mine. It's the only thing I really decided for myself...without someone else telling me what to do, who to be. Even if it was for the worse."

She wanted to understand, wanted to see in his words something that would give her comfort, but she couldn't. She couldn't accept that someone who had once been so important to her had been lost like that.

"Don't let it drag you down," he said suddenly, his voice becoming firm. "I made my choices, (Y/N). But you...you have a life you can still build. I'm already too deep, but you...you have a lot ahead of you."

(Y/N) felt a mixture of anger and pain. She couldn't believe he was capable of telling her that, after all.

"You shouldn't keep seeing Jung Jaehyun," he added, in such a serious tone that it took her by surprise.

She looked at him, incredulous, the pain transforming into icy fury. "Get out of my room," he said, pointing to the door.

Daeho nodded, though not without a final sigh of resignation. "I just needed to tell you."

"Just go," she murmured, turning away from him.

He walked out quietly, leaving her in that loneliness that now seemed so much deeper, with the echo of his words echoing in the empty room.

Jaehyun knew it had been a chain of bad decisions and circumstances that had pushed him this far, but facing it was like tearing his skin off. He couldn't deny the truth: he hated everything around him, and he hated himself more than anyone else. His life, a maelstrom of regrets, had dragged him to this point, and try as he might, he could not escape that bitter mix of rage and hopelessness. Sometimes, in his darkest nights, he wished that everything would vanish into emptiness, that the weight of existing would finally disappear.

He wanted, with every fiber of his being, to close that circle.

"Ah, Jaehyun, always a pleasure to see you," Sooman said, leaning back in his chair with an icy, calculating smile, interlocking his hands with the false familiarity of one who controls the board.

Jaehyun felt the poison burn inside him. Disgust twisted his stomach, and that sneering smile of Sooman's only made his insides boil even more. He loathed the man with an intensity he could almost taste on his tongue. He faked a strained smile.

"I could say the same."

Fake it till you make it.

The thought passed fleetingly, and he tried to cling to it, but the hatred ate him.

"The last time we saw each other wasn't very pleasant," Sooman commented, dropping even more comfortably into his chair, as if enjoying the memory. Jaehyun's jaw immediately tensed. The memories of the beatings were still etched on his skin, and in his memory. Pain. Anger. Shame. All jumbled into a poisonous tangle. "That's why I want to make it up to you with a job."

Jaehyun could barely process that he was sitting there, across from Lee Sooman, listening to his offer, swallowing his disgust. He had heard everything Mark Lee had confessed, every word about the dark side of his boss that seemed to have no end. Deep down, all Jaehyun wanted was to make him pay, to see him suffer as he had seen his father, his Uncle Dong, Winwin suffer. Each of them had felt Sooman's merciless fist in their lives, and he was the last piece to fall.

Everything in him screamed to break the balance, to let the anger out. He wanted peace, but at the same time, he wanted to destroy everything.

The tension in Jaehyun's body increased. Make it up to him? The word felt like a taunt, but his voice was controlled, cold.

"What's this about?" asked Jaehyun, exhaling a sigh, as if by releasing the air he could release some of the weight in his chest.

Sooman smiled, with twisted satisfaction, and pulled his chair closer to the desk. "You see, in three weeks I have a trade. Trouble is, I don't want to, nor do I plan to, do it alone. I could take Cheol Uk with me, but I'd rather have him stay here, on this side of the pond...in case things get complicated," he explained, crossing his arms with the arrogant assurance of one who knows he controls all the strings. "And I think you'd be perfect company."

"What kind of exchange?" asked Jaehyun, though deep down he already sensed the answer.

"Weapons."

The shock of that word fell on him like a brick, a weight he couldn't shake. Jaehyun felt his body stiffen. He'd been in dangerous situations before, he'd played with fire and survived, he was a dealer in Neo Zone. But he knew that accepting that would mean crossing an invisible and final line. He would be transformed into someone even more embroiled in the chaos of the gang, with his hands stained with something he could never wash off.

It was hard to resist, but it was just as hard to accept.

"It'll be quick," Sooman continued, studying Jaehyun's every gesture like a predator watching its prey. "Just outside the city. If all goes well, it won't take more than an hour." he noticed the tension in Jaehyun's gaze, the hesitation he was struggling to keep hidden, and leaned toward him slightly. "I'm asking you because I trust you."

The words fell like a taunt. Jaehyun felt his blood boil, how his skin almost throbbed from pent up rage. His right hand clenched into a fist on his leg, trying to restrain the urge to get up and smash something, anything that would allow him to release what was burning inside him. How dare Sooman speak of trust, to pretend there was anything sincere between them? After all the damage he had sown around him?

But what choice did he have left? Deep down, Sooman's control was absolute.

"What's the pay?"

"Enough to cover six months of your friend's rehab," Sooman replied, his eyes locking on Jaehyun's, pressing right where he knew it hurt.

The mention of rehab was the final piece that fell, sealing his fate. Above all else, he needed the money. Above all else, there was someone else needing to get out of hell, and he couldn't let it drop. He closed his eyes for a moment, swallowing the pain that mingled with anger and despair.

"I'll do it."

"I knew you wouldn't fail me," Sooman replied, satisfied, with a smile that seemed tainted with venom. "You are just like your father. My trust is in you, Jaehyun."

Jaehyun nodded, feeling the knot in his chest tighten, choking him.

Fake it till you make it.

Roll on, light it up, inhale, exhale.

Roll on, inhale, exhale.

Inhale... exhale.

Inhale.

One, two... three.

Exhale.

Jaehyun coughed loudly as he passed the joint to Lucas, who with shrunken, red eyes took it in his hands without hesitation, taking a puff to hold the smoke in his lungs for a few seconds and slowly draw it out.

In front of them was the panoramic view of SM City, the prominent lights of the northern area made the southern area look small, even though from a distance they didn't seem to be so far apart... so different.

If only that were the case.

"You know you don't have to do it," Lucas muttered, exhaling one last puff of smoke before dropping the cigarette to the ground and crushing it with the toe of his shoe. His gaze, fixed on the ground, hid the trace of worry in his eyes.

Jaehyun continued to stare at the lights of the city, each bright spot fading into the distance, like the possibilities he once had and now seemed to be extinguished. His voice came out almost as a whisper, broken and strained. "It's six months of treatment, Lucas. "Winwin... Winwin has started to move his hand. It's a little acomplishment, I know. But it's a step, and I can't... I can't let that stop now." Each word was an effort, a confession that, deep down, that small breakthrough gave him a hope that felt forbidden in his life.

Lucas was silent for a few seconds, watching Jaehyun's profile, his rigid posture and the shadow of weariness in his gaze. "I thought you didn't want to do anything related to Sooman."

Jaehyun swallowed saliva. He thought so too. He had tried to escape Sooman's influence, that world that brought only destruction, but reality always caught up with him. He shoved his hands into his jacket pockets and sketched a bitter smile, one that barely disguised the lump forming in his throat.

"I thought so too, but you and Mark have said so, haven't you? If I try to do anything about it, not a week goes by before I'm found with a bullet in my head." His voice cracked in bitterness. "Tell me, what other choice do I have?"

Lucas let out a deep sigh, as if searching for the words amidst a cloud of dark thoughts. Then his voice was firm and determined. "I'll do it."

Jaehyun turned his head in surprise and looked directly at him. His eyes, reddened with fatigue and smoke, met his friend's. Then he let out a dry laugh, without a hint of mirth, and patted him on the back.

"Jaehyun." The name left Lucas' lips grimly, stopping him in his tracks. "I know we've said all our lives that the only one who had a chance of getting out of this shit was Winwin...but we know he's not the only one. Maybe I'm not smart enough, but I know you are. You could go to college, get away from all this. You're good at math, you're good at sports... You've got something out there, something worth more than I could ever have." Lucas looked at him with almost desperate seriousness. "Let me make the trade for you. You've got a lot more to lose."

His friend's words hit him like a truth he had tried to ignore. He pondered them silently, letting each one settle in his mind. He appreciated Lucas' attempt, his desperate proposal to sacrifice his own life to protect him, but he knew he could not allow it.

With an effort, he kept his voice steady, even though he felt each word plunging him deeper into his own emptiness. "I appreciate your... nobility, dude. But I will not let you risk your life to save mine. That's not something I can accept."

Lucas exhaled sharply, frustrated. His words came out cutting, in a last-ditch attempt to talk some sense into him. "Do you want to end up like your father, like Uncle Dong?" The mention of both names made Jaehyun tense, his fists clenching tightly until his knuckles turned white.

Jaehyun didn't respond. He turned around and started walking towards his car, trying to stifle the anger and pain boiling inside him. He could hear Luke's footsteps following him, the echoes of his words echoing in his head.

"We know I'll end up like that someday..." he muttered, without turning around. The resignation in his voice was a shock to both him and his friend.

But then, Lucas said something that forced him to stop, "What about (Y/N)?"

The name made his whole body freeze, (Y/N). He could see her in his mind, feel the warmth of her laughter, the twinkle in her eyes. She was the only light in the midst of his darkness, the only memory he dared to cherish in his loneliest moments. Inside him, where no one else could see him, was where he allowed her to exist, a longing he would never dare to confess.

"There is nothing with her." His voice was a harsh whisper, as if in saying it he was tearing out a piece of himself. He didn't even turn, just let it escape into the wind. "There can't be."

"I thought you were having something," Lucas confessed, stepping closer to stand in front of him, forcing him to look at him. "Maybe you can't see it, but anyone would notice. You don't have to say it, Jaehyun. It shows in your eyes every time you talk about her. You want something with her, anything. You're going to risk that by getting more into this shit?" Lucas waved his hand, almost unable to control himself. "We were doing relatively well selling those packages. At least we could pay for Winwin's treatment. But now... Weapons? What will they ask you to do next? Assaults? Robberies?" his voice deepened, and Jaehyun noticed the fear in his eyes. "Kills? Do you think (Y/N) would want to see you in that hell?"

Jaehyun closed his eyes and took a breath. Lucas' words drilled into him, burned inside him, but he couldn't accept them. He couldn't accept a possibility that he knew would end up hurting (Y/N).

Finally, he opened his eyes and looked at Lucas directly, with a forced coldness that tried to hide the storm inside him. "And what do you want me to do, Lucas? She doesn't deserve a life like mine. She needs to be away from all this...away from me. I could only drag her into this hole from which there is no way out." The words came out fast, almost angrily, but at the end his voice cracked. "I can't offer her anything, do you understand? Nothing worthwhile."

Lucas lowered his gaze, but his voice still reflected desperation to save him. "But you have something to offer, Jaehyun. Your life. A life that can still go somewhere, that can be something different." She looked at him pleadingly. "Don't make the trade. Don't get yourself into this anymore. You have a way out, even if you don't want to see it."

Jaehyun's decision was like a stone inside him, a sinking certainty, but it was the only thing that gave him stability at the moment. He averted his gaze to the city lights and quietly sealed his fate.

"I have to do it." The determination in his voice was unwavering. "It's already decided."

Lucas watched him silently, with a sadness so deep it was almost palpable. He knew, deep inside him, that he was losing another friend. The night closed in around them and under the stars, as the lights of the city shone in the distance, he knew that, in some sense, he had already lost his friend.

When (Y/N) got out of Jungwoo's car, the roars of the engines echoed in her ears, but despite the noise, her mind was somewhere else, anchored in a memory. The first time she set foot in Neo Zone, it had been a curiosity, an adventure she didn't fully understand. Now, that same place seemed just as intimidating, but different. This time she was not an outsider spectator. This time, she was there for him.

People's gazes were instantly fixed on her. Some with curiosity, others with disdain. The gleam in her eyes was not the same as those of the "normals" around her in her world. No, here the gazes were sharper, like knives, trying to strip her of her essence, her privilege. She felt out of place, and though in some corner of her mind she knew she would never be part of this world, at that moment all she cared about was finding him. Jaehyun.

The lights of the cars reflected the tense and charged atmosphere of the race track, where the local gangs came to show off their cars and gamble more than they should. She knew what she was up against, and if she had learned anything over the past few months, it was that, in that place, the rules were few, but fierce.

So she wasn't surprised when a familiar and unpleasant face emerged from the crowd. Chris, with that sly grin, who always seemed to have a second purpose behind every word.

"Well, look what we have here," he said, his voice laden with derision. "After Johnny's party, I didn't expect you to be one od Jaehyun's toys."

( Y/N) tried to keep her cool, her body rigid and her gaze steady. There was something about that guy that always made her feel small, as if his words were thorns thrown on purpose. But she had no time for games now. She wasn't here to confront Chris, only to find Jaehyun. "Let me through, Chris," she said, her voice cold, firm.

But he didn't let her go so easily. He stepped between her and the pass, and his hand brazenly strayed to her waist. A touch she didn't ask for, a brush she didn't want.

"Oh no, baby," he said, his tone low, like a challenge. "I think you owe me a debt for that punch you gave me, remember?"

( Y/N) she felt irritation bubbling inside her, but she wasn't going to lose her composure. Not here, not now. But she wasn't going to give in either. "Let go of me, or I swear I'll hit you again," she retorted, pushing lightly against his chest, hands firm. It wasn't what she wanted, but it was what she had to do. She wasn't going to let Chris touch her.

Chris laughed, but it wasn't a genuine laugh. It was mocking, calculating, as if he enjoyed the power he thought he had over her. "Can you imagine what Jaehyun will think when he sees me with one of his toys?" The malice in his voice left no room for doubt. He knew what he was doing, and he knew he had something he could use against her.

( Y/N) didn't answer right away. Her gaze wandered, searching through the crowd, and there, like a magnet, she found him. Jaehyun. He was far away, but she could feel the intensity of his gaze, the weight of his presence. And it wasn't just any glimpse, no. She knew she had seen him. His posture was rigid, his face annoyed, his eyes burning with a silent fire.

"Turn around to find out for yourself," Jaehyun said, his deep voice cutting through the air. It was not a suggestion. It was an order, firm, authoritative. At that moment, the threat was clear. "Let her go and get the fuck out of herr if you don't want that fucking smile wiped off your face. Remember, you're in my zone."

Chris hesitated for a second, then let go of (Y/N), as if Jaehyun's presence was a steel wall repelling him. Looking at Jaehyun as if he would challenge him, but knowing that this was not his territory. Jaehyun's area, yes, but not his.

Before walking away, however, he couldn't help but throw one last malice-laden glance towards (Y/N). "Call me when you get tired of him, gorgeous," he said venomously, not caring that his words were only empty provocation.

When Chris finally disappeared into the crowd, (Y/N) didn't hesitate for a second. He walked straight towards Jaehyun, until she was right behind him, the sound of his footsteps drowned out by the bustle of the arena. Feeling his presence so close gave her a strange sense of calm, but also aroused an uneasiness she didn't know how to handle.

Jaehyun turned slowly toward her. His expression was hard to read, but the frustration was evident. As always, he was trying to maintain control, but he couldn't hide the annoyance. In one swift movement, he grabbed her wrist, holding it firmly, forcing her to look him in the eye.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" he asked, anger tinged with palpable discomfort. His tone was low, dangerous. He wasn't saying it out loud for all to hear, but it was as if his words cut through the air between them.

( Y/N) felt a knot in her stomach. The worry, the confusion, the need to explain herself, but also the frustration of knowing that she had no right to be there, that this world was not hers. However, she could not lie. "I was looking for you," she said, without thinking, without fear of what that might mean.

"You weren't answering my calls. I wanted to know how you were..." she confessed, feeling Jaehyun pull her gently through the crowd to get her away from the people.

Finally, after pushing through the sea of people, they found themselves in a quieter corner. Jaehyun let go of her hand and turned to face her.

It was at that moment that he saw the pain reflected in her eyes. The girl, her gaze fixed on him, fiddled nervously with her fingers, as if trying to calm her anxiety.

"(Y/N), I'm fine. You didn't have to come and get into this," he told her in a low voice.

"You could have answered my calls," she demanded, her voice strained. "I didn't know how you were after what happened at my house almost a week ago."

Jaehyun looked her straight in the eye and slowly denied.

"That night I shouldn't have gone to your house."

What...?

"What are you talking about, Jaehyun?" she asked, almost in a whisper, surprised by those words.

Because deep down he knew he was right. That night he shouldn't have crossed that line, shouldn't have sought comfort from her, shouldn't have allowed the girl to sneak into his head and heart like that. He should not have allowed the closeness between them to make him vulnerable.

He shouldn't have thought he deserved something like that.

Because he didn't. He never would.

"Why is it that every time we seem to be moving forward, you decide to pull back?" she asked him, her voice breaking.

"Because there shouldn't be an us, (Y/N)," Jaehyun replied, serious, as if the words hurt him as much as they hurt her. "And you know it."

She tried to process what she had just heard, but her mind was still spinning, entwined with thoughts that wouldn't leave her alone. Coming here, meeting him...it had all been a whirlwind. Her cousin's words that morning still echoed in her mind.

That was not what she had expected to hear from Jaehyun.

"No, Jaehyun. I don't know," she said, frustrated, her eyes flashing with a mixture of confusion and anger. "All I know is that there's something inside me that binds me to you. I always end up looking for something in you, something I don't understand. And the least I understand is that you somehow get close and then walk away like it's nothing."

She moved closer to him and, with a trembling finger, pressed it against his chest, accusingly.

"If I walk away it's because you don't need this life, (Y/N)," he told her, with a painful tenderness in his voice. "I can't give you the life you want."

"I'm not asking you for anything extraordinary, Jaehyun," she replied, almost begging for him to understand. "I'm not asking you for more than what we already are."

Jaehyun looked at her, searching her eyes as if he wanted her to understand something beyond words. With the distance between them so short that their breaths were intertwined, he continued with a sigh.

"But look at me, (Y/N), look at us," he said softly. "I'll never be able to offer you the life you're used to. And I don't want you to get used to mine, because it's not something you deserve." Her voice deepened. "You don't know what it's like to live with necessities, without luxuries. It's not something I can ask you to change or sacrifice for me."

She bit her lower lip, trying to take in what she had just heard.

She was silent for a few seconds, biting her lower lip as her mind tried to process every word Jaehyun had just said. Her chest felt tight, as if his words were a weight on her, an uncomfortable truth that hurt, but one she knew she couldn't ignore.

Jaehyun closed his eyes.

"No, I don't," she finally admitted, looking down at the floor. "I don't know what it's like to live with those hardships..."

Silence fell between them again. The distant murmur of people seemed to grow farther and farther away, as if the world around them was fading away.

"(Y/N), you deserve better than this. Something more... something more stable. I can't be that something for you," Jaehyun said, his voice trembling for an instant.

She realized what he meant. She knew it wasn't just about the material. She knew that what Jaehyun was telling her went beyond external difficulties. He didn't want to be a risk to her, didn't want her life to be dragged down by the uncertainty, by the confusion he himself felt.

"And yet... I can't stop looking for you," she murmured, with a sad, almost defeated smile. "I don't understand what's wrong with me, Jaehyun. I don't understand why everything seems clearer when I'm around you, but then it blurs, it becomes all so confusing."

Jaehyun watched her, unable to find the right words. All he knew was that there was an undeniable connection between them, something even he couldn't explain. But, at the same time, he couldn't deny the fear he felt that this connection would drag them into something neither of them could control.

"I'm sorry," he finally said, his words sounding almost like an apology to himself. "I really am sorry."

She stared at him, as if she expected him to say something else, something that might make sense of everything she felt. But he didn't. Instead, the air between them was filled with a quiet awkwardness.

"So what do we do now?" she asked, voice cracking, but determined not to give up.

Jaehyun took a deep breath, staring ahead as if searching for some answer in the void. "I don't know. But I need you to understand that I don't want to hurt you. I don't want you to end up trapped in my world..."

She denied slowly, not looking away. "So is that it, then, we're just going to keep taking a step forward and then step back? Is that what you want?"

"It's not that," Jaehyun replied, somewhat at a loss. "It's just that I can't offer you what you deserve."

"What about what I want?" she said, on an impulse that surprised her. "Because all I want...is to be with you."

Her words hit him hard. Jaehyun couldn't say he felt the same way, not in the same way. But he couldn't help but think that, maybe, if they both allowed themselves to take that leap... maybe things could be different.

"I'm telling you that I can't give you what you want," he repeated, now with a slight desperation in his tone. "And yet, I feel like I can't walk away from you."

She looked at him silently for a few seconds, trying to find some answer that wouldn't leave her more confused. Finally, she took a step back, letting the air between them grow colder.

"So... what do we do, Jaehyun?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. "Because I don't know if I can keep waiting for something I don't know if it's coming."

Jaehyun looked at her, his heart pounding. He could see the pain in her eyes, and it broke him inside. But at the same time, he knew he couldn't drag her down with him, couldn't ask her to settle for something he couldn't offer.

"The only thing I can do now...is tell you the truth," he said, almost breathlessly. "I'm not going to drag you into my life without you knowing what you're getting into."

She stood still, staring at the floor, as if processing every word. An invisible weight seemed to fall on her shoulders, and though her thoughts were chaotic, a small part of her knew she had to make a decision.

"So, you decide for me?" she asked, raising her head, her eyes filled with a mixture of frustration and sadness.

Jaehyun said nothing. His silence was answer enough.

Finally, Jaehyun, his throat tightening, slowly pulled away, knowing that any further attempts to get closer would only cause more pain. "I'm sorry," he said one last time, almost as a whisper, and took a step back.

And (Y/N) watched him walk away, her heart heavy, knowing there was nothing more to do. She stood alone in that dark corner of Neo Zone, with the noise of the engines rumbling around her, like a distant echo of the emotional storm she had just experienced.

a/n: I hope you liked even though in took me weeeeeeks to post hahaha, love y'all! NOT PROOFREAD! I’ve been sitting down like 4 hours trying to come with the chapter so now I’ll go to sleep 😴.

taglist is open! if you want to be added just lemme know;)

taglist: @spicyryujin @daegalismybiasinnct @peachfulnight @gojoscumslut @bluedbliss @dear-97 @girlwholovespreppyattire @hana-off-icial @cigarettesafterjae @beomgyusonlywife @bts-iris @doejaejung @methneo @kriizztin @mrsuhnshine @pieddpiperr (idk why some of the tags just don’t work out!)

If you want to ask me something, feel free to send them!

[starillusion13]

TRUST ME NOT

Pairing: Bf!(boss unit except one) x f!reader

W.C: 9.1k

Genre: Fluff, Mafia, Angst

Warnings: keeping secrets, innocent reader(?), mafia deals, murder, blast, tracking device, spying on someone, anonymous mail, tying up with rope in basement, unconcious, feeling sorry, sad, regrets, forgiveness, lots of kissing, anniversary surprises lol, getting shot, mention of blood(not detail) idk what to add anymore

1 month late birthday gift to @mymoodwriting sorry🥀

Network: @kvanity-main

��� Your anniversary was supposed to be held in a month.

The excitement was brightly visible on your face and you had a lot of arrangements to make. Going out to different stores and contacting some very important people who all are of potential help in some urgent scenarios. It's been five years since you were in a relationship with the mafia gang, NCT. Yeah, some people won't believe you if you say that you are the secret girlfriend, because your appearance and attitude is far from the ruthless behavior of the bosses--- your boyfriends.

The first one to notice that you were busy was Jungwoo, as he is the one who doesn't go out of the house often. His hacking job lets you both to spend more time with each other and well, this makes him throw cocky looks to others. You have told him repeatedly not to tease others because of that, but who is he to listen to?

You have almost planned everything for the upcoming day, obviously keeping it a secret from them. And this made Jungwoo suspicious of you. Earlier he was ignoring your weird attitudes and your now and then excuses to go out but one day when you were out for a long time, he followed your location. Well, he tried to but he couldn't track it.

How the hell is that even possible?

Now, he can't obviously charge you for messing up with the tracking device as you aren't aware of any of these. So, he decided to talk this out with his gang members.

"Are you sure of the suspicion?" Taeyong asked with a dark look. He was already tired with the day and now one of his members is sitting in front of him with a doubt. He glanced at the rest of the members across the room but they all were pretty much similar attentive to the hacker like him. He sighed and urged him to speak more.

The hacker nodded and proceeded, "she is acting differently and when I asked her last week. She was in a hurry to reply as if she would spill secrets if she spoke more than necessary."

"Maybe she is tired. You know her café has a lot of work." Mark stated and Jaehyun nodded his head in agreement. They know very well how dedicated you are to your work and something that might be keeping you busy these days.

Jungwoo shook his head, "No. The surprising fact is that she is barely available at the cafe."

"Then where is she going every morning?" Winwin asked and glanced at him from the corner of the room. And this caught everyone's attention.

Jaehyun remembered his interaction with you from two days back over the call.

"When I asked to pick her up from the cafe, she denied and told me about having extra hours but ended up coming home by riding someone else's car. As far as I know no one from her cafe owns that car." he stated and looked around.

"What? And you are telling me now?" Taeyong banged the table with his fist making the ones sitting near to him to flinch. Doyoung licked his lower lips and ran his fingers through the hairs. He was still putting in the pieces together and hoping that whatever they were thinking should not be the actual case.

Are you hiding something from them?

Or are you planning for something to destroy them?

Mark put his phone beside him on the sofa, "Dude, don't think like that. We must be wrong somewhere. Don't doubt her for anything."

"You are not suspecting her for anything right?" Winwin looked at his leader expectantly who in return just poked his cheek with the tongue and turned towards Doyoung.

"Tell everyone to keep a closer look on her." he said and looked at everyone, "all of you will see what's the matter with her. If she is not going to the cafe and not talking with us that much. Then we should find out what's the matter that she is suddenly acting so differently."

"But-"

"Mark, don't argue with me now."

No one spoke anything after that. Four of them left the room, leaving the leader with Doyoung. The latter's eyes followed how frustratingly the leader was brushing his hairs back and sighing.

"I know, you are not doubting her like the way you are showing your anger."

The leader rested his elbows on the table and held his head with his palms, "I don't want to blame her for anything. I trust her so much but I want to know what's up with her. I love her so much, Doyoung."

Doyoung walked towards him and patted his back comfortingly, "we all love her, Taeyong. If she ever betrays us then nothing can hurt us more than that."

"I don't want to hurt her. She is precious to me. I want all these to be just a misunderstanding."

"She is not betraying us. We will just find out what's the matter with her and then everything will be fine."

The latter just nodded and tears fell from his eyes similarly like the one standing.

.

.

"Where are you going?" Jungwoo asked as he saw you hurrying towards the door. You were smiling all the way down the stairs while looking at the phone. His eyes were staring at you with curiosity and adoration. When he repeated the question again, you glanced at him away from your phone and raised your brows.

"Uh..I..somewhere...do you need something?"

"No. But where? Do you want me to go with you?"

"No!".

He was taken aback by your sudden scream, "what? Why are you shouting?"

You awkwardly laughed and brushed your hairs, "I'll be off to the place and will return quickly. Don't worry."

As soon as you took a turn, someone grabbed your forearm and made you turn around. The turn was so sudden that you almost lost your balance on your heels, "What the hell! Jaehyun?"

"It's late afternoon. I don't think you are going to the cafe right now. Your workers told me that you will be there in the evening. So where to now?" His tone was low and demanding.

His grip was firm and you glanced at the hold then at his face. He had just showered after returning home. The others were not there yet and these two were only at the house so you decided to leave without them noticing you but it's not the case now.

"Hey, I'm just going to meet someone." you smiled at the end of the sentence.

"Who? Let me take you there."

You held his wrist to take off his hand from yours, "No, it's okay. I can go there alone. He will be just a few blocks away and......and then everything is fine."

"he? Y/n, who is this person? Do I know him? Have any of us seen him before?"

"Oh my jealous baby, Jae. Come on, don't think like I am a child. And you don't have to know everyone."

He stepped closer to you, tugging your hairs behind your ears before holding your hands and smiling down at you with a soft look, "I just care for you too much, Y/n. I don't want anyone to hurt you. Please be safe out there as you know your life is always at risk because of us...and dont hide anything from us."

You couldn't hear the last words but you smiled at him, "I will be safe. I promise."

He leaned forward to peck your lips and then planted a soft kiss on your temple. Jungwoo came up behind you and hugged you, nuzzling his nose in your neck inhaling the recently applied perfume, you smiled at the tingling sensation. He whispered, "if you can't keep yourself safe. Then I will kill everyone who will hurt you."

You grabbed one of his hands and brought it to your lips, planting a kiss, "I know. I am always safe with you all."

.

.

.

You were safe. Your preparations and secrets, everything was safe. Only two weeks left and you couldn't contain your excitement. Skipping steps towards the flower shop, you were greeted by the familiar man holding a rose in his hold and smiling endearingly at you. Your smile widened brightly and a soft laugh escaped your throat when he kneeled down in front of you, "A rose for my queen." He extended his hand towards you and you took the flower from his hand.

"Oh please shut up, Wooyoung."

He again stood in front of you and smoothed his blazer and pants. The look was stating that he was on his way for the meeting but still his playful nature and his childish laugh was not setting right with his appearance.

"Why? I can call you anything."

"Just wait until I tell this to my boyfriend." you chuckled while looking around the flower shop, "Where is the owner?"

You never used your boyfriend's name in front of anyone, always referring to some silly names or simply 'my boyfriend'. No one has ever seen your so-called boyfriend but they know you always have the adoration while speaking of him—- of them.

"I don't know about him. Hey! Why are you asking for the owner when I'm here?" He whined and you shook your head in disbelief with the attitude.

"How old are you? And I need him to choose some exact flowers for the decoration and a perfect perfume to give my boyfriend." you smiled at the thought of surprising them with everything. He nodded with a pout and stood by your side while you were staring at some beautiful bouquets, "Is your boyfriend nice? You can tell me if you have any problems. You have said he lives outside this country but if he turns out as a cheater. I will show him hell."

"Of course, Wooyuong. There's nothing to worry about. I am fine and he is a very nice man. Maybe someday you can meet him and also, I'm doing all these preparations for our anniversary."

The owner just entered the door and greeted you both when the other one smiled at you before exiting the door.

.

.

.

One week left for your anniversary.

"So, I was right. She is going to this shop almost every day and according to Winwin, our enemy's last location was this shop."

They couldn't believe the pictures and the tracking location of the devices that were showing on the very big screen displayed in front of them. The undercover spy has clicked the pictures of you meeting with a young man well dressed up in a suit and you were hugging him with a smile, also in another picture, you were receiving flowers. The different gestures between you both were assuming that there was a deeper bonding than they can think of. Everything was pretty much fine until the call list and tracking device of yours and their enemy matches exactly.

"Jungwoo, have you gone to this shop before?" Taeyong asked when he placed himself on the sofa.

The hacker shook his head, "no, I never bought anything from there. I thought she knew the owner of the shop, that's why she is going there but it turned out she is meeting the owner of the device who is apparently our enemy. We need to find who is the owner. Winwin even followed her one day and guess what? They were planning for a big event and also went on a date."

"A date?" Mark had a confused look on his face.

Jungwoo nodded and Jaehyun continued, "yeah, she is meeting these certain people every often and that's why you can't find her in the cafe. And this one person is very common."

"That's Wooyoung, a member of the gang, Ateez. the shop owner is his best friend, just for cover." Winwin started from beside Doyoung who quickly turned towards him in surprise.

Taeyong scoffed in irritation, "So that's him? He blew our basement? I was so sure that somebody leaked our plan when we were having the mission in a different state and look, he took that advantage to attack on our base."

"And you think?" Doyoung raised a brow.

"She...she told him?" Taeyong didn't even want to say it but still he did. He blamed you. He doubted you. There was no other option left other than suspecting you with their recent events going on around them. He curled his fingers into a fist, suppressing the anger and hurt.

Mark leaned back into his chair, "we must be wrong somewhere. Or things have not been placed in the correct way."

"No. When I told Jungwoo for the first time, neither me nor him believed this but after one week of research. We are sure that she is involved with this." Winwin himself didn't want to believe what he was voicing out.

His own voice was betraying him. Was your love for them just a facade to destroy them in the end? Were you playing with their feelings? What? NO! This can't be, you are not like that. He couldn't convince anyone, maybe he was not even trying to convince anyone. No one was ready to believe that you were planning something worse behind their back, just to destroy them to get in with a man. The man who is apparently their enemy's gang member.

Mark stood up. A sad look visible on his face, fighting back the urge to cry in front of them. He couldn't hear more about suspecting you. Even if you are wrong, he still wants to see you and love you. His gaze shifted from the leader towards the large wide window, the setting of the sun was visible, "our anniversary is in almost 10 days. I hope we won't be doing something to ruin the day."

The words hit them altogether. Anniversary...they have bought a lot of gifts for you and they have arranged a trip for all of you to spend time together.

He turned around and Taeyong closed his eyes, heaving a sigh. Everyone was in disbelief and fighting whether they should blame you or...or what? There's nothing to think about anymore.

"Hey!  you all here?" your cheerful voice broke the silence. The atmosphere was already tense inside the house but your presence was making it worse. To your oblivion, they shared glances between them when Jaehyun noticed some things in your hold. His jaw clenched at the sight and he stepped towards you.

"Who gave you this?"

You furrowed your brows before looking down and then a smile cracked on your face. Everyone noticed the shift in expression when you held the flowers tightly, "Um...someone. A friend?"

"Friend." he scoffed and glared at you. His expression surprised you and then when you looked around the room, you noticed others were looking at you with no emotions visible. It felt so distant as if you were missing something. But what's even the matter? Mark was standing on the first step of the stairs, when you caught his eyes, there was a hurt look— the look of betrayal.

"Mark-" the young boy didn't wait to hear you when he abruptly turned around and ascended the stairs, without even looking back at you. What happened?

"Where were you?" Doyoung asked with folded hands above his chest, supporting himself against the table. His dark and sharp eyes staring at you, waiting for a quick reply.

"I...I went to the cafe."

"You were not there. Don't lie. Just tell me exactly, where were you?"

Taeyong darkly chuckled, "of course to meet her friend. Right? So, had fun on the date?"

"Date?"

Jaehyun turned to him, "don't pretend that you don't know. You went on a date with your little friend, right?"

You shook your head when Jungwoo pointed at your large plastic bag, "what's all these?"

You tried to hide it behind your back only to get yanked away, "why are you hiding it?" He glared at your action.

"What's wrong with you all?"

"What's wrong with you? Are you planning something behind our back?" His words hurt you. No, it shocked you. Are they doubting you for something?

The phone in your pocket started ringing and when Jaehyun didn't loosen his grip on you, you snatched your arm away and glared at him. Fishing out the phone, you held it to your ear and greeted the person. Before walking towards your room, you snatched away the plastic bag from him and no one protested but watched you going away.

No one moved from their places but only Winwin followed you behind.

.

.

.

Three days have already passed since that day.

You didn't talk with anyone normally. Everytime, they would be looking at you accusingly or asking you some weird questions about why you were hiding things from them.

but , there was nothing to hide in the first place---- except for the celebration.

Only one week left and when you just wanted to go out finally to arrange the last things of the preparation. Doyoung blocked your way.

"You are not going anywhere."

"Huh?"

Jaehyun came up behind you and harshly pulled you to a particular direction, "your game is over, y/n. Just give up now. You can't hide anything from us now."

The other one walked just closely behind you, gun in his hand. "I can't believe you that after the things we did, only for you to betray us."

"Please Jaehyun...Trust me. you must be wrong somewhere. I am not hiding anything. I promise." Your voice was broken yet he was not glancing at you but dragging you towards the stairs. The grip on your wrist tightened when you tried to pull your hand away. The wrist was burning from his harsh grip.

There were two uncoordinated footsteps from behind you both and when the youngest of them spoke up, you glanced at them. Mark was trying to stop the leader from stepping forward but the latter was just fuming and when he caught your glistening eyes, he sent a glare at you.

"please..." you whimpered when he took the turn and stopped at the first step of the stairs. He inhaled sharply and glared at you before glancing at the leader.

"take her downstairs." He simply ordered and the latter nodded.

Mark held Jaehyun's other hand, "No. Don't. Please, we should listen to her. We must be wrong somewhere. Please don't take her there."

But he dragged you down, stumbling over a few places but he didn't care. No one cared at the moment. As if your voice was not even audible to their ears.

You have never been to this place before and the dark, dimly lit room with a damp smell was making churn in your stomach. The others were already present inside the room and their focus was on you— the helpless figure. He harshly pulled you towards the chair behind the interrogating desk and made you sit on it. Your head turned towards each one of them, no one was having any sympathy for you. Maybe they had but trying not to show it.

"Why are you doing this? Please get me out of here." tears were flowing down your cheek. Before you could wipe off your tears, Jungwoo gripped your wrist and tied them to the armrest. Winwin took away the phone from you and placed it on the table. Taeyong placed himself on the chair across from you and stared at your tied up form. Doyoung stood beside him, palm resting on the head of the leather chair.

"So, from where should we begin?"

You remained quiet. Not because you didn't want to talk but because you didn't know what to say. Mind still processing the situation and why they all were keeping you tied up like a criminal. Do they not trust you?

You stared at him with silent tears falling from your eyes. Jaehyun and Jungwoo stood beside you on both sides, neither of them speaking anything and not even looking at you. Only glancing now and then.

"How do you know Wooyoung?" the leader asked the first question and leaned forward on the table.

"Wooyoung?"

Doyoung tilted his head to the side, "yes. Even that day he gave you those flowers. Having good times with the enemy. Right, y/n?"

"Enemy? He is my old friend from university."

The leader was not buying your words, "our enemy is your friend now. Since when are you against us?"

"What are you saying, Taeyong? I would never. I..." you were almost spilling the secrets but held back the words that were about to come out from your lips, "we just recently reunited at the flower shop. He was just...helping me out with something."

"Helping you out to chalk out a plan to kill us?" Winwin offered you an option for your choice of words. You shook your head at him and returned to face the leader. He didn't have any emotions for you. No more those endearing smiles and caring eyes looking at you but a strong and accusing eyes blaming you for everything.

"No, it's not like that."

"There's no point in you lying on our face. You can't fight back, y/n. There's six of us and only, you alone."

You parted your lips and tried to shift forward when Jungwoo held you back. You raised your head to look at him but he just avoided your eyes. Does he hate me so much?  "You all should understand this. I am alone, I can't do anything to harm you all and... I can never think of hurting any of you."

"Don't pretend to be the innocent one like always." Jaehyun spat at you. "It was all a facade to make us trust you. To make us weak for you so that you can easily break into our life and destroy us from the core."

"Jaehyun..." you whispered his name but a long silence followed your longing gaze on him. How could he blame you like this? They never used such a tone with you.

"He is correct. It was only you who knew about our absence for a whole week from the city and during that exact time, Ateez attacked our warehouse. Isn't this a coordinated plan?" Taeyong was irritated with each word coming out of his mouth.

"And you think I told him?"

Winwin caught your attention, "of course. The enemy whom we were tracking has his every location around you. His every location was colliding with yours. The flower shop belongs to them and it's just undercover to hide their spies in that busy street. Your activity was very frequent during the time of the blast."

"It must be a coincidence...I am not aware of all these." you plead to them for mercy but none of them were convinced. It all seemed as an act to break away from them and to run to their enemy for help.

"We thought that too but you have a deep connection with him. Even keeping your meet-ups a secret from us. Don't think of us like fools."

"Mark, you are a fool. All of you are foolish to think of me going against you. He is just my friend and we were just hanging out after some arrangements and if I knew he was the menber of a gang, I would never have spoken to him. But...but he won't hurt me or any of you. He doesn't even know you all are my boyfriends."

"Because for your benefit. So that you can go on dates with him." Jaehyun scoffed at the end of the sentence.

Taeyong slammed his hand to gain your attention back on him. His eyes were raging and he was fuming with anger. You flinched at the sound and scaredly turned towards him when he spoke up, "Now tell me, what do you want from us?"

You shook your head and bit your lips to prevent yourself breaking down more.

"I said speak up, y/n!"

Your broken voice and hiccups echoed the room, "I...I want n-nothing. I just want......your love."

"Shut up!"

"Jaehyun, keep quiet." Doyoung shushed the tall man beside you but you were already hurt too much. You were exhausted after crying so much, the unfamiliar and confined environment was suffocating you. You just wanted to get out of the place and run away, far away and hide from them. You were scared to say anything anymore or they could have done something more.

"You are going to stay here unless you are willing to tell the truth." Taeyong said and stood up to turn towards the door.

You shook your head frantically to not to leave you there. But no one minded your scared form. You were nothing more than a liar to them.

"Please listen to me..."

Jaehyun grabbed your cheeks, his fingers digging into your flesh, "you are only going to speak the truth or else shut your mouth." he harshly jerked your head to the side.

One by one everyone left the room except the one who was almost standing silently since he came here. He stayed back inside the room. When you noticed his gaze on you, there was a hurt look like that day.

"Why did you do this?"

"I did nothing."

He looked up at the ceiling and then at you, "then please confess the truth. I can't see you like this."

"I'm telling you the truth, Mark. he is just my friend. I didn't help him with anything."

Doyoung came back to the room to find the younger one standing at the door. He informed the younger one to stay with you, not to leave you alone down in the basement. He nodded his head in acceptance. You don’t know if It was because they told him to stay behind out of love or they think you could try to run away from them.

Mark actually wanted to stay with you though. He just can't leave you alone.

Doyoung stepped inside the room to take the phone from the table. When he came in sight of your vision, you looked away to avoid him. He waited for a moment but left the room eventually when you didn't look at him.

"Mark, don't get swayed by her?"

They had some whispering conversation outside the door and you zoned out to think about the day, how you were so excited to finally wrap the different gifts for them and then prepare the last arrangement because this last week was supposed to be spending time with them together. But everything went down the hill.

When Mark returned inside the room, he saw you sleeping on the chair uncomfortably. He stepped forward and tugged your hairs behind the ears to have a clear look of your face. You looked so peaceful but your face was stained with sweat and tears. He caressed your soft skin and tears fell from his eyes, he was sorry to you. He untied your wrists and pulled you on his lap on the floor. Resting your head against his chest, his fingers stroked you and he lulled you to sleep.

"I'm sorry, y/n."

.

.

.

The next two days were just you refusing all the foods they offered and you were getting weak. Even if they didn't hurt you physically, but their words, their hatred looks and their harsh and hurtful touches with their accusing tone was enough to break your every inch.

Doyoung didn't let you stay in the basement but kept you locked in his room. He promised his leader that he won't let you escape the house.

Just before the two days of your anniversary, they got an email from someone. It was labeled with a secret code so when they clicked on it, they found out that it was from someone unknown. They have sent some confidential documents. Jungwoo didn't waste any time before clicking open it only to get a shock. Everyone scooted closer to him.

'How is Y/n? Suspecting her now? Oh, poor girl. Don't worry. I will kill her soon anyways. '

There were all the details under the small links. Whatever they saw was right but the actual explanation to their assumption was what you were saying, not how they interpreted earlier. Wooyoung was just your friend, nothing more and he didn't have any intention to harm you or others. Ateez didn't even attack their base.

Then who is this person?

Is he alive?

Jaehyun threw the glass away in frustration.

"Where is this shit? I will kill him."

Winwin quickly followed some images, "the dreamies are trying to track the id. Hyuck is currently scanning the codes. but... I don't know why this person wants to kill her."

"I'm not leaving her alone for any more second."

Doyoung jogged towards the room only to find you sleeping beside the window stool. Taeyong followed him closely behind and he noticed the dried tears on your face and the other one was quick to pick you up in his arms, "y/n, look at me. You don't have to be here anymore. I'm taking you out of this place. I'm so sorry."

Your breathing was so faint and it scared him.

He peppered your face with kisses, you were so weak and exhausted. There was no reply from you and he shook your body again.

"She must be unconscious. Let's clean her up and let her rest for a while. When she wakes up, I will feed her." Taeyong offered him.

They both nodded and exited the room. Promising to themselves that they won't ever let you be in this sort of situation again.

When they appeared in front of the others, they saw your unconscious body in his hold. Their hearts clenched at the sight, the pain striking through their body.

How could they just blame you and act deaf ears to your pleadings?

"I'm coming with you." Mark approached him and took you in his arms before going towards his room with Doyoung trailing behind him.

Taeyong ordered Jungwoo and Winwin to contact Dreamies for further discussions about the situation and let others disperse to their respective activities.

No one was willing to leave your side but they had no option other than waiting for you to get consciousness. But Jaehyun quietly walked towards your room to take a glimpse of you.

He was hesitating to enter the room but eventually stepped inside and found them inside the bathroom. They were carefully looking after you.

"Is she okay?"

His sudden voice made the two males turn their head towards him, "of course she is. We are here to keep her safe."

After a while, you were dressed in a pair of comfortable top and loose pants. Mark carefully tugged you in the bed before sitting beside your sleeping figure and caressing the hairs, Doyoung sat near your legs and Jaehyun kept his distance from the bed.

"Let her rest for a while. Taeyong will bring her the food."

They all left the room but Jaehyun went near to you and caressed your head, kissing your temple he whispered, “I’m so sorry, love.”

After a while when you woke up, only to find Taeyong sitting by your side with medicines and food placed on the table that he pulled beside the bed. Your head was spinning a bit but still he helped you sit up and placed the pillow behind you to make you comfortable. Before you could say anything, he caressed your head and smiled at you, following a kiss to the side of your head.

"I'm sorry, Y/n. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. I was so wrong about you."

You remained quiet and just observed how he lifted the bowl from the table and stirred the soup, tasting a spoonful and turning towards you with a spoon.

"Why?"

"What do you mean?"

"y-you are not mad at me anymore? Please trust me-"

He put the spoon back into the bowl and placed a finger on your lips, "I trust you. Y/n, I love you. I'm regretting treating you like that. It hurts you a lot to see us blaming you for something you didn't do. But I promise you, you will never have to be like this again. I will make this up to you."

"Really? And others...Are they?"

"they are equally sorry, y/n. we just couldn't help but think all that......why were you at the shop though?" he quickly asked you the thing that was still bugging his mind.

"Um...you will know soon. It's a secret." You expectantly stared at him to see his reaction but he just smiled when he brought the spoon to your lips. You quickly parted open your lips to taste the spoon and hummed in the wonderful warm taste. It melted on your tongue like you were melting under his touch.

"I won't ever hurt you."

"I know, Taeyong. You have so much responsibility but I think I made you scared going out here and there. But trust me it's a good secret, nothing to worry about."

"Can't you tell me now?" he pouted and blinked at you.

"No. Then what's the point of the secret?"

"Is this about-"

Someone entered the room and he was quick to sit on your other side and hugged you from the side.

"I'm so sorry baby. Please forgive me. I don't want you to stay away from me." he nuzzled his face in the crook of your neck and your fingers entangled with his hairs when he leaned to your body more. Taeyong was still making sure to finish the soup and shook his head at the boy clinging onto you.

"Hey, Mark. It's okay. I was just shocked with you all behaving like that." You said slowly and he nodded, muttering a flow of apologies. The leader wiped your mouth when you finished the food and handed you the medicine to take but when you refused it. Both of them tickled you and joked around and ended up with Mark holding you down on the bed and the oldest one putting inside the medicine and handing you the glass.

Three of you spent some time together before Taeyong left when he caught a call from Jungwoo and he hugged you before pressing a long and soft kiss on your temple then hurrying to take the call. Where you and Mark ended up cuddling together.

"That night..." he was spooning you while your back was pressed against his chest and his one leg was flung upon yours. His fingers were playing with yours when you both were watching the screen displaying a movie.

You hummed in response, "you made me sleep on your lap. I woke up from a nightmare but I felt so secure with you. Thank you."

"I love you. I love you so much baby."

"I love you more, mark." You turned around and cupped his face. Your eyes searched for a particular emotion before pressing your lips to his. He was surprised by your move but when you tried to pull away your face, he held the back of your neck and pulled you closer, making the kiss rough and passionate. Both fighting for dominance but still enjoying the power of each other. You smiled and squirmed when he slid his hand under your tee. His kisses traveled down to your jaw and sloppily kissed your cheek. Admiringly, watching each other, he dipped his head down and bit the soft flesh of your neck, he groaned when you moaned his name. When he hooked a finger with the band of your shorts, you held his wrist.

He quickly stopped his actions and looked at you, cupping your cheeks and shock visible on his face. You chuckled at his reaction and he worriedly asked you, "Is there something wrong?"

It's not like you haven't done this before with him but there was something for which you wanted to wait.

"Can you wait for one more day?"

"Before our anniversary?"

You nodded and he smiled before pecking your lips.

"Of course, I can."

.

.

.

The day before the celebration. You asked them if you could go out. They felt as if they did something wrong that you were taking permission like a child. You bit your lips and stared at them when they were all similarly staring back at you.

Taeyong broke the awkward moment, "I think someone should speak."

"You did just now."

He glared at Jaehyun, who looked away holding back his laugh. The others snickered and you laughed loudly. All of their attention turned back at your standing figure in an elegant knee length dress.

"You all can go with me."

"We?" Winwin asked you and you quickly nodded.

"So?"

They all looked at each other before agreeing and stood up. The one that was hesitant to come near you was Jaehyun. When they all walked towards the door, conversing and joking among them, he remained at the same place. He felt someone entangled a hand with his and when he looked down at his side, you were smiling brightly at him.

"Let's go, my prince."

"Y/n...you.."

You pulled him towards the door. But he was staring at you like a lost man, who knew nothing other than the directions you would give him. He smiled when he noticed the dress you were wearing was the one he gave you on your birthday last time.

"I'm trying to forget about that day so please don't remind me."

He stopped in his track and you turned towards him, "what happe-"

He pressed his lips to yours. He was laughing between the kisses when you were trying to say something. He pulled apart and you glared at him before looking at your appearance on the phone screen.

"you ruined my lipstick."

"I would have ruined you but it's okay coz it's just the lipstick for now."

"Jae..." you groaned but he grabbed your chin softly and other hand quickly went up , a finger wiping away the smudged out portion and then patted your cheek with the clean fingers.

"you look beautiful like always."

Doyoung came back and pulled you both towards the car.

The car ride was fun. Except for Jungwoo clinging onto your side ans asking you the same question repeatedly, "why can't we know the secret now? Please, y/n."

"I am surprised all of you are in a gang."

Taeyong chuckled, "don't add him. He doesn't do anything other than hacking and intruding other's business from his private place."

He scoffed in reply, "at least I keep company with our girl. Right?"

You nodded. It's not like they were not serious with their job. When the work mode is on, you wouldn't even match the people who are the same with the ones you are currently laughing with. Even you get scared. Okay, last time you really got.

Arriving at the mall, you quickly got out of the car to make a quick call with your friend. You told her to receive the perfumes and flowers from the shop tomorrow morning and keep them in the café. You wanted to celebrate your anniversary at the café and your friend was helping you to get all the orders ready for tomorrow so that today, you can spend your day with the boys.

You bought a lot of things, some necessary and some unnecessary. Jungwoo was with you and others went off to other places.

"you are buying us gifts but not letting us buy for you."

"tomorrow."

"Why? I can buy it today. Wait, I can buy for you everyday."

"Don't show off." You turned around to look at the dress when he picked one from the other row and handed it to you, "wear this tomorrow. This is so perfect."

"are you serious? Do you know my size?"

He smirked and bent to whisper in your ears, "I know every inch and curves how they would fit them and how it would be easy to rip off."

Your eyes went round and you hit his arm when he burst out laughing, "Jungwoo!"

You snatched the dress and walked towards the trial room and when you put on the dress, it seemed like it was the one for you. As if They will marry you tomorrow. Marriage...

Jungwoo knocked at the door and when you opened it, he pushed you inside and locked the door behind.

"what happened?"

"I don't want others to get to see you before me." his gaze moved and his breath hitched. You were looking more beautiful than he projected an imagery picture of you in the dress in his mind.

He pecked your lips and then your temple, "you look like mine. I love you, y/n."

"Always yours. I love you so much Jungwoo."

Done with the things you wanted to buy. Jungwoo went to where Jaehyun was and you were alone walking through the newborn section and smiling. You picked up a pink baby wrap towel and someone back hugged you.

"why are you buying this?" his deep voice sent a shiver down your body.

"I am not buying...just watching... they are so cute. Look at this, Taeyong."

He pressed a kiss on your cheek, "We can someday when we will have a baby."

You turned around when his arms dropped down, "it will be soon."

He smirked to see the excitement on your face, he tugged your hairs before raising a brow, "so am I getting the hint to spend some time with me and then we can expand our family. You and I and our daughter."

"you want a girl?"

"I'm fine with both but to have a girl. I love the idea of mini you running around the house and us all chasing her around."

You hugged him tightly, "I love you, Taeyong."

"I love you too, my princess."

"Wait for tomorrow, please."

"Of course."

.

.

You all went home after almost buying the whole mall and Jaehyun was casually showing off and showing smirks that he brought the costliest items. Oh boy! How wrong he is. He should just see the expenses of Taeyong. Winwin whispered to you that he would be sleeping with you because both of you haven't spent a night together. You agreed quickly.

After the dinner when you were going towards the room, Winwin asked you to go with him to the garden and of course, you would.

"So why are we here?" you were staring up at the sky while sitting on the outdoor swing with him by your side.

"I'm sorry." He muttered quietly.

"I know."

He turned towards you and shook his head, "don't forgive us so easily, y/n. we don't deserve it."

"Then don't say sorry. Stop reminding me about that. Think about tomorrow and let us enjoy the night."

He caressed your head, " you are the sweetest one. The innocent one in our life and I don't want to hurt you but still I did."

"And I forgive you."

He sadly chuckled and pulled you closer, "Can you tell me the secret for tomorrow?"

You stared at him and waited if he wanted to say something but when he didn't, you kissed his cheek and smiled, "No. You have to wait."

"Are you planning a surprise? For us?"

"Maybe...or something more than you can expect."

He furrowed his brows when you caressed his cheek softly, "see...you are the innocent one now."

"really?" he grabbed your neck and pulled you in for a hungry and deep kiss. You were laughing and clutching his shirt. His other hand was caressing your back and hands, melting you under his control. He pulled apart and started panting for air.

"And now?"

"still the innocent." As the words left your mouth, he swept you in his arms and turned round and round. Both of your laughs echoed in the garden.

"I love you...I love you...I love you, My innocent girl."

"I love you too, my innocent boy."

Your teasing made him tickle you in his hold and you laughed out more.

Taeyong was watching you from his balcony with the wine in his hand. He was smiling ear to ear seeing you so happy.

He would keep you safe till the end.

.

.

.

Finally THE DAY.

Winwin woke you up, calling out your name lightly and keeping you close to him. He peppered your face with kisses and you were giggling all the way when he scooped you in his arms and took you to the bathroom to get ready. You looked at the mirror and felt so happy, quickly did your morning routine before running down the stairs to greet your boys. But you could only find Doyoung at the table preparing the plates and decorating it with the final touch.

The house looked amazing.

"Don't tell me you all did this within a night."

"Then What do you think? You were blind to not notice it till yesterday?"

You reached near the table and when you went to pick up a pancake, he swatted your hand away and you whined.

"Let others come. No eating before greeting."

"No greetings to you."

You turned around and folded your hands above your chest, he chuckled and with slow steps went behind you and snaked his arms around, resting his head on your shoulder.

"Happy Anniversary, My love." He kissed your shoulder, the deep round neckline of the dress gave him access to your soft flesh. Your hairs were tied up and he kissed the crook of your neck and his teeth grazing the skin and licking the jaw, "I love you, y/n."

"Doyoung, I love you. Happy Anniversary."

He turned you around to kiss you. His kisses are always soft and takes his whole time to devour the moment. Just like now, he didn't care what others will see but he just wanted to show you his love for you.

You were smiling all the while but the sweet moment got interrupted by the one who could enter the place without any sound but to disturb you both, he purposely made sounds.

"Did I interrupt something?"

"Yes. My love life." Doyoung spat at him and groaned but didn't let you go when the other one laughed and came near you.

You pulled apart from the kiss and looked at Taeyong. The other one was back hugging you and nuzzling his nose into your neck.

Taeyong cupped your cheek, "happy anniversary, princess."

"Happy anniversary girl's dad."

"Huh?"

"Nothing." You laughed out and noticed Jungwoo and Winwin entering the place when one of them muttered a quiet happy anniversary to you because he was always shy in front of others but the other one had to make it dramatic.

"Everyone. Present here. Wait two are missing."

All of you were watching his stupid act, standing on the chair. He craned his neck to look at the stairs and waited for a few seconds before Mark and Jaehyun walked down with bright smiles on their faces.

"Okay here we have Mark and Jaehyun. Then We have Winwin at the table. Mr. Taeyong and Doyoung with our special girl, y/n." He stepped forward to you and took out a flower and kissed it before extending it to you, " a token of love for my precious soul."

"Thank you. Happy Anniversary to my dramatic love."

"Happy Anniversary, y/n." He pulled you away from the one hugging you and stepped towards the table.

You sat between Jaehyun and Mark and they both greeted you following with a smile and soft kiss. Doyoung cut a piece of the pancake and brought it to your lips. You chuckled and quickly ate it.

"Are these all for me?"you asked them.

"Yes. All for the special one." Mark excitedly said and kissed your cheek.

Winwin cleared his throat from across the table, "so what should we do today?"

"Give her the gifts."Mark proposed the idea but you quickly shook your head.

"No not now. My surprise is still left."

"Wait. Yeah, the secret. So tell me." Winwin happily nodded and stared at you.

"No. Get dressed. We are going to my cafe and then everything will be revealed."

"Promise?"

"Of course, Doyoung."

They all quickly dressed up in some denims or leathers but of course they were looking fine individually. You couldn't take your eyes from one of them. Are you even matching with them?

You looked down at your dress and Jungwoo grabbed your shoulders to face them.

"How is she looking?"

The moment their gaze fell on you, everyone stopped, everything was still, a look of adoration and love painted across their faces. They approached where you were shyly looking away when Jungwoo was keeping you in place.

"You look like my queen, love." Taeyong took your hand and kissed the back of your hand. Jaehyun kissed the side of your head and pulled you towards him, "well, we have something more to say but let's go to the cafe first."

"Then let's go."

It didn't take much time to reach the destination but as soon as you stepped inside the door. You started to feel nervous and that did get noticed by them. They were mesmerized by the wonderful decoration that you did and planned for the day. Somewhere, they felt sorry to even blame you for keeping secrets for this. Doyoung didn't leave your hand when you were showing around the details you organized which perfectly matched all six of their likings but the moment they came across the pink box with a letter on top of it. You stopped them.

"Wait!"

They all turned towards you.

"There's something I want to tell you."

Taeyong smiled at you, "go ahead."

"No. First you gave me the surprise and then I did so now it's your turn to tell me first and then I will. How about this?"

Mark smiled and approached you, hugging you from behind and then you noticed Taeyong pulling out a box from his leather jacket.

"Woah! What's that?"

"It's-"

“Y/n!”

“Y/n!”

"Y/n!"

You knew your friend's voice and when you heard her screaming from outside, you ran towards the door and pushed it open.

The boys shouted out your name but you didn't listen and searched for your friend outside the cafe.

There was no one.

No one on the silent and peaceful afternoon street. You felt weird because you were so sure that you heard your friend call out for you so many times.

Are you hearing things?

You felt someone watching you. You looked in each direction but you couldn't see anyone. The boys already exited the cafe.

"Who was there?" Winwin asked while looking around.

"I heard my friend calling for me."

"Then where is she?"

"I don't know."

Doyoung stepped in front of you and held your wrist, "let's go inside. Maybe she was fooling around."

You nodded and turned around with them.

But the moment you took a step.

All of you heard a gunshot.

What happened?

"Ah...D-doyoung."

"Y/n!"

As soon as they saw you, blood was flowing out of your chest. You got shot? Who shot you? They frantically looked around but there was no one in their sight. Doyoung sat on his knees when he felt your limp body leaning on him.

"It's okay, y/n. I will save you. Just wait for a while. We will take you to the hospital soon."

He held your hand when Mark was searching for a way to stop the flow of blood. But his mind was not working and processing the things to do.

The day started with so much joy and love but suddenly what just happened?

Both of the men by your side were scared. Scared to lose you. You were fighting back the urge to seep into sleep but clutched his hand tightly to stay awake. Mark was repeatedly telling you to keep your eyes open.

"Baring the car. Do it fast." Taeyong pushed Jaehyun towards the car but you weakly called out their names and asked them to come to you.

"Just take her to the hospital. Now!"

"Mark. No...I-i don't think I can make it."

"No no y/n. You can." He pressed your hand, which was clutching your chest.

"Taeyong, tell me what you wanted to say. Please"

"Let's go to the hospital."

you shook your head and looked at Winwin, "Can you bring me the pink box? please..." you coughed. Jaehyun already went to bring the car and you were clutching Doyoung's hand tightly. tears escaping your eyes even though you didn't want to cry. Winwin jogged inside the cafe and quickly he picked up the note and the box and wasting no more time, he went towards you.

"Get inside." Jaehyun opened the door for you all.

"Taeyong, tell me please."

he was hesitant to tell you at that moment but wasting unnecessary time means risking your life more. your breath was heaving and Mark was trying his best to keep you awake. Winwin approached the scene and when you noticed him, you weakly smiled at him.

But Taeyong pulled out the black box from his jacket and opened it. your glistening eyes blinked slowly, everything was blur, you could feel a small thing placed on your palm. Taeyong took your hand away from Doyoung's shirt.

you brought the thing closer to you.

It's a ring.

before you could say anything. you all entered the care. you were still looking at the ring. When Jungwoo noticed your fixed gaze on the ring and your grip was about to loosen. He curled your fingers and held your fist tightly. 

Taeyong held back his tears and weakly said from the passenger seat, "we were going to ask you to marry us. A proposal ring."

you heard them. you wanted to say a lot of things but you couldn't. you wanted to say something else at the moment.

"Winwin, give the box to Taeyong." he was quick to follow your words. Jaehyun was often glancing at you from the rear mirror and to the front. their base hospital is a bit far away and they couldn't risk you reaching there so whatever problem they have to face, they were going to if they had to go to the city hospital.

Winwin kept the note in his hand and it was shaking in his hold. 

"trust me...i love you......" you weakly whispered but the one holding you heard it.

"Y/n...y/n...don't close your eyes...please..hey stay awake."

you didn't open your eyes.

nor you were clutching his hand.

"y/n..."

"drive faster!" Taeyong almost shouted at him.

Mark hesitatingly asked, "what's inside the box?"

Taeyong stared at it for a while and then when he opened it. A tear dropped inside the box. Jaehyun's breath hitched and looked at you but your eyes were closed. 

"Y/n...baby..."

aren't you going to smile at him? atleast for the last time.

Congratulations! It's a girl.'

Mark snatched the box from him and his eyes went wide. he urged the other to open the note and there it was, you have ranted everything like always and in the end,

'I collected some flowers for each day after I got the news of pregnancy. I could tell you earlier but I wanted to say it on a special day. I am not hiding anything from you except this. Just trust me. I want to give it to you all as a surprise.'

Jungwoo brought your hand to his lips to plant a kiss.

Doyoung pressed a kiss on your temple, "I trust you."

Are you just going to leave them now?

They won’t trust anything anymore when you didn’t even say the final goodbye.

Note: please I want to thanks to people for reading and reblogging. Reviews are always appreciated. Spread love not hate. If my favoritism is showing with some members then please try to understand oz they are my bias.

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[open!]

[mochamamii]

mafia!nct: how you meet.

▹ a/n: hello loves, wow two uploads in a day? are you proud of me ? 🤭 it’s been so long since I wrote in the mafia universe! I hope you enjoy this, have a great day or night gorgeous 😘💕

▹ pairing: mafia!nct x reader

▹ triggers: mafia!au, crime, manipulation, violence, light smut

Taeil first meets you at your job. Taeil owns a plethora of companies, both small and large, and all used as a cover to launder and legitimize his behind the scenes criminal activity. You just happened to be a regular girl working at one of these companies, only working in an entry level position at a front desk you would’ve had very low chances of running into someone like Taeil at work. That was true for the most part, it had been at a company wide holiday party nearly two years working at said company before your paths finally crossed. You were tipsy and flirtier than usual that night, completely ignorant to the fact that you’d been chatting up your boss for the better part of an hour. Taeil was intrigued by your forwardness and wanted to keep seeing you. It was fun and exciting for you too, Taeil seemed like such a puzzle to you, he gave you very few details about his life and even fewer about his career. It’d be months after your secret rendezvous begins before Taeil reveals to you he owns the company you work for, and it’d take years for him to ever share that he runs a criminal organization under the table, if he ever actually did, because if he can get away with not telling you he won’t.

“Why do you always ask so many questions baby? Why don’t we just enjoy our time together and we can talk about my job another day…”

Johnny meets you at a nightclub. Because of the dangers involved in his line of work he’s become a shut in more or less, only going out when it’s absolutely necessary. He’d take drinking at home with friends over a noisy club but his associates and him had been having a string of successful pushes in the expansion of their clan. There was much to be celebrated. You were there with a group of friends also that night, out to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Johnny took notice of you right away. Shameless in his ogling of you, his eyes were fixed on you alone in the sea of bodies on the dance floor. He approached you with a pep in his step to offer you a drink which you accept, afterwards you offer him a dance which he accepts. On the dance floor your hands eagerly grip and squeeze at each other’s bodies. You two spend the night together that first night, a fairly brief and passionate situationship ensues after night one. For months your relationship with Johnny feels purely sexual, there’s not much about him or his life that you really know and he never seems eager to share. Johnny drags his feet on cuffing you officially for fear of involving an innocent person in his life.

“Don’t be ridiculous, I’ve always had serious feelings for you. The only thing stopping me was wanting to keep you safe.”

Taeyong meets you after one of his associates dragged you into his warehouse. Apparently, you had been the witness to his crew “taking out the trash” as some would say…Instantly upon seeing you Taeyong realized you really were just an innocent girl who had been in the wrong place at the right time and not a secret spy from a rival. He pitied you. You had seen his face and plenty of the others faces’, releasing you could be risky but keeping you here was tiresome and more of a chore. Taeyong decided he would give himself a few days to decide what he wanted to do with you, he let you go home, under heavy surveillance of course. He needed to know if you were going to try and run to the police and snitch on anything you’d seen so far. Taeyong starts visiting your home in the evenings, he told himself it was a strategic intimidation tactic to keep you from calling the cops. Truthfully, Taeyong just wanted to be near you. He’d become really drawn to you, his visits getting longer and longer as he gets to know you better. It’s a nice slow burn before your relationship turns romantic. Taeyong is actually grateful he had met you in the manner he did, it was refreshing to start a relationship and wonder whether he should tell them about his career. You knew from the start, and that made courting you a guilt free indulgence for him.

“You know more about me than most people do. I like that and I want it to stay that way, I promise there’s nothing I’ll ever keep from you.”

Yuta meets you during the middle of a heist of all places. In his crew he was the go to man for high intensity missions like bank heists, and assassinations occasionally. You were on your way home from work when you made a stop to deposit your paycheck into your account. Your corporate slave job had yet to transition to the twenty first century and go digital with their payroll system. You were stuck with paper checks for now. Your interaction with the bank teller across from you was almost done when you jumped due to the fire alarm suddenly going off. The alarms went off followed by the sprinklers on the ceiling, creating a heavy downpour, drenching you and everything else. Yuta and his gang strolled in confident as ever, heavy machine guns in tow. They were the picture of frightening nightmares. Yuta made it known he was clearly in charge, barking orders at his crew, all of them moving in harmony. They cleared the bank’s reserves in minutes, sweeping the vaults like they knew the floor plan by heart. Yuta floated over to you as his crew began piling the bags of cash into their van. Yuta caught you hiding under a table near the back. He thought you were absolutely adorable the way you looked at him in fear. He pulled you from under the table to get a better look at you, he gave you a quick two second once over before nodding with a content hum and tossing you over his shoulder. You squealed and squirmed to get down but he only held you tighter spewing out nonsense like he had decided to keep you for a little bit.

“Stop squirming so much bunny…I’m not that scary am I?”

Doyoung meets you through a match maker interestingly enough. Doyoung was born into an infamous crime family, arranged marriages between associates was a common practice for families like Doyoung’s. As Doyoung begins to take the reigns from his father he knows a marriage is on the horizon he’d need to find a match from another strong clan to join forces with. You happened to be the daughter of not a fellow mob boss, but a wealthy man who earned his wealth legitimately.. As an only child your parents were eager for you to settle down and give them some heirs so you went to a matchmaker for help. By fate you and Doyoung had been paired together, he was introduced to you as your average successful businessman. The attraction was there immediately and a relationship between you two quickly blossomed. It was easy, you both had similar ambitions and goals. You fit together perfectly from the start. Doyoung isn’t sure he’ll ever reveal to you his real job, why should he when things are already great between you two?

“I never thought I’d meet someone this way, but I’m glad I did. I’m glad I met you, my other half.”

Jungwoo meets you through a mutual acquaintance. He was in the market to buy a second property, it would be a safe house for himself and other people close to him. He had a friend who recommended Jungwoo contact you. He was a busy man who needed a realtor to find the perfect location for him, that’s where you come in. You’d sold a number of properties to Jungwoo’s friend already who made sure to give him a stellar review of your work. Jungwoo was running out of time and his friend had convinced him well enough so he called you. Upon the first meeting in person Jungwoo was struck by your beauty. He forced himself to remain professional not wanting to be distracted. You’d begun working for Jungwoo for months at this point, sending him several properties you’d found throughout the week. It didn’t matter what you sent him, he always seemed so unimpressed and displeased with what you’d shown him. You were growing annoyed and worried that you’d never find a property he would close on. Truthfully, Jungwoo loved nearly every listing you showed him, he loved spending time with you even more. He wasn’t ready to close on something quite yet, he wasn’t ready to stop spending time with you, he liked talking to you. Jungwoo’s crush on you grows more every day, eventually he has no choice but ti confess his feelings after you nearly threatened to quit if he refused to finally close on a property.

“I just needed any excuse to be close to you, that’s where I’d always rather be.”

Mark meets you at the hospital. You were working an overnight shift. You were in your third year of residency, working under the guidance of your seniors. That night was like any other night until the doors of the receiving dock flew open and paramedics quickly wheeled a wounded man on a stretcher inside. You were among the staff called to attend to him. You learned from the paramedics that he had been in some kind of shootout. You helped assist the surgeons during surgery as they removed any bullet fragments still remaining. The man remained in the hospital until he was well enough. During this time you cared for him everyday, cleaning and dressing his wounds, checking his vitals, etc. Mark recovers quickly, he’s upset with himself for caving and going to a real hospital, it was a risky move but his clan’s only private doctor was preoccupied and the severity of his injuries definitely called for medical attention. The only good thing that came out of risking getting his identity exposed was the cute nurse who was in charge of caring for him. He was attracted to you and it wouldn’t be long before he asked to take you on a date. You say yes to his offer and the rest is history. Mark won’t outright admit to what he does over time you come to find out on your own.

“You don’t need to know everything about me just yet, I don’t want to scare you off so soon…”



Haechan meets you at a restaurant. He’s having a celebratory dinner with his clan, at the restaurant you waitress for. As luck should have it you were the one picked to serve the loud rowdy bunch of drunk men. Surprisingly the bulk of them left you to do your job without any pushback from them. All except one. The one who sat himself at the head of the table, Haechan. He couldn’t keep his eyes and hands off of you all night. Every time you walked by he’d wink at you from afar and when you were close enough he’d try to pull you into his lap. You were used to serving drunks of all kinds and had your fair share of customers trying their best to flirt with you, Haechan was the most aggressive customer you’d ever had. Haechan was diligent and persistent, he didn’t press further that night and made sure you were tipped well. You thought you had seen the last of Haechan but you were so wrong. Haechan came in almost every day after he first saw you, always requesting you as his waitress. You were uninterested and ignored his advances every time but Haechan could appreciate a challenge.

“That’s fine, ignore me now…I’ll come in every day until you respond beautiful.”

[technologyculturedneo]

Censored: Fact Check. Lee Taeyong

"I trusted you, and you couldn't even protect me."

Pairing: mafia!Taeyong X reporter!Reader

Synopsis: Life takes a sharp turn into the wrong corner when you realise that the man you’ve been with for 3 years has lied to you about who he really is.

Genre. Angst. Mafia and gangs. Dark romance.

Warnings. Angst. Blood scenes. Killings.

News:

"Criminal activities continue to manifest in Kwangya City. With cases and reports being filled day, night and regularly by the hour, as drug exporters, mob executioners and many more corrupt the streets. Legal advisors of Kwangya inform and advice fellow citizens to keep off the streets and stay indoors. However that has proved to be impossible because we are a function city fully based on people working manual and physical jobs.” You read the script stationed on the screen before you turn to your co-host. “This is insanity. Renjun can you believe the chaos going on?"

“It’s absolutely devastating to face this period blindly and not knowing what could happen to any of us. By the hour we've been hearing that citizens are getting kidnapped, houses are being raided, people, and to think that it's happening to different types of people. We could even be victims.” Renjun shakes his head in disbelief turning his gaze off the camera to glance at at his co-worker, you, in the eye. "According to reports made by various sources, the people of Kwangya should be extremely careful or they might be victims in uncalled-for events. That's what it is, uncalled-for and dangerous acts. But what I'm curious about is that Neo City and Kwangya City are close by the border, do you think that perhaps the mob bosses, dealer kings and corroborated mafia leaders of The Neo City are behind this whole scene?"

"I'll have to say Renjun, there seems to be a link between the crimes and patterns that the officers have picked up on, and with closer examinations I can say confidently that I'm sure this is planned by the Neo City corroborated Mafia Leaders. The pattern being the letter 'N' being carved in cites that have been raided. But then again I could be wrong," You turn to the camera. "After the break we'll report live from Kwangya streets to hear what locals and shop owners have to say about the disturbance of the neighboring city. It is now 19:30 and you're watching Channel 5 news."

A man dressed in all black walks inside an electronics store purchasing a burner phone. He walks out the store and drags his cigarette watching the news report outside another television appliances store puffing out air. He fishes for his phone puffing out the air that was from the bud, using an untraceable sim he requests a call on the new purchased phone. The phone instantly connects. "Peaches," He speaks with encryption to 'peaches'.

"Octopus," Peaches answers with confirmation at the same time speaks with encryption to 'octopus'. "Do you have eyes on the girl?"

"Vague eyes on the girl," the man 'octopus' responds. "But I've got clear eyes on the location."

"Name of girl?"

"Y/n."

The receiver notes down. "Do not engage with the girl, wait for further orders."

The man cuts the call removing the sim from the phone returning it to the store swapping it for a different phone. He moves outside towards the tv store continuing to watch from the outside seeing the news channel is back. He keeps his gaze on the female speaker also known as Y/n.

A few minutes later you and your coworker announce your departure and end the news reports. His phone buzzes in his pocket causing him to immediately check it. Signalling that he should be on the move.

.

There's so much chaos in the city, so much involuntary movements are being done, yet on your end you commit the biggest crime by walking during late hours. It's high time you get a car, because you might not know if you're next. It's a serious situation and you of all people (who report the facts) know that the night city is not a time you should be lingering outside.

But being on guard, the moment you're dropped off by your bus, you quickly make your way home. Walking through your residential area, you get side tracked by the twinkling of the stars and how bright they look tonight. Back then looking at the stars was peaceful, but now looking at the stars while being unattentive to your surroundings only brings trouble.

You can't stop looking to them but it's until you turn a corner and walk straight on the avenue of your house, you notice that there's a person on the sidewalk leaning against a lamp post.

What's weird is that he's got his eyes on you.

You look away from him ignoring the feeling in you that you've seen him before...but you can't pin point where.

•

"The weirdest thing happened tonight babe," You rinse your mouth thoroughly before leaving your toothbrush in its case. Walking back into your joined room whereby your boyfriend, Taeyong, is casually on the bed flipping through the channels, you smile while removing your pajama pants being left in your sexy underwear while wearing his baggy shirt.

"What happened?" He sits up leaning on his elbow. "On a side note, what do you wanna do tonight?"

"I don't know," you shrug your shoulders laying down on the bed next to him. "You're the one who came suddenly and uninvited, what do you wanna do?"

He lets out a dry chuckle. "I can't come and see my girlfriend anymore without getting formal permission? Noted." He tries to get a kiss but you ignore him, laughing slightly. "I missed you, though. Couldn't control my urge tonight. After all the effort to see you and nearly getting killed by my boss, I don't even get a kiss? Ouch," He gets playfully sulky.

You grin hiding your face behind a pillow looking at him. "On second thought, I wanna kiss you. Can I do that?"

He pulls the pillow down leaning his face closer. "Do what you want with me babe. Tonight I'm all yours?"

"I just..." You smile looking at him in awe. "I missed you so much,"

"I missed you too," He returns the smile. "I couldn't wait to see you tonight. And it's not just because I think we might make out, but seriously I missed you. Lately, I've been wondering about a lot of things. And you mostly came up in my mind. We've been together for almost 3 years but I can't shake this feeling inside of me. You're my forever,"

Your lips quirk upwards holding onto his shoulders, you get closer to his face and plant a kiss on his lips. "I love you Tae,"

"I love you more then you'll ever know, babe," Taeyong grins pulling you in for another kiss. You lay there holding him as he strokes your hair while he continues kissing you. He pulls away from the kiss only slightly leaving it open and kisses along your jaw line slowly trailing down to your neck. He sucks on your collarbone eliciting a moan from your throat.

He looks up at you, eyes filled with lust and you lean back giving him better access to your neck. Your fingers thread through his hair massaging into his scalp. He pulls away from your neck and places butterfly kisses all along the column of your neck, you shudder and squirm under him as his tongue licks the underside of your ear. "I've been thinking." He says in between kisses.

"What?" Your mind fuzzy with his intoxicating lips of pleasure.

"We should get out of here. Go to another city, or country, start new," He lips merge again with yours and he leans on the bed looking at you. "What do you say?"

"You wanna leave Kwangya?"

"It's bloody murderous now days," Taeyong states. "These days people are running for their lives, and I just don't want to lose you by accident. Anything can happen, and I don't want that to happen to you. I work at Neo City, so I'm not always here to protect you, but I want us to leave. We can find another place to stay, keep a low profile, what do you say? "

You giggle lightly while wrapping your arms around his neck. "As much as I wanna leave this damn city, I can't leave my dad just yet." You mummer. "I know he's my adoptive dad and I shouldn't care, like the way you've been telling me not to care...but this man has done so much for me. He's my dad Ty, and I have to make sure he's safe."

Taeyong looks in between your eyes and sighs softly. "Then how about we move with him?"

"Move with him?" You arch your eyebrow and shake your head finding his plea a joke. You lean in close to get back into kissing him but then recognition dawns upon you. "That's who he looks like!"

You sit up straight on the bed, stretching your body towards the opposite side of your nightstand taking your phone and gliding through some pictures.

"Uhm? Kiss babe? What happened?" Taeyong pouts when you turn your head towards him. "And what are you talking about?"

"That's what I actually wanted to talk to you about," You answer him, recalling the incident that happened. Crossing your legs and holding up your phone to his view you urge him to take it. "Keeping sliding left,"

"A few weeks ago there was a man who entered the company wanting to see the boss, aka my dad. He didn't take it too well that my dad wasn't available and began causing a ruckus. Security had him pinned and began dragging him out, but he kept coming once in a while still looking for the boss. The weird thing is, I saw him again. I don't know... but he kept looking at me. Is it strange?"

Taeyong says nothing looking intensely at your phone at the picture of the man who kept bursting at the place. He grumbles lowly as a dangerous bass leaves his mouth. "Shit."

"Babe?" You tilt your head to the side seeing his serious expression. "Are you okay?"

His eyes look up intensely and furiously that your heart shivers causing you to gently lay a hand on his knee. That seems to snap him out of the raging face before he looks normal...well anxious again. "I'm sorry, what? I didn't hear you,"

"You look frightening. Do you know him or something? What's wrong? Are you okay?" You ask again rubbing hand on his knees as he also sits up crossing his legs, visibly looking annoyed.

"I don't like how close you were. Did he do anything to you?" He asks raising his brow.

"No," You shake your head. "He didn't do any anything to me on that day, but today-"

"You saw him again?" His voice gets louder.

"Yeah, I was walking home and I noticed him staring at me. Maybe it was absentmindedly but it didn't look like that,"

"They know where you live. Shit."

Taeyong hurriedly gets up from the bed going over to curtains pulling them apart, before you can even have time to digest his sudden change of behavior and attitude. You get up on your knees wanting to ask who knows where you live, yet a bizarre sight freezes you in place. The view instantly consumes you with its bright flashing lights and a loud car engine roars drastically screeching and getting closer and closer to your bedroom balcony. Your mind is slow to process- however when Taeyong leaps out of the way vigorously gripping your wrist and pulling your shocked body- you have no choice but to support yourself and regain balance to try and run already hearing the walls of your bedroom bricking down- crashing down. You scream gripping Taeyong with your other hand, but he's quick in lifting you up in one swift move placing you onto his back - you rapidly straddle him from the back holding onto his neck due to the fast pace he's running at.

"Hold on tight!" He yells before his legs swing over the wooden fence around your house. His hole body bucks when he's running and have to hold yourself severely because you feel like with all his sharp movements you could fall off. He's running so fast and sharply.

But it's not long before the angry tires screeches and demolition of your house is in progress. Peeking back there's only heavy clouds of dust all around your tarnished house and rapid angry rolling tires still trudging towards you guys.

"Babe what's happening!?" You yelp now hearing bullet sounds of gunshots shooting up from behind. Taeyong's feet move rapidly that you begin to bounce up and down at every street jump he makes. You hold him tighter closing your eyes. "I'm scared! I'm scared!"

"Fuck." You hear Taeyong curse lowly.

You look back in the dark night no longer seeing the car but running figures. Two! "They're running Taey!" You tell him but the warning is short lived when Taeyong accidentally falls down a short ledge throwing you off guard and off his shoulders

"Taey!" Your back hits the floor hard when a sharp shot hits his leg making him roll down the short cliff leading to the park down below.

"T-Taeyong!" Your bare less feet regain composer and you get off the ground running towards the edge- you're about to go down but your hair spikes as someone pulls you backwards from behind. "OW!"

Your eyes widen as you turn back to the man that just pulled your hair- it's him. It's that man!

"Please?!" You scream out loud when he presses the cold barrel of the gun on the side of your temple.

He pulls down his mask revealing a blunt smirk. "So you're the bitch that has him falling like a pussy,"

"I don't know what you're talking about. Please let me go."

"In that case, you should've let me see your boss that day." He comments. "Because now, you've just made shit difficult."

"I'm sorr-"

Strike!

The last thing you remember before your eyes lost conscious was his enormous fist colliding with your face. Maybe you're still hazy from the hit or maybe it's you're mind playing games with you, however you almost swear that you feel your body being thrown in the back of the car while hearing your name being called. Called by Taeyong.

He's screaming- yelling your name. Your head feels too heavy to lift up, but when you do the car's already driving away with a drenched Taeyong chasing after.

"Taey? Taeyong. Taeyong!" Your body snaps up banging the window and pulling the trigger of the door to open, but it's locked.

"Make her shut up Yuta."

Your wandering eyes search the dark car but just like that- another jaw breaking punch sets you falling backwards in your seat losing touch of your senses and what's happening around you.

•

"Rise and shine sweetheart. Your day has just begun."

Your ears manage to catch the muffled voices verifying them into words that you can actually understand. A sharp pain makes itself known the moment that your eyes snap open. You're laying flat on the stone cold floor feeling pain on your face. Your throat is horses as you try to make a sound. It doesn't work especially when you feel your hair pulled back forcing you to sit up as you hold onto the hand that harshly grips your hair. A loud yelp as well as tears emerge instantly reminding you of the distortion of last night.

The darkness in the room makes itself known but you try to adjust your eyes to the man infront of you. The man doesn't give you much of a chance as he yanks your hair laughing in your face. "Oh wow! Did I do that? Jaehyun look at this, I'm almost as good as you,"

Your throat is parched and you have a massive headache. You try to speak but your lip is split making it hard and you feel your jaw has intense pain. Instead you look into his eyes only seeing dots of black spots and blurry sights.

"Taeyong has taste. She's hot."

"Looks like one of his whores." the other standing figure states moving closer.

Your mind wonders to what's going on but it's hard to piece the pieces when your head throbs hard and all you can think about is nothing but the pain. He lets your hair go and like a pin dropping your whole face and front slam back to the floor weakly. "Ah,"

You let out a small cry making the other standing guy grabbing your neck forcing you up and yanking you. Your voice weakens and you hold in your cry as fear raises in you. He says nothing only glaring at you and you hiccup breathing unevenly feeling your lips quivering. He grips tighter evoking a new wave of panic. He doesn't even need to say anything, his eyes say it all. If you make another sound you won't like the outcome.

He drops you to the floor and having no balance or support, your body tramples weakly on the ground. You close your eyes forcing the tears to stay in, wishing and praying for Taeyong to save you. You don't know what has happened over the course of the previous hours. All you know is that Taeyong seemed to know before hand what was happening. What even is happening? You're proven right when a third party enters the room shortly....it's not even a room. The more you like the wider the grey space looks. It's large too, with only small square windows at the top. It's looks like only a giant can reach up there and no normal human being.

"Guys, he's here. He's really here." The new guy who enters marvels in a cocky manner. "I thought he would've taken longer."

"How could he take long? When the last thing he saw was his bitch in Jaehyun's arms." Another dark chuckle from his end. "She's a fine piece, there's no way he could take long to get back to here, so of course he'd come by in a blink of an eye."

"Where is he now?" The other guy asks.

"With the boss."

.

"You finally remembered us," Johnny smirks when Taeyong bursts into his office looking furious as hell. The entire night he spent running on foot to get to the Gates of Hell, also known as the headquarters of The Neo City Mafia Leaders. From where you live all the way to Neo city takes at least 3 hours while driving, but by foot it takes longer, so seeing Taeyong in his office panting and sweating, Johnny can just feel how much taking you hostage means to Taeyong.

"Where is she?" Taeyong asks fisting his fist and glaring at Johnny.

Johnny throws a picture on the table causing Taeyong to pick it up. It's a picture of himself and you, kissing. "Yuta took this picture moments before they crushed into her house. You look too relaxed don't you think?"

"But before we get to her, let's talk business." Johnny gets up from his desk and tilts his head at Taeyong. "2 missions have passed. Where did you hide off to?"

Taeyong refrains from rolling his eyes. "I was at home."

"You mean at that bitch's house."

Taeyong wants to curse Johnny for calling you however he wanted to call you,  but he can't because Johnny is still his boss and the Leader of the Neo City Mafia Leaders. So he simply clutches his fist stronger and turns a deaf ear to any insults regarding you.

"You're disappearance has not been sitting well with me. Not only did you miss two missions but you've neglected your duties as vice." Johnny states. "You can imagine how pleased I was to have finally found your little bitch. I sent Yuta and Jaehyun to get her. But word tells me that you were actually at that little bitch's house, proven by that photo."

"She has nothing to do with this Johnny. She's innocent-"

"In my book she's already committed a crime. If she can make you neglect two missions, then there's something wrong with her." He smirks. "She has to pay."

"Please-"

"For hell's sake she's even making you say shit like that. 'Please?' did you really just say that?" Johnny fixes the buttons around his wrist. He picks up the remote on the table switching on the tv to a basement that's very familiar to Taeyong. It's the torture chamber. Inside the spacious grey room he sees you on the floor in the baggy shirt he came over with and your black laced underwear, on one side Yuta stands there tilting his head from side to side with his hands buried in his back pockets and near the door leaning on the wall is Jaehyun who's got his eye on you.

Johnny presses a buzzer and speaks into it. "Begin."

Taeyong's heart escalates when he finally realizes what you're doing there. You're going to be tortured. "No. Please don't." He steps closer to the screen watching Yuta smirk at the camera before picking up your shirt and using his backhand to beat the side of your face. "No! Don't, don't don't do this!"

You yell in distress by the sudden impact trying to back away but get forced forward and are beaten left to right. Taeyong with bloodshot red teary eyes watches Yuta have his way with you. "That was for missing two missions. And the next one. This is for disrespecting your oath and word towards me. Jaehyun you may,"

Jaehyun steps forward after Johnny's command and Taeyong has his eyes widen when Jaehyun wastes no time in slamming a hard right hook on your face. You fall back and crawl backwards yelling covering up your face but it's no use as Jaehyun follows you and continues to deliver rough hits to your face. Taeyong grips his hair turning sharply to Johnny pointing towards the screen. "Stop this! She doesn't deserve- she's innocent. It's me you want! I'm here!" Taeyong yells trying to drown out your ear piercing wails that get louder and louder. The thought of your fragile body, your soft skin being beaten up makes his stomach wrench with anger. It's worse since he knows that Jaehyun will only stop if Johnny tells him to. "I'm begging you, please stop this."

Yuta from the side knows very well that Jaehyun plays no games when it came to hitting and teaching someone a lesson. So he's not surprised that after 5 minuets of continuously punching and hitting hard on the girl, Taeyong's girl, your wails become low and your face gets bloodier concealing your beauty. Jaehyun grabs a hold of your hair pulling you up and he looks at your bloodied face with your eyes closing out of conscious. You await the heavy knockout already closing your eyes tight being tired of fighting. Feeling nothing but cold air blowing past you, your eyes weakly open noticing that Jaehyun's fist is centimeters away from your face.

Your eyes having difficulty moving - straining when you try to look at Yuta who's talking but you can't hear a thing. You're dropped on the floor and your eyes instantly shut- too painful to cry, too painful to move you lay on the ground breathing and choking on your own dry blood. With your ears being impaired you only hear ringing and even if you did want to hear something, you couldn't bring your energy or hear all to listen to what the two men that beat you up had to say. The only thing you can think about is the pain.

"She's fucking innocent Johnny! Have you no heart, that's my- my-" Taeyong feels his eyes aching and stinging by the sight of the monitor screen with Jaehyun and Yuta who wipe the blood off their hands and throw it at your face. On his knees his heart quenches seeing your figure shaking but unmoving. Jaehyun would need to pay for what he did to you. "You're a devil, have you no mercy?"

Johnny laughs like the cold heartless monster he is and Taeyong takes his eyes off of your image. Johnny raises a brow seeing the look on his face. "The devil I am indeed and you're supposed to be my spawn. My deadliest spawn, but look at you. You're on your knees, begging and shedding tears. If you value her that much, maybe I should just take her away."

Taeyong slams his fist on the table glaring his eyes at Johnny. "What do you want?"

"You know what I want Taeyong," Johnny smirks. "I'm glad I found the thing that's been hindering you. I don't want to threaten you because you know all that's at stake, all I'll say is that I've picked you up from nothing. You owe your life to me. You've had nothing and if it takes me removing her from the picture for you to focus, you know I'll remove her. So the ball is in your court. Anytime you divert, mislead or even stray away the mission one bit, I won't hesitate to kill her. And you know I will."

Taeyong breathes in heavily straightening his back and closing his eyes. He simply travelled to Kwangya to spend time with you and to escape from his reality for a while. He didn't intend for you to be taken, to be kidnapped all the way to Neo City where crime was at it's peak. So frustrated he pinches his teeth together trying not to get enraged. He didn't even sleep, he didn't even bath as his main priority was getting you back safe. Now that he's here, he knows it'll be a long time until you're going to be safe. "Why Jaehyun and Yuta?"

"You know why I picked Jaehyun." Johnny smirks as if the answer is clear. "I'm proud to have raised you and Jaehyun in my own house. You guys are my two deadliest pawns. With Jaehyun in place you'll do whatever I say for the sake of that girlfriend of yours. While I can count on Jaehyun to give her one blow once in a while, you can count on Yuta to feed her, keep her well." Johnny laughs to himself. "We both know that he won't take good care of her, so bring me what I want and I let her go. Come to think of it, does she even know who you are?"

"What do you want?" Taeyong fumes out still with eyes closed.

"Kwangya at my feet." Johnny moves back to his seat finishing business and closing the deal. "Qian Kun's head. As well as his son Chenle, but he should be alive, he's got information worth fortune. You may leave."

Taeyong drags his hand off the table burning with fire in him.

"Oh and Taeyong." Taeyong stops, refusing to turn back and make eye contact with his boss. "You know what will happen if you try and check on her? One move towards her cell and it'll probably be the last time you see her breathing."

With that Taeyong leaves the room panting and breathing heavily trying not to lose control. Inside the large mansion, criminals rest and roam around so when they see their leader Taeyong walking towards his room with hast and anger they know it's time to bring out their stern faces and full game. Taeyong bangs his door immediately going to shower removing his clothes punching the wall as hard as he can with his fist. "Ahhh! Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!"

He needs to get her out. He needs to get you out of here. You can't stay here. Not in this house, not in this mansion full of dangerous guys. Especially not in that room with the dangerous of them all after himself. And to think, that he's the most dangerous but yet so soft around you. He needs to get you out.

And in order to do that, he'll need to work as fast as he can. Turning on the shower he tries to focus on his target, but getting the bloodied image of her face out of his head is a challenge. He should've never came to visit her. Now he's gotten her in trouble that she doesn't deserve. "Hold on baby." He whispers as the water pours on him. "Hold on."

.

"We get in and get out." Taeyong speaks to the sets of groups listening to him. "Take out as many bodyguards as you can and then leave Kun's door unattended. It's take over day today, they'll know we're coming. So take out the lights, cut out the power, kill anyone who stands in your way, but leave Kun to me. Under no circumstances are you allowed to kill him- that's my job. Got it. Let's move."

•

"We're gonna ask you some questions." Yuta announces entering the basement room with Jaehyun following behind him.

It's been hours and you still haven't moved from your last position. Lifeless on the floor while fading in and out of conscious. Your throat and lips are dry while your eyes are both swollen. Not having cleaned up, crusts of your dried blood remain on parts of your face. You blink a tear away when spotting vague figures standing in front of you. Slowly, your head shifts to the side and you strain your eyes open using the little weight you have to back away. Not having heard what either of them say, you try with all your might to get away but you stop- only having moved an inch due to all the body shock and fatigue, as well as how heavy you feel dragging your body.

"Please..." Dryly you let out weakly putting your hand to cover your face.

"Damn." Yuta laughs. "She's actually holding up better. Not like Ryu and the other girls."

"Ryu died on spot after the third day, why compare her?"

Yuta scoffs as if the answer is obvious. "Because she's not dead yet. Meaning she can give us the answers we need. Alright, girly can you hear us?"

Yuta snaps his fingers near your ear and you slightly flinch, but you can't hear a thing he's saying. You mummer and try backing up begging with your dry cracked lips. "Please..."

"We wanna know about Taeyong." Yuta states his subject. "You give us much information, you eat. You give us little, you don't eat. Deal?"

Your ears feel like they're stuffed with cotton as you can hear his muffled words but you can't decipher what they mean. You can only cower and tremble while moving back- hoping and praying that they won't hurt you again. To your slight movement and response, Yuta thinks you're agreeing with. So you can just imagine your shock, when he speaks some more and you don't respond only seeing through your blurry eyes how his arm lifts up and the next thing you experience is a tremendous blow knocking your head in the opposite direction as you blurt out a cry-before quickly shutting your mouth holding in your voice- afraid you'll get beaten again.

You can only moan in pain as you let out tiny muffled out cries. You're scared for your dear life, and it doesn't help how your whole body is aching in pain, you feel that they are broken ribs here and there, and that your jaw is dislocated and that your ears are deaf just as your vision is foggy- but you can't even do anything with your trembling body but let out cries of sorrow.

Their muffled speeches continue again- but you can't be bothered to try and guess what they're saying because you feel another rock hard kick against your abdomen.

Jaehyun grabs Yuta's collar back while watching as blood splits out of your mouth as you cry and beg earnestly, imploring a single bloodshot word: "Please..."

"She can't hear you." Jaehyun notes, while directing his eyes to your ear which is bloody and red and oozing out lines of blood. "Which renders her useless. Just like Ryu."

Yuta growls in annoyance when noting the blood from your ears.

"Give her food."

Yuta pushes Jaehyun's hand away from you. "No. We made a deal. The less she gives, no food." Yuta walks away from Jaehyun, who only looks at your unlucky figure.

He kneels down close to you, spreading his finger through your hair. You're whimpering and breathing in heaps of fear. Jaehyun looks through your swollen bruised and broken face- cracked lips, bruised cheekbones, eyes bloodshot from weeping, nose busted and bleeding again, the skin around them a sickly pale pink, and yet you look so much more beautiful to him. His fingers pass through your soft hair going all the way down to the curves of your body landing on the fabric of your laced underwear.

"Just between us. If your boyfriend gets Kun's head, I'll get you some pants." Jaehyun mutters knowing you can't hear and taps your cheeks- it still causes you to throb in pain and you're whining like a broken puppy. "It's cold here. Good night."

When they leave the room, you're panting simmers down as your vision blurs out until you're passed out.

-

Your left ear drum is bursted and you fear that you won't be able to see again from your left eye. Although the pain subsides from your body, your stomach tightens in hunger. With each passing second whenever the two figures enter the room, you're scared that they might beat you up just like the previous time. However, it seems like ever that day (that they acted out of rage and beat you up) was just a command from someone higher then them, because they don't touch you again.

They place a bowl next to your head, but you're too weak to move your head or see what's inside. You can smell through your broken nose that it is a meal and it's hot. They splatter water on you from time to time but they don't feed you or make you move a little.

You don't count the time one of them entered the room and began making you wear some pants and left you with some kind of jacket that draped over you like a blanket. You don't count it because you don't remember it ever happening, you just woke up and you had pants on and a jacket blanket over you.

At some point when your bladder was full, you held yourself and kept yourself pressed. And for the time you really needed to let go, you crawled with all your strength but it was slow, and when you got to the corner of the large room, you peed on the concrete floor before you crawled and dragged yourself back to your bowl.

You don't know how many days passed, how many nights passed. You don't keep count, you don't move. All you do is stay in the same place hoping that this nightmare will end and that you'll wake up in your bed with Taeyong comforting you.

But unfortunately you don't ever go back to your normal life. And so as a way to adjust, you crawl to the food and try to eat...suck the food before getting dizzy and accepting that you can only eat a little.

-

Only 3 days have passed with both Yuta and Jaehyun in astonishment of how far you've made it without a bath or using the rest room- you barely even finished a full bowl of water or the food they placed next to you.

While Yuta nags and complains about how he doesn't like being a babysitter, Jaehyun finds himself loitering around the basement checking if you're okay. He splats water on your face from time to time, making sure you're alive. He also takes care of your face and body when you pass out or sleep. He wiped the blood from your face, ears and body, he placed a hot cloth on your face, massaged your scalp and made sure to keep you alive.

Of course now you know that it's been Jaehyun who has been cleaning up your swollen areas and wounds merely because, you noticed that your eyes weren't stinging so much and when you tried opening them you'd feel that it was actually opening up.

Despite his nature, he willingly made sure to keep you well and alive. And much to Yuta's surprise when Jaehyun picks you up from the floor and thrusts you over his shoulder walking out with you, Yuta has so many questions.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

"Get Jaemin." Is all Jaehyun says as he walks out of the basement room.

"You know you're fucked if Johnny sees-"

"He's not here. He's torturing Chenle in the chamber." Jaehyun mutters going up the stairs of the mansion before entering the lower area bathrooms which had 10 stalls for showers. Showers that were on an open floor with no barriers in between. Jaehyun sets you down by the sink as you try to balance yourself.

Although you're weak and your vison is hazy, you make out a man covered in foam and is butt naked seemingly taking a shower in the large space for showering. He's minding his own business and thoroughly washing himself.

Jaehyun's eyes go over your figure before turning back to the man in the shower. "Ten get out."

"Yah." Ten, unbothered, continues to shower. "I'm not bothering anyone today. Strip yourself and bath, stop pestering me to get out."

"Remove your clothes." Jaehyun says nonchalantly removing his leather jacket and placing it on the sink as his gaze is on you. The other guy abruptly turns off his side of the shower and snaps his head back. Upon noticing the female presence Ten covers his manhood.

"No way," Ten laughs. "Is that Yong's chick? Fuck she's a beau,"

You're surprised when Jaehyun holds you by your shoulders and then points to his lips which began moving. Over the past days, your hearing hasn't gotten any better, however you can say that you can hear...but it's low and muffled. So using your hazy eyes to try and see the way his lips move, you make out the words: "Bath" and "Clean."

"Now remove your clothes." Jaehyun continues speaking in a slow paced manner to try and get you to understand. "I'll get you something else to wear."

With that Jaehyun gets out of the bathroom. You're left alone in the bathroom with another naked man, who gives you one last smirk before turning around and continuing to shower. Heeding to what Jaehyun said, you try to remain nonchalant as you begin to remove your hoody as well as pants. You remove your underwear and bra and limp your way, as well as holding onto the wall for support to the furthest shower away from the naked man.

You try not to mind him, as he seemingly minds his own business when showering, however when you step your foot into the wet surface and try to hold up your weak body- you nearly fall causing the wet naked man to carefully leap in your direction. He holds onto your own naked body on the floor and helps you up.

While you cover your exposed areas trying to shield yourself from his view- you feel self conscious when his eyes go all over your face. "Jaehyun really left his mark on your face." He mumbles. "Do you need help washing up? I'm good with that."

You don't recall nodding, but when Ten gets a scrub and some soap, he begins creating foam around your body and he starts scrubbing you. You can only shamefully look down while holding onto the wall for some balance. The guy turns on the water and as the water cleans the foam from your body, you can see the blood mixing together with the foam water. Watching the water mixture, an emotion rises in you and you feel overwhelmed once the tears start blurring your vision.

You don't make it obvious that you're crying, in fact you try to allow the water drops take away the tears. Taeyong lied to you. He lied about his whole life and now you're here. You don't know what to think or feel. The person you fell head-over-heels for seems to be part of the mafia.

Ten stands in front of you when he's done washing your backside and rare. You can feel the warmth of his body and how his manhood keeps dangling and swinging with every move he makes. It lights taps onto your stomach each and every time he washes underneath your neck. He goes from your neck, down to your shoulders and then boobs. You're actually pleased that he's not taking advantage of you and instead washing you thoroughly. He washes underneath your boobs with care, on your armpits- and he even cleans your belly button inside....which is something you found weird. But when he gets to your stomach he takes extra care.

Ten feels bad when seeing the bruises in shades of red, pink and purple as well as black all over your stomach. Damn. Instead of using the scrub, he takes on a cloth and rubs gently over it. You feel a sharp pain from your stomach and instantly your hand goes over your stomach- which automatically gets onto of Ten as he stops while looking at you.

"Do you need me to wash down there or are you good with that?" He carefully asks. "Let me do it, so that you don't hurt yourself?"

You don't know what he's saying, and the tears that built up pour out again as you hiccup and look down.

Ten doesn't know why you're crying, but he takes it as a sign to continue. He thinks you might be crying from the pain. Your breathing is rigid and he tries not to make it hurt, but there's no other way. You're entire stomach looks badly injured. Sometimes Ten forgot what Jaehyun was capable off, but seeing it with his own eyes always made him avoid the older guy.

Ten gets to your pelvis and lower half, and just like he did with your buttock, he takes the scrub and briefly washes over it. He didn't want to make you uncomfortable.

He goes onto your legs and cleans under both your feet as they looked in dire shape. "Jaehyun really-"

"Really what?"

Ten is struck when immediately turning his head to the corner and seeing Jaehyun with a bag. Ten goes back to washing you keeping himself tranquil. "You really fucked her up."

"Johnny said so."

Ten rolls his eyes. Of course Johnny said so. Although everyone feared Johnny as there boss and tried to be as obedient as possible, no one could do it better then Jaehyun and Taeyong. Those two idiolized Johnny to one hell of another degree.

As Ten ponders on this, he finds it weird how actually Jaehyun allowed you to take a bath... "Did Johnny also say she can take a bath?"

Expecting an answer back, Ten is disappointed when Jaehyun simply folds his arms and ignores him. Sometimes he really tried to befriend the other unit team mates, but they were another breed.

Upon finishing, Ten gets up and mumbles in your ear. "Sorry okay babe. I'd never hit a woman. But be strong for your Yong. He's going through hell tryna meet Johnny's high demands."

You make out some words but the rest of the sentence is muffled and you can only look at his lips. Your eyes is hazy and when Ten looks between them both, he feels bad.

Although he was in the gang mafia group, his main post was with the surveillance and equipment team dealing in hacking. He was never in the front line. Most of the times when he saw what the members of the front line would do, he wonder how he got himself stuck in such a work field.

Jaehyun takes over as he moves closer to you and hands you the towel and the points to the bag. "Get dry and change."

With that he leaves the bathroom. Ten once again takes heed in helping you out. After helping you dry yourself, he searches through the bag and sees a boxer. Helping you put it on, he adjusts the size by pulling onto the strings and then he goes onto a long sleeved shirt...which on you it looks baggy. Seeing the logo and the size and color, Ten figures out that you're not wearing anything of your style but instead this is from Jaehyun's wardrobe. He then puts on the black sweat pants and pulling the strings to adjust it to your waist before finally finding some socks. They're also big, but socks always fit and so they fit you fine.

Ten takes it a step further and pulls all your hair to the back deciding to braid it. It's a skill he learnt when he was growing up with his family and had to do his sisters hair. So doing your hair kinda reminds him of his sister. His heart pings when looking at you. You didn't ask for this.

Once you're done, Ten helps you walk to the shower door. He opens it up and you limp out. Jaehyun is leaning against the wall looking at the floor.

Seeing your limping figure and seeing you all dressed up in his clothes, he squats down and picks you up again tossing you over his shoulder and begins taking down the stairs again.

You feel much better after bathing, but still your body aches with the way Jaehyun holds your stomach against his shoulder. Upon getting away from the light house, your eyes make note of the darkness leading to the basement where you once where.

Upon Jaehyun getting back he spots Yuta and Jaemin. "Jaemin check on her. Give her medicine or put alcohol over her wounds, whatever she needs to get well."

"Well?" Yuta scrunches his eyebrows. "Are you crazy?"

"No I'm not." Jaehyun mumbles before moving bac to his seat on the corner and leaving the two looking down at you. Jaehyun put you back on the floor and now you're seated up right.

-

Taeyong slumps on his bed after a long day and night. He picks up his phone from the night stand and checks the time. 02h00 am. Looking at the wallpaper of you leaning close to his chest, his heart tightens. How many more tasks would he have to do to get back to you? He's been working extremely hard for Johnny, but yet Johnny still had his hands on you.

This evening was almost a breaking point for Taeyong, he was tasked to torture Chenle in the most vile ways to get information out of him on how to get his dad, Kun. But even though it was something he had to do, he didn't want to do it. Inside of him, seeing Chenle strapped up to a chair and looking fearful...only reminded him of you. Chenle was hot headed and refused to give up any information...that's until Taeyong was no longer lenient and actually began the torture. After stuffing a gag ball in Chenle's mouth, Taeyong felt the most heavy when striking his first blow across Chenle's face.

The first punch alone left Chenle with a bleeding eyebrow and forming bump. When Chenle looking horrendously scared turning back to Taeyong- he wasn't prepared for the way that Taeyong would unleash all his anger. Another hard strike against Chenle's face, almost punctured out Chenle's left eye and by now he was feeling scared. He couldn't even talk because of the gag ball- but that didn't stop Taeyong from swinging his fists and treating Chenle like a punching bag.

The strikes weren't only limited to his face, but to his abdomen as well. And when things got tough because Chenle still didn't want to realease information, Taeyong picked up a hammer. And with Chenle's hands being strapped as well Taeyong beat the hammer excruciatingly hard and stubbed Chenle of his pinky finger.

From screaming and yelling without being heard (due to the gag ball) and Chenle's whole face turning red with veins popping all over his forehead from how Taeyong beat him up and broke on his fingers one by one- Just made Taeyong feel regretful. He normally wouldn't feel remorse when doing his job. But yet, beating Chenle up only brought his mind to you. Who knows, maybe somewhere in the basement the same abuse was happening to you.

Taeyong sighs and shuts his screen off. He feels so bad for coming to visit you. If he hadn't visited you, then you wouldn't have been caught and this wouldn't have happened.

Meanwhile Johnny walks into his office with blood being covered on most of his suit as well as face. Taeyong was weak. Is what Johnny notes. While Johnny sat on the corner of the room and watched as Taeyong beat Chenle up this afternoon- it came to Johnny's awareness as how Taeyong was fighting Chenle. Although physically strong and he did a number on Chenle with a broken jaw, swollen eyes and busted nose, Johnny could still see right through Taeyong that his mind was elsewhere.

It's why after long dreadful hours he sent Taeyong to go and sleep- so that he himself could finish Chenle off.

And once Johnny started, he started by his typical standard way of chopping off one of Chenle's toes. Even though Chenle was ready to speak a long time ago while Taeyong was beating him up, Johnny wanted to make sure that Chenle wouldn't lie. So after cutting 3 out of 10 toes and breaking Chenle's arms- he confirmed what he wanted to know.

Switching on his tv, he watches you sleeping on the ground while Jaehyun sits on the corner of your room. After telling Jaehyun to look after you and make sure you're okay, he knows he did a good job. Because you don't look as shabby as you did before. You look proper and even clean. Leaning back on his seat, he lights up a cigarette looking out his high view window.

Taeyong was always his prized possession, and Johnny wanted to keep it that way forever.

So after getting the report back of your condition, Johnny decides to give you a few more days or even weeks of rest before he can allow Taeyong to see you.

And so it happens, as the days pass by and your condition slightly gets better with the help of Jaemin constantly checking up on you, Johnny makes sure to try and toughen Taeyong up- by getting him involved in other gang mafia activities that still needed to be done.

By the start of the third week, when Taeyong feels his heart becoming numb every second, when morning comes he makes his way to Johnny's office by routine, as if being summoned for the next mission. However for this week Taeyong is surprised with what Johnny tells him. "Your next mission is in the basement."

Feeling fearful of what Johnny has up his sleeves, Taeyong composes his emotions. It' been 2 weeks since he last saw you, and the last time he did see you, you were beaten up to a pulp and that was the only image he could remember.

But now following Johnny to the basement, Taeyong wonders what state he'll see you in.

And just to his dismay you're strapped on the chair. Although your attire has changed, the patches on your face reveal the type of pain you've been through. "Babe.." He can only whisper when he sees Yuta scouting around you.

"Tae-" Your eyes get watery and you begin whimpering while crying lightly. "Tae..." Is the only thing you can croak out while trying not to break down.

Taeyong's heart heaves in his chest when hearing and seeing how broken and scared you look. He swallows a lump down his throat, hoping that Johnny won't do anything that's maniac.

"You know that day, I figured something out." Johnny states while walking near to you. His hand touches your shoulder and jolt a little. "While you were beating Chenle up."

Johnny smirks when watching Taeyong's eyes snap up to his, just as he feels your shoulder stiffen. From what Jaehyun said, you were able to hear from your right ear while your left ear seemed damaged. Either way, you could hear him. And hearing that Taeyong beat Chenle, makes you peer into Taeyong's eyes. Surely, it wasn't the Chenle she knew. Surely it wasn't her brother.

"I saw the way he looked at you. And I saw the way you were hitting him." Johnny remarks. "It's true that you gave your all in beating him up. However it's fair to say, you didn't give your all because he was still alive."

Johnny mentions when letting go of your shoulders and he moves to Yuta.

"I made Jaehyun look after her while Yuta did a background check on her and while you were out there hunting for Quin Kun's head." Johnny chuckles. "And it got me thinking how it's exactly the same reason you run away. Whenever I put you on the mission to look for Kun's head, you come back with no results. I began wondering, why only for Kun's head do you struggle? You never struggled to get Doyoung's head. You never struggled to get even Jungwoo's head- and he was the fucking prime minister. You even got Jisung's head, and he was just a kid. I've trained you to be merciless all your life, and you've brought back great results. However when it comes to Kun, you struggle a lot. And I wondered why."

"Tae..." You whimper breathlessly.

Taeyong can't bring his eyes to you, as he can feel the tears already leaving your eyes. Johnny liking the reaction of Taeyong looking down to the ground while you cry, gets him to walk in front of you.

Johnny crouches down in front of you and taps your cheek. "I did a background check on you, and it seems you were adopted from a young age. To a wealthy Chinese family." Johnny smirks and gets back up looking to Taeyong. "I sent you, three years ago on the mission to kill Kun. And I remember how you came back empty handed saying you couldn't track Kun and that it wasn't him."

Taeyong inhales deeply getting his eyes to glare holes into Johnny's smug eyes.

"I dropped it and searched for another target. I mean, if we were gonna take over the Chinese business market we'd need to get rid of the most successful Chinese business man, which is Kun. And if Kun was undefeatable by my best pupil, by you Taeyong- then it meant we weren't strong enough. I put down Kun thinking that we needed to be stronger. And so I trained you and groomed you to be harder and stronger so that the next time we'd meet him, he'd be of no match. But no, I was wrong again. I sent you for the second time, you came back empty. I sent you for the third time, you came back empty. And what makes me laugh is that all your excuses made me think that Kun is some motherfucking top gang mafia in China. It was always the Kun mission that you kept failing. So when I got word that Kun moved to Kwangya City, I thought this was it. We can nail him when he's not on his home turf. I sent you again. And for the fifth time, you came back empty. That's when I knew something wasn't right."

You can't believe what your ear is hearing. Your eyes are watering and you're whimpering inside with your trembling lips. Taeyong lied to you.

"So when I caught your little bitch, I thought she was the reason why you've been slacking off." Johnny continues. "We brought her in, beat her up, in the hopes that you'd do your job. You managed to do your other activities and killing jobs successfully- but still, when it came to Kun, you couldn't kill him and I wondered why. Why my best elite man, couldn't kill some old Chinese guy. And why he also couldn't kill his son. I killed Chenle by myself since you couldn't do it. And after killing him, it dawned on me, perhaps I should send someone else to get the Kun job done."

That makes Taeyong's heart beat just as his eyes enlarge. "You didn't."

Johnny smirks. "I love pairing you and Jaehyun together on missions because I get twice the deadly combo I was looking for. Of course when you're separated you bring back results that make me proud of you two. But I thought to myself, if Taeyong can't get the job done, then maybe he's other half can."

"No..." You can't even hold yourself from wailing when just in time, Jaehyun walks in with one hand dragging a lanky body without a head, and on Jaehyun's other hand, he holds onto a clamped ball of black hair that's mixed with blood. A head that's dripping blood from it's cut neck. You instantly recognize the head and body. You recognized the body in the white suit instantly because the suit was a present you bought for your dad- and when seeing the head on Jaehyun's other hand your heart breaks when a grueling cry erupts from your lips. "DADDY!"

Hearing you cry rattles and destroys Taeyong in many devastating ways, but seeing Kun too dead and spilt from his body completely ruins and tears Taeyong down. He acts on impulse when his body lunges for Jaehyun and he balls a fist knocking Jaehyun straight to the ground dropping the bodies.

Jaehyun’s blood stains Taeyong’s knuckles dark red as Taeyong but doesn't stop there and keeps punching with extreme rage. Your cries are all that Taeyong can hear and he doesn't give Jaehyun a chance or even time to collect himself. Between him and Jaehyun- Taeyong was always the strongest and he made show to demonstrate his strength upon Jaehyun when using his fists to destroy.

Johnny watches nonchalantly while Yuta runs to Taeyong and joins to on the fight. Giving Jaehyun enough time to collect himself while Yuta distracts Taeyong- Jaehyun unleashes his anger over Taeyong. He tosses Taeyong from his waist all the way down to the concrete floors before getting ontop of him and starts pounding into Taeyong’s face over and over again. Taeyong tries to block out your cries but it's impossible as he sees you bleeding on the floor. He stops fighting completely, allowing Jaehyun to beat you up.

It's only because he sees Johnny kick your chair to the ground and press his foot over your head squeezing you by pressing you done. "If you're done I'd like to carry on my monologue." Johnny boredly speaks.

Jaehyun fuming in rage helps Yuta up as they both get away from a puffed and bruised up Taeyong.

Your eyes are sad just as your face turns red from all the pain that Johnny emits onto you by crashing your head. Taeyong tries to see from his one good eye but it's equally just as bad. Johnny speaks. "I was thinking what could be your punishment. And seeing that hurting her makes you weak, I thought of something better. And what can be better then cutting you loose? I've decided to let you go. Of course you can always come back if you want and find that out there isn't good for you without her, but regardless I'm letting you go. Take any car you want, heck I'm even giving you permission to take my cars if you'd like. And you can even have your girlfriend back. I'm not gonna chase her, you can have her back. There's no catch. Just a clock ticking. One hour I want you out and gone."

Johnny puts his hand in his pocket and tosses it in the air to Yuta. "Get him any car he wants. Jaehyun I want you to place the bodies of Kun and Chenle in which ever car he picks, let them bury the family, it' only fair. And Taeyong, get cleaned up from Jaemin, you can take your pathetic crying girlfriend as well." Johnny removes his foot against the side of her face and struts out of the basement before moving back. "Oh, and you can take her to her fathers house, her house is destroyed. In his will her father was sweet enought to leave everything in her name."

Just as Yuta and Jaehyun follow after their boss, Taeyong struggles to get up before limping over to you. You're crying and sobbing profusely and you look so small curled on the floor. Your legs are bloody and your clothes are tattered, your hair is messy and tangled and covered in dust from the ceiling. You don't seem to notice Taeyong and he's afraid to approach you but he knows that he has to get you somewhere safe. Even if he's weak, he forces himself to carry you bridal style as he limps out of the basement to Jaemin.

Jaemin doesn't ask questions and patches your bleeding head and puts a number of bandages around Taeyong.

"How long did they give you?" Jaemin mumbles.

"An hour."

"Will you be okay?"

Taeyong doesn't even know what to say or respond when looking at you as you're curled up again with your eyes closed as you silently cry. Taeyong whispers back. "My punishment is watching her suffer while being around her. He knows I'm helpless because of what I've done. I'm just hoping she'll forgive me.

And so when Taeyong picks out a car, and Jaehyun is done depositing the bodies of your family in the boot Taeyong begins driving. The car is silent with the both of you staring ahead in deep thought. Taeyong doesn't know what to say to break the ice and you don't even want to speak to him. It's only when he pulls up your father's mansion do you begins to sob out. It hurts Taeyong, and he when cautiously puts his hand on you - you slap it away and get out the car. Your cry worsens when you open the boot and see the bloody plastic in which your brother and father are. You try to bring them out of the boot by yourself- but when you see Taeyong helping you bring the plastic out your tears halt.

"I'm sorry babe-"

"Don't you ever call me babe." You snap your head around. You're both beaten and look busted- but it's you that's more heartbroken. Taeyong feels like throwing up and his eyes water when your own eyes don't stop imploring. "You hurt me, Taeyong. And I hate you. I hate you! For doing this. For forcing me to watch this every day!" You scream at him and throw his car keys at him. Taeyong catches them with trembling hands and looks around for you. "I won't forgive you. You're the reason why my father is gone. Why my family is dead! Why Chenle is dead. If it weren't for you, then none of this would have happened." You stumble back being too weak to keep your eyes open as you wail out. "You knew this would happen but still-"

Taeyong's eyes are watery when he holds onto your arms. "Babe I'm sorry- I really am- I…"

"Don't touch me Taeyong." Your voice is barely above a whisper as you try to get away from him not having the strength to look at him. But Taeyong still comes close as he tries to explain to you. "You couldn't even protect me, you allowed them to kill my family- and you get close to me by lying- you just wanted to kill my father- I hate you! Get away from me-" you implore pushing him back by his shoulders roughly.

"At first it was just orders," Taeyong can hear his own heart breaking when you keep refusing his touch and you don't want to look at him. "But three years ago I fell in love with you, and didn't wanna do it anymore. I love-"

"I hate you-"

"Everything changed when I realized just how much you mean to me. I fell in love with your world, the peace, your serenity, I fell…baby I fell in love with you-" Taeyong tries to get close again while looking into your eyes even though you shake your head and try to get away from him. "Babe I fell for you-"

"I trusted you-"

"Trust me now baby please-"

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" You break. You can't help but look at him in disgust, sadness and anger all at once. You can't believe that this was once your whole world, you used to look at him with such love because your whole heart wanted him. But now, his whole features disgust you. "Don't you ever, ever come near me again. Get out of my life Taeyong and go back to that hell."

"Babe please-"

"GET OUT! GET OUT OF MY LIFE! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU SO MUCH!" Your wailing and screeching hit Taeyong where it hurts. He backs off and looks at you with sadness, hurt and despair. "I can't stand you anymore. Get out of here. Please."

He nods his head, walks away from the car, tears streaming down his face and leaving you in front the plastic bag of the dead bodies of your father and brother. From the rearview mirror Taeyong watches you kneel down on the ground as you slowly reach into the body bag and grab one of the two heads and put it on your knee while wiping away the blood. Taeyong hits the wheel in anger- but it's in his anger when he realizes Johnny's plan.

Johnny said: "Of course you can always come back if you want and find that out there isn't good for you without her," Back then Taeyong didn't understand- but after his car is several of yards away his eyes widen. They're gonna kill you. Even though Johnny said there's no catch, he knew better then to believe it when Jaehyun wasn't anywhere near when you left. He stops the car and abruptly gets out running back to you.

And just as he gets in sight of the mansion which once belonged to Kun, he sees you struggling and wrestling with Jaehyun who looks like he came out from the plastic bag. In a quick movement, Jaehyun brings out a gun-

"NO!" Taeyong shouts.

It's in moments like these when he realizes that a gangster love isn't so sweet. He loved you for so long and thought that you'd be able to make it far with him. But he failed to protect you or your family, and even though knowing that loving you would kill him, he still drew closer to you. And now he regrets his decisions. When Jaehyun pulls the trigger and a loud blasting sound is heard, and your head sprouts out blood- Taeyong feels his whole heart shatter and splitting into two

-

News:

"Another night in hell city as criminal activities continue to manifest. With cases and reports being filled day, night and regularly by the hour, as drug exporters, mob executioners and many more corrupt the streets. Legal advisors of Kwangya inform and advice fellow citizens to keep off the streets and stay indoors.” Renjun reads the script stationed on the screen before looking down and reading the next point. "Unfortunately, our very own representative Kun, and former anchor woman Y/n, were killed and found last night in the dumps."

Renjun can't even begin to express his troubled heart. Two weeks ago they heard you were kidnapped, and then just last week someone reported seeing you, and just before a search party could be sent out, they heard the devastating news.

“It’s absolutely devastating to face this period blindly and not knowing what could happen to any of us. By the hour we've been hearing that citizens are getting kidnapped, houses are being raided, people being killed, and to think that it's happening to different types of people, and to people we love.”

Renjun shakes his head in disbelief turning his gaze off the camera to glance at at his sheet of papers. He had to be professional and couldn't even shed a tear on camera. So he huffs up and continues.

"According to reports made by various sources, the people of Kwangya should be extremely careful or they might be victims in uncalled-for events. That's what it is, uncalled-for and dangerous acts. Following Y/n's suspicion, police have a led on who they think the killer, or mafia member might be. He goes by the name of Lee Taeyong. And his activities line up to the crimes being investigated. After the break we'll report live from Kwangya streets to hear what locals and shop owners have to say about the disturbance of the neighboring city. It is now 19:30 and you're watching Channel 5 news."

Taeyong stands outside of the tv station new building and sees all the flowers as well as candles lit up for everyone favorite anchor woman. He bends down and his lips tremble. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. But I will avenge you, and your father, and brother."

[peanutpinet]

Girl i need more of Johnny ans flower that was soooooo goood. If i understood correctly that requests are open could you do like a scenario where flower and medical girl are somehow together in thr nct tower building and ot goes on lockdown due to an attack pn it so jphnny and taeyong havw to save them together!?

Ours - Mafia Leader! Taeyong x Medic Girl & Mafia! Johnny Suh x Flower

Official TY’s girl name: Kim Eunji

Official Johnny’s girl name: Chrissanna Lee

A/N: hi anon! I’m glad you enjoyed reading my recent Johnny mafia fic and even read some of my old fics, literally the first NCT fic I’ve ever made. So sorry that it took me so long to write this for you since I was travelling and have been caught up with some freelance work and also recently started a new job which tbh I don't like :') but I hope that you enjoy the story and I'm sorry if it doesn't meet your expectations >.<!

Also, also!! Let me introduce you guys the official names for Taeyong’s medic girl: Kim Eunji and Johnny’s flower: Chrissanna Lee. Lil easter eggs of previous mafia fics

It was a rare peaceful day in NCT. Mainly because all the tasks that Taeyong had to take care of was actually done and he was just going looking over at his members’ businesses when his girlfriend and nurse, Eunji came by to his office, bringing him his lunch.

“Hey. I hope that I’m not interrupting anything boss” Eunji asked as she went into Taeyong’s office where Taeyong was with Doyoung and Johnny

“You would never interrupt anything” Taeyong smiled, standing up to greet his girlfriend with open arms and kissed the side of Eunji’s head

“Stop that. Your members are here. Hi Doyoung, Hi Johnny” Eunji greeted the other members

“Hey. It’s been a while Eunji. Sorry to ask you this but how’s Chris? Is she doing better?” Johnny asked, still worried about his girlfriend despite it being a few months since he got rid of the people who made them have PTSD

“Hey. She’s doing much better. She’s opening up more and we’re actually going to hang out together tomorrow” Eunji mentioned, grabbing both Taeyong and Johnny’s attention

“Tomorrow? Is that one of the reasons you wanted to come here and see me?” Taeyong sulked, making Doyoung fake vomit as Eunji kissed his cheek

“No. But I might as well say it whilst on the topic” Eunji replied whilst also handing over some paperwork from the lab

“And this is why I don’t want you coming when there are other members around. We don’t get any alone time and I barely get to see you” Taeyong sighed but Eunji just kissed his cheek, massaging his shoulders

“Well, Mr Leader, we just came back from a one-week trip together. Don’t you think that that’s enough for now? You know that it takes time to train the new recruits” Eunji mentioned

“Eunji is right, hyung, the new batch of recruits takes a lot of time to train because of how incompetent most of them are. The girls especially try to flirt with the dream members but you know how annoyed the boys with girlfriends are” Doyoung mentioned

“You should see Jeno almost wanting to strangle a girl because she was bad-mouthing his girlfriend when she managed to find her socials” Eunji added on, making Taeyong rise his eyebrow

“Jeno took care of it. He had Haechan broadcast a whole Twitter thread that that girl made” Eunji chuckled, remembering that time

“That’s Haechan. You can try to tease him but when it passes a line, he’ll make sure you’ll regret it” Taeyong mentioned, knowing his younger member’s habit of ruining someone’s life through hacking

“So, Eunji. You and Chris? You guys going tomorrow?” Johnny asked again

“Yeap. We’re not going anywhere crazy, trust me. We’re just going into town for a bit and we’ll come back to the NCT HQ. Is it alright to show her around the HQ?” Eunji asked

“I think that’s best. We’re actually going out on a mission tomorrow so if you can make it back before it gets dark, it would be better” Johnny mentioned, making Eunji look at Taeyong

“I too was going to tell you that I’m going to be out tomorrow but you came here first so, here we are” Taeyong shrugged, earning a light smack from Eunji

“How many of you guys are going to be out? What’s the mission this time? I can postpone my outing with Chris if you need me” Eunji asked but Taeyong stopped her by turning to hold her hands in his and kissed them

“No need for that. It’s just some light fieldwork. It won’t take that long anyway. We’ll be back by sundown. That is if Johnny doesn’t mind leaving his girlfriend for one day that is” Taeyong teased but Johnny just eyed him

“I’m not possessive. I just prefer if I was there with her but since Eunji will be with her, I’m completely fine. Chris has always wanted a girls day out” Johnny mentioned. “Thank you for looking after her, Eunji. I really appreciate it”

“Of course, John. It’s the least I could do after everything you’ve all done for me” Eunji mentioned

“Ehem, we should get going. Jaehyun told me that the others are already waiting for us” Doyoung mentioned, interrupting the conversation, making Eunji giggle

“You take care, love. Use my card. If I find you not using it, I’m gonna block yours. Don’t think you can fool me about that” Taeyong mentioned, wrapping his arm around Eunji’s waist as he, Eunji, Johnny and Doyoung left Taeyong’s office together

“I will. You guys take care of yourselves” Eunji mentioned, kissing Taeyong’s cheek

“We will. Call me if anything happens” Taeyong replied as Eunji nodded before Taeyong kissed the side of Eunji’s head one last time before she left the elevator first

The Next Day

Just as Eunji told Taeyong and Johnny the other day, she and Chris would be going out on a girls day together. Eunji and Chris went to the NCT HQ first and met up with their respective boyfriends who gave them each their own credit cards and made each girl promise to use the given cards instead of their own.

After spending almost all morning at the HQ, Eunji finally finished her paperwork and handed back to Xiaojun before bidding her boyfriend goodbye to spend the day with Chris.

“You tell me if anything happens, alright? We might be back by night but if anything should happen…” Taeyong rambled but Eunji shut him up by pecking his lips

“We’ll be alright, Tyong. We’re just going to have some lunch and then shop around town for a moment. We’ll meet you guys back at the HQ. I promise I’ll call if anything happens” Eunji replied, Taeyong still holding onto her hand

Sighing, Taeyong stood up and cupped Eunji’s face, his face softened. “Alright. I’m not going to hold you back any longer. Johnny just texted me that he’s waiting downstairs to send you both off. I’ll see you tonight then” Taeyong kissed Eunji’s cheek and let her off

After bidding Johnny goodbye as well, Eunji and Chriss went into town and headed to a local’s favourite brunch spot and after they’ve seated and ordered their food and drinks, they finally get to have some girl time.

“Do you work at the HQ every day or do you get to go on field missions?” Chris asked, making Eunji look at her

“Mainly in the lab. Ever since the incident, Taeyong hasn’t really let me go on a field mission on my own. I would always have to go with at least 2 of his members or with him. Otherwise, I won’t be allowed on the field” Eunji replied

“You went through a traumatic experience too?” Chriss asked and Eunji smiled back at her

“It wasn’t as bad as yours. Mine happened at the HQ and during one of the fieldwork. Both were because someone from within the recruits was a mole. It wasn’t as bad, trust me. I’m alright now. I was lucky honestly. I did have a trauma with guns since I was little and Taeyong helped me with it. I’ve gotten better” Eunji told Chriss who gave her a sad smile

“I guess we were both lucky to have met such amazing men and people to help us. I was completely alone for years and I didn’t think that Johnny would be the type of person that he is today. Or even when that night that I almost tried to leave but he stopped me” Chriss mentioned

“I know that it’s still hard for you to open up but trust me, you’re safe when you’re in the main circle. No one is judging you. Every other member in the main circle have their own traumas and difficulties. Even Taeyong who’s the leader and is supposed to be the strongest and toughest member. We all have our nightmares and different ways to cope them” Eunji mentioned

“How do you handle being part of this whole thing? I heard that you were one of their recruits back then” Chriss asked as Eunji sipped her coffee

“Well. That’s a long story. But to cut it short, I didn’t have such a happy childhood like yours. My parents were killed in front of me. By the time the police and the government found me, I was so weak and bloody. They took me in but trained me to be part of the NCT recruit system. Eventually, I joined the recruits and rose in the ranks. I partially think it was because since a young age I had to learn everything on my own. I also had to survive on my own. But despite being able to excel in just about anything. I couldn’t overcome my trauma with shotguns. Not necessary that I was afraid of shotguns but I just couldn’t shoot anyone in their vital parts. Especially when someone is holding a gun within an arms range towards me. I would be petrified. It happened once and I fainted on the spot. That’s why since then Taeyong won’t really let me go on field missions without any NCT members” Eunji replied

“Is it scary? To fight and see all the gruesome scenes?” Chriss

“It was in the beginning. But as time went on, the more I trained, the more used to it I was. Well, except for my trauma. But one thing that you should believe me is that the neos will try their best to keep their woman out of anything that relates to the mafia. Even if how they met their woman was through some traumatic experience like you” Eunji tried to reassure Chriss

“Now that last part I believe because Johnny has not told me anything about the mafia. He would tell me a bit of the entertainment agency he runs but aside from that, nothing” Chriss chuckled

The two girls talked and went around town, buying some things for themselves and their boyfriends until they saw that the sun was about to set. Realising that it was going to get dark soon, the two girls took the car back to the NCT HQ and told their boyfriends along the way who were still out with the majority of the NCT team on a field mission.

Arriving back at the HQ, the two girls went up to the top where Taeyong’s office was because aside from the NCT members, Eunji too had access to Taeyong’s office.

Feeling bored waiting for their boyfriends, Eunji invited Chriss to go on a little NCT HQ tour which she was more than happy to go because despite being in the building, Chriss has never actually explored the building because whenever she was with Johnny, he would just bring her to his office or the other NCT members’ office.

The two girls then headed through each floor with Eunji being the tour guide and explaining most of the rooms in the building. Because most of the people in the building knows Eunji, she would often stop by and greet them. Sometimes she would even check in on some of the new recruits.

In the midst of their tour around the building, suddenly, the building went on lockdown due to a breach in the system. Yangyang who was still in the HQ announced to the entire building to stay calm but Eunji grabbed Chriss and headed to where Yangyang was.

“Yangyang!” Eunji exclaimed, grabbing the young member’s attention

“Eunji! What are you doing here and is that…” Yangyang uttered

“It’s Chriss, Johnny’s girlfriend. What happened?” Eunji asked, striding to Yangyang who was overviewing the control room

“Someone tried hacking into the system. Haechan and Jungwoo are working on it. I’m helping them however I can from over here. Winwin, Hendery, and Chenle are searching around the building. Taeil, Doyoung, and Renjun are checking on the recruits and everyone to make sure that everyone is alright” Yangyang informed Eunji

Looking at each of the security screens, Eunji noticed that not all parts of the building were monitored. “Yangyang, what about the floor between 1 and 2” Eunji whispered

“Eun, I doubt anyone besides our internal members knows about that floor. No one should even have the access key to that floor because it’s DNA and facial recognition security” Yangyang replied back

“But you never know. I’ll go then” Eunji uttered

“Eun. Taeyong-hyung is not going to allow that. We’re in complete lockdown. Several of our members are already going around and the others are on their way back from the mission which they succeed by the way. You and Chriss should stay here and that’s final” Yangyang stated

“You’re forgetting something” Eunji stated, walking towards the door, grabbing Chriss with her

Yangyang who realised what Eunji was going to do tried to rush to her but she immediately disappeared behind the door along with Chriss.

“Hyung. I think we need to change our plans” Yangyang stated in his intercom

On the Secret Floor

“Was this place always here?” Chriss asked as both she and Eunji went into the elevator and Eunji pressed both the first and second floor while scanning her ID card

“Since the building was built. This floor is sacred and only the main NCT members and certain staffs…”

“Like you?”

“Like me. Gets their ID card with a specific chip for this. It’s sacred because, on this floor, we keep our top weapons that are still under development. Some of them can be deadly because they’re still unstable. Even if an intruder comes here and steals the weapon, it’s fine because it has a self-destruct system if an unknown person touches it. But the blueprint on the other hand, that’s what I worry about the most. No one should be able to get their hands on it” Eunji mentioned

As the door opened, Eunji instructed Chriss to stay nearby as they made their way through the floor and headed to where the weapon design room was. Going into the room, Eunji went through every single desk to make sure that all the blueprints were there but in the midst of going through the blueprints, Eunji felt something was off and immediately grabbed a backup weapon and turned around to point it only to meet the intruder who held Chriss as their hostage.

“I think it would be best if you put your weapon down and hand over all the blueprints” the intruder spoke, the knife he held almost pierced through Chriss’ skin until I let down my weapon

“You really think this is smart? I think it would be best that you let her go and turn yourself in before you regret it” Eunji tried to sound tough even though deep down she was shaking from the fear of what the intruder had up their sleeve

Within seconds, there were multiple footsteps that came but knowing NCT, those weren’t the typical footstep sounds that they would make and Eunji was right because there were some other intruders who turned out to be pretending to be some of the cleaning staff in the NCT building.

Both Eunji and Chriss were then captured by the intruders and used as hostages to get out of the building. The intruders took the majority of the blueprints that were in the room and were about to head out from the floor when the lights were suddenly off and gunshots filled the hallways along with loud combat boots sounds.

When the light came back on, the majority of the NCT members came, cornering the intruders who were on the floor, bleeding out as the members shot them but not at their vital organs. At one corner, Taeyong came forward while on the other corner was Johnny who did the same thing. Both men looked at the intruder who looked like he was going to pee in his pants but instead of shooting them or doing anything violent, both men moved forward and softly took their girlfriends away from the scene as the other members took care of the intruders.

NCT Penthouse - Taeyong’s penthouse

Back at Taeyong’s penthouse, both Taeyong and Johnny immediately got their girlfriends treated by Kun and XIaojun. After they were treated, Taeyong softly asked Eunji what exactly happened because Yangyang only told them that there was an intruder in the building and that both Eunji and Chriss were heading to the secret floor.

Once Eunji told them everything, both Taeyong and Johnny looked at each other and though the two of them want nothing more to torment the intruders, they knew that taking care of their girlfriends came first.

Taeyong decided to cook for the four of them while Johnny prepared some movie night to calm both girls’ nerves even if he and Taeyong were still angered at what happened.

“I’m sorry” Eunji spoke, grabbing Taeyong’s attention who was softly playing with her hair as she was laying on his chest while Johnny and Chriss were back at Johnny’s penthouse

“What are you sorry for? If anything I’m sorry for always getting you stuck in these kind of situations” Taeyong replied

“It wasn’t your fault, bubu. Plus, I was a recruit before I was your girlfriend. It’s still my duty to deal with these things” Eunji mentioned

“I know. I know you’re still apart of all of this and as much as I want to offer you a normal life, I know that I can’t just yet. But I’m grateful how understanding you are with all of this and how patient you have been with the situations. I just wish that you wouldn’t be so stubborn and go out of your way to deal with this on your own. At least ask a member to come with you” Taeyong lectured while Eunji just draw circles on his chest

“Lil rose…” Taeyong called out, making Eunji stared at him but decided to tease him by softly kissing his jawline, making the mafia leader groan in frustration before turning their positions around and pining the girl underneath him

“Don’t tempt me, babe, I’m already frustrated and annoyed about the intruders” Taeyong warned but Eunji wrapped her arms around her boyfriend

“I’m not. Plus, you’re not the only one that’s frustrated” Eunji smirked before squealing as Taeyong suddenly lifted her up

“Well then, let’s both relieve that frustration, shall we?” Taeyong smirked, softly pecking Eunji’s lips before carrying her to his room

Johnny’s Penthouse - Johnny’s POV

After we’ve had dinner and watch a movie at Taeyong’s penthouse, Chriss looked tired so I decided to let Taeyong know that we would be heading back to my penthouse first before anything else we have to do.

Back at my penthouse, Chriss and I were chilling on the bed while we watch through her favorite show, Avatar the Last Airbender. In the midst of the show, I noticed that Chriss fell asleep and smiled to myself knowing that she was able to rest despite what she had to go through today.

But right when I tucked her in, I noticed that her breathing was out of control and she started to stir around in her sleep. Worried, I immediately sat next to her and gently shook her until she woke up.

When Chriss woke up, I handed her some water before getting under the covers next to her, wrapping my arm around her small body. “It must’ve been scary”

But as I expected, Chriss just cuddled closer and grabbed my shirt, nodding her head. “I know that Eunji is one of your friends here but why did you take the risk and followed her when you know it could be dangerous?”

“B-because, I want to help her. I want to help you” Chriss let out, looking at me with her doe eyes which makes me want to just squeeze her tightly and never let go

“Flower. You’re too sweet but it makes me worry you know. I’m worried that something worse could’ve happened even if it didn’t. I know you’re bored staying here on your own and just going to college but I’m still worried about you. If you wanted to train some self-defense then I can help with that but other than that, I wouldn’t want you to be involved in anything dangerous, okay?” I rambled on which made Chriss chuckle

“What’s so funny? I’m being serious here. I’m worried you know that” I groaned but Chriss hugged me tighter

“I know. But you look funny when you ramble like that. You like more approachable this way” Chriss chuckled, making me smile bigger

“Only for you that is” I smiled, bringing Chriss closer and kissed the top of her head, being with her until she fell asleep

NCT HQ - 1:27 am (3rd POV)

After both their respective girlfriends finally went into their slumber, both Taeyong and Johnny headed back to the NCT HQ together and once arrived, they immediately headed to where they would always keep their captives.

Reaching one of the rooms, the two met up with Jaehyun along with Yuta who were both waiting for them. “Apparently they’re all just some kids. Well, they’re practically in their late teens, early twenties but kids nonetheless” Yuta stated

“I doubt they’re kids if they’re as old as some of our younger members. They’re old enough to take responsibility for their actions” Johnny scoffed but Taeyong made no comment

Instead, Taeyong made his way into the room and unlike previous rooms, this one actually looked like a classroom with the teacher’s desk in the far front and there were around 20 desks and chairs in the room. Only instead of students, the room was filled with the intruders who tried to steal from them and were tied down to their chairs.

“Were you really going to hurt them?” was all Taeyong asked to the intruders, specifically targeting towards the leader amongst them

When he didn’t hear any answer Taeyong sighed and went up towards them and in a blink of an eye, Taeyong managed to scare everyone by pointing one of his knives by the leader’s throat, making them swallow their saliva.

“Yuta was right. You all should be grateful that you’re just a bunch of kids. Granted that you’re as old as some of our youngest members. But that doesn’t mean we won’t discipline you. Isn’t that right, Johnny?” Taeyong stated, looking at his fellow 95 line mate who looked at the intruders with a smirk

“Of course. What kind of leaders are we if we don’t discipline troublemakers” Johnny smirked as the two most feared men in NCT tormented their intruders

A/n: I'm so sorry I've been MIA for 2 months but life has been busy. I travelled for 2 weeks, was sick for 2 weeks and now just started a new job, somehow have a lot of freelance to do and yea, life is pretty hectic. But I hope that everyone's 2024 has been good, if not, we're on the same page then.

Also, am so sad that TY is finally going to enlist but I shall wait patiently for his return :') also", does anyone play nct zone? If you do, please message me so we can be mutuals in the game. Kay. I have one more request for the NCT mafia fic. If anyone wants to request anything, even just a simple one-shot, just hit me up. I shall now go back to suffer this office job that I haven't even worked for 1 week yet :))

[multifandomslxt]

hey sis I have a question which nct 127 members are rough during sex and which one's arent?

Have a nice dayyy

xoxo

Rough Usually

Yuta (Are you surprised?)

Jaehyun (Depends on the day but the man can be selfish asf when he wants to cum)

Johnny (RARE. Also depends on the day and how you were behaving)

Haechan (He's a brat. He wants to be fucked rough and he wants to fuck rough. Plain and simple)

Not Rough Usually

Taeyong (OMG. He just wants you to feel good. Would literally break his heart to get rough with you)

Mark (He's too scared but dw I think you could convince him)

Jungwoo (You'd have to beg him to be rough with you. You're literally his baby so he treats you like a fragile china doll)

HALF AND HALF

Doyoung (YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GONNA GET!)

[butterfly-lies-chase-them-away]

Mamacita - Lee Taeyong x Reader

Now Playing: » Mamacita « Chase Atlantic 0:52 ─〇───── 3:22 ⇄ ◃◃ II ▹▹ ↻

Pairing: Mafia Leader!Taeyong x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 18,829 Part 2 of 3 (Part 1) - (Part 3)

Warnings: 18+ MDI, (Oh Boy), MAFIA, SMUT (unprotected, p in v, spitting, switch, choking, other's I can't remember), Minor Angst (good ending), Sexual Arrangement (Kinda FwB), Drug Abuse, Forced Drug Abuse, Overdose (survives), Attempted Murder, Sex while Intoxicated, Toxic Relationship(?), Commitment Issues, Manipulative Behaviour, Guns, Implied Age Gap

Summary: 🎵 That's my mamacita, yeah (mamacita) I won't ever leave her, yeah (yeah, yeah) Mama, I might keep her, might keep her I don't love her, but I need her, yeah 🎵 or What happens when a firey girl catches the eyes of a mafia leader

A/N: god, I did not want to do multiple parts, but it would nOT fit in one part so...

-

It was barely a couple of days later when the first call from Taeyong came.

"Sweetness, I've arranged for Johnny to come grab you after 5 PM, bring you straight to me," his smooth, commanding voice rang over the phone, leaving no room for negotiation.

Y/n blinked, holding the phone a little tighter. “Wait, Taeyong–” she started, but the line had already gone dead. 

He hadn’t even waited for her response, as if her agreement was simply a formality he could skip.

She stared at her phone, the dial tone buzzing in her ear. The pit in her stomach deepened, a mix of apprehension and frustration bubbling inside her. He was relentless, always in control, but considering the position he was in, it was really no surprise. 

Y/n sighed, setting her phone back down. She glanced at the clock. It was already past noon, and she had just a few hours to prepare herself for whatever this impromptu meeting with Taeyong would entail.

The rest of the afternoon felt like a blur as she went through the motions of getting ready. She couldn’t shake the knot in her stomach, her thoughts swirling with questions. Sure, she expected a call, but why was he calling her over so soon? Was he that desperate?

When 5 PM rolled around, the car pulled up outside her building. Y/n peered out her window, spotting Johnny in the driver’s seat, casually leaning back as if he had all the time in the world. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her bag and headed downstairs.

As she stepped outside, Johnny rolled down the window and gave her an easy grin. “Right on time. You’re learning,” he teased.

Y/n rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips. “Do I even have a choice?”

Johnny chuckled, opening the passenger door for her from the inside. “Not really. Get in.”

The ride was quiet at first, with Johnny drumming his fingers on the wheel every now and then. Y/n stared out the window, watching the city blur past, her nerves mounting with every mile. Finally, she broke the silence.

“Johnny,” she started, her voice hesitant. “Do you know what this is about? Like…really?”

He glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his expression unreadable. “Not my place to say. But don’t worry too much, Taeyong’s a good man.”

His words were meant to be comforting, but they did little to ease the tension coiling in her chest. She nodded faintly, deciding it was best not to press him further. She’s never been this deep in before, not for a long time. 

The car eventually slowed as they turned down a familiar street. Y/n’s pulse quickened when she realized they weren’t heading to Taeyong’s mansion or the hotel, they were going somewhere new. As they pulled up to what she assumed to be a speak-easy, her heart sank.

“What is this?” she asked, glancing at Johnny.

“You’ll see,” he replied cryptically, stepping out of the car to open her door.

Y/n hesitated before stepping out, her heels clicking against the pavement. The building loomed above her, its dark glass exterior reflecting the evening sky. She followed Johnny up the stone steps, her unease growing with each step.

Inside, the space was lavish but dimly lit, with plush furnishings and an air of exclusivity that made her feel out of place. Taeyong was already there, seated in a secluded corner, a drink in hand. He looked up as she entered, his sharp gaze softening when it landed on her.

“Sweetness,” he greeted, standing and gesturing for her to join him. “Right on time.”

Y/n forced a smile, walking over and taking the seat across from him. Her palms felt clammy, but she refused to let it show. Whatever game he was playing, she would figure it out and she’ll play it twice over.

Johnny gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder before retreating to stand by the door, his watchful eyes scanning the room.

Taeyong leaned back in his chair, his eyes trailing over her “You look stunning,” he said, his voice smooth, almost lazy. “I thought tonight we could have dinner together. Something nice.”

Y/n blinked, caught off guard. “Dinner?” she echoed, her tone edging on disbelief.

He nodded, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “It’s just a meal, Sweetness. Don’t overthink it.”

Her brows knitted together. This wasn’t what she’d signed up for. Dinner felt...intimate, and intimacy wasn’t supposed to be part of their arrangement. “Taeyong,” she started, her voice firm, “I thought we agreed to keep this simple. What’s this all about?”

He leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on the table. “Simple doesn’t mean boring,” he said, his tone teasing but with an edge that made her stomach flip. “And having a meal together doesn’t change anything. You still have your boundaries, and I still have mine.”

She frowned, feeling the ground beneath her metaphorically shift. “It feels like you’re crossing a line.”

Taeyong’s smirk deepened, and his voice lowered, rich with amusement. “Sweetness, I’m just feeding you. Let’s not make this more complicated than it needs to be.”

Y/n opened her mouth to argue, but the waiter appeared, setting down two glasses of wine and handing them menus. She looked at the table, her pulse racing.

Dinner. Just dinner, she told herself, though the unease coiled tighter in her chest. Taeyong always had a way of steering things in his direction, and tonight was no different.

Y/n picked up the menu, her fingers steady despite the churn of thoughts in her mind. She glanced at Taeyong, who was watching her with that same unreadable gaze, the faintest smirk playing on his lips. 

He thought he was in control, steering this strange dynamic between them. What he didn’t realize was that she had her own plans, plans that didn’t involve staying under his thumb for long.

"Fine," she said, her voice light as she tapped a finger against the menu. "I suppose I’ll let you buy me dinner. But don’t expect this to become a regular thing."

Taeyong chuckled, low and smooth. “You make it sound like I’m twisting your arm. It’s just a meal, Sweetness.”

She forced a smile, hiding the confidence bubbling underneath. He might think she was another piece on his chessboard, but she had her own game to play. Let him think he was winning. The more he underestimated her, the easier it would be to slip through his grasp when the time came.

When the waiter returned, Taeyong ordered for both of them, Y/n barely lifting a finger. Y/n sipped her wine, letting him take the lead for now. She wasn’t fazed by his assertiveness, if anything, it only solidified her goal.

As the first course arrived, Taeyong leaned back in his chair, his gaze settling on her. “So, tell me, Sweetness. What’s your story?”

She raised a brow, cutting into her food with deliberate care. “My story?”

He nodded, swirling his wine. “Everyone has one. I’m curious about yours.”

Y/n smiled, tilting her head. “You’re telling me you don’t know it already?”

His smirk widened, and for a moment, she could see the flicker of challenge in his eyes. “I wouldn’t ask if I knew. You look to have a lot on your mind.”

She shrugged, taking her time before answering. “Maybe. But some things are better left unsaid.”

He leaned in slightly, the air between them charged. “Not to me.”

Y/n met his gaze head-on, her confidence unwavering. “Especially to you.”

The tension crackled, but she didn’t flinch. She wasn’t going to let him corner her, no matter how magnetic his presence was. If Taeyong was trying to unravel her, he’d find himself facing a wall.

“Fair enough,” he said finally, leaning back again. His smirk softened into something almost genuine. “I like a bit of mystery.”

Y/n let him think he’d won that round, though the triumph simmered quietly in her chest. She had to play her cards carefully, she was playing her own game, and she wasn’t about to lose.

As the dinner wore on, they exchanged light conversation, both of them probing for weaknesses in their own ways. To Taeyong, it might have seemed like a casual meal. To Y/n, it was a challenge.

The clinking of glasses and silverware faded into the background as the waiter brought the bill, which Taeyong settled with a flick of his wrist, his gaze fixed on Y/n. 

She kept her expression neutral, her mind already preparing for what came next. This was the predictable part of their arrangement, dinner, the unspoken tension, then back to his domain where boundaries blurred and control shifted.

Taeyong stood, offering his hand. She hesitated for a heartbeat before taking it, letting him guide her out of the restaurant. The cool night air greeted them, but it did little to settle the simmering heat between them. Johnny was already waiting by the car, his stoic presence a reminder of the world Taeyong operated in.

As they slid into the backseat, Taeyong didn’t say much. His arm draped casually over the back of the seat, his fingers brushing against her shoulder. Y/n leaned into the window, watching the city lights blur past, her thoughts racing. She was playing a game of patience, and every move had to be calculated.

“You’re quiet,” Taeyong said, breaking the silence.

“Just tired,” she replied, keeping her voice even. “It’s been a long day.”

He hummed, as if unconvinced, but he didn’t press further. Instead, his gaze lingered on her profile, studying her with the intensity she had grown used to. It was as if he was always searching for something, some unspoken truth she refused to give.

The car slowed, and Y/n blinked as they turned into the driveway. Of course, they were back at Taeyong’s mansion. Where else would he take her? The sprawling estate loomed in the darkness, its grandeur a stark contrast to the simple life she was used to.

Johnny opened her door, offering a polite nod. “Welcome back.”

“Thanks,” she murmured, stepping out. 

She glanced at Taeyong as he joined her, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back as they walked up the steps. The gesture was possessive, a subtle reminder of the dynamic he believed they shared.

Inside, the house was quiet, the kind of stillness that felt suffocating. Taeyong led her to the living room, where he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over the back of a chair. He poured himself a drink, his movements unhurried, as if savoring the control he held over the moment.

“Drink?” he asked, gesturing to the crystal glasses.

Y/n shook her head. “I’m good.”

He tilted his glass toward her, his gaze sharp. “Suit yourself. But I insist you stay tonight.”

Her lips curved into a faint smile, though her heart raced. “I figured as much.”

Taeyong chuckled, the sound low and smooth. “Good. You’re learning.” 

Y/n crossed her arms, leaning against the edge of the couch. “What if I had other plans?”

“Cancel them,” he said simply, taking a slow sip of his drink. “You’re here now.”

She raised a brow, the fire in her eyes flickering. “Confident, aren’t you?”

“Always,” he replied, setting the glass down and stepping closer. “You wouldn’t have come with me tonight if you didn’t want this.”

He wasn’t wrong, but that didn’t mean she’d give him the satisfaction of admitting it. Besides, it’s not like she had much of a choice. Instead, she let him close the distance between them, her chin tilting up defiantly as his gaze bore into hers. He was intoxicating, a storm she couldn’t quite resist, but she reminded herself of the endgame.

“Fine,” she said, her voice laced with feigned indifference. “Let’s see how the night goes.”

Taeyong smirked, taking her hand and pulling her toward the hallway that led to his bedroom. “Oh, Darling,” he murmured, his voice dripping with promise. “The night is just beginning.”

She stopped him in the dimly lit hallway, her hands curling around his collar as she pulled him down into a kiss. It was slow at first, her lips brushing against his with deliberate softness, before deepening into something that made his head spin. His eyes fluttered shut as he melted into her, savoring every second of the kiss like it was the only thing grounding him.

When she pulled back, a teasing smile played on her lips as she took his hand, trying to guide him back toward the living room. 

Taeyong dug his heels in, his grip firm as he stopped her. “Where are you going?”

“Grabbing a bottle,” she repeated, her brow raising in mock defiance. “You know, our tradition?”

He pulled her closer, his arms sliding around her waist and holding her snugly against him. “Not tonight,” he said, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “I want to be sober for this.”

Her head tilted as she looked up at him, eyes narrowing in playful suspicion. “But you’ve already had a couple of drinks, and you’re literally holding one right now.”

Taeyong smirked, the corners of his lips curling mischievously. “This is sober compared to what you have had me drink,” he quipped, leaning down to steal another kiss.

Y/n chuckled against his lips, her amusement tinged with disbelief. “Oh, come on, Taeyong. You make it sound like I’m your personal bartender.”

He grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling in that disarming way of his. “Maybe you are. Except I don’t think bartenders look as good as you do.”

Rolling her eyes, she placed her hands on his chest, pushing lightly. “Flattery won’t distract me. Let me grab the bottle.”

Taeyong’s grip tightened, his arms circling her waist as he pulled her closer. His voice dipped lower, more serious now. “I’m not joking, Y/n. Tonight, I don’t want anything clouding this.”

Her heart skipped a beat, his intensity catching her off guard. The air between them shifted, heavier with meaning. She searched his eyes, trying to read him, but all she found was an unspoken determination.

“You’re being unusually sentimental,” she teased, though her voice was softer than she intended.

His expression softened, the teasing glint in his eyes replaced with something more serious. “No,” he murmured, his thumb brushing lightly along her jawline. “I just don’t want anything dulling this. I want to feel everything tonight, every moment with you.”

The weight in his words made her breath hitch, catching her off guard. For a moment, she just stared at him, unsure of how to respond, but the intensity in his gaze left no room for doubt.

“Well,” she finally said, masking the flicker of nerves behind a smirk. “If you’re planning on being all tender, you’d better make it worth my while.”

Taeyong chuckled, pulling her closer as he pressed another kiss to her lips. “Trust me, Lovely,” he whispered, his tone equal parts promise and challenge. “I intend to.”

Taeyong paused, his lips barely brushing hers, his breath warm against her mouth as he whispered, "You want this?" His voice was low and rough, laced with vulnerability that made her chest tighten.

Y/n hesitated for only a moment before nodding, her voice soft but certain. "I do."

His lips curved into the faintest smile, one filled with relief and something deeper.

"I need to hear you say it," he murmured, his fingers brushing along her jawline, his touch achingly gentle despite the fire burning in his eyes.

"I want this," she said, her voice stronger now, matching the resolve in her gaze.

That was all he needed. Taeyong captured her lips again, this time with a fervor that made her heart race. "Good," he breathed against her mouth, the word almost a growl.

As he leaned in closer, his hand ghosted over her waist, his fingers pressing lightly but firmly as he whispered, "I want you to feel how much this means to me, Y/n. Every second, every touch, I don’t want there to be any doubt."

She exhaled shakily, her hands moving instinctively to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her palms. "You’re not holding back this time, are you?"

"Not a chance," he replied, a smirk tugging at his lips before he kissed her again, deeper this time, his movements deliberate and unhurried.

This was different, Taeyong was making sure of it, and so was she.

He stopped for a brief moment, his lips still grazing hers, eyes searching hers for a flicker of approval before continuing his slow, measured movements. “This good?” he murmured, his voice a low, breathy whisper that made her shiver.

Y/n nodded, her fingers threading through his hair as she whispered back, “Yes.”

Taeyong's lips trailed slowly down her body, each kiss a soft promise that ignited a fire inside her. “You deserve to feel everything, every second,” he said, his voice vibrating against her skin. “I want you to remember this for the next week.”

Her breath hitched as his hands became more deliberate, teasing and exploring with a quiet intensity. “Taeyong…” she whispered, her voice trembling as her body arched slightly under his touch.

As he moved lower, the heat between them grew, every inch of his touch a lingering claim on her skin. He pulled her closer, feeling the rush of her breath quicken as his lips ghosted over her stomach, his hands tracing the soft lines of her hips. 

“I can feel your heart racing,” he said with a soft chuckle, his tone filled with both teasing and adoration. 

He took his time, savoring every moment as his fingers worked their way to the waistband of her underwear. “Ready?” he asked softly, pausing with his fingers hooked around the fabric.

“Yes,” she replied, her voice steady despite the fire in her chest. “Don’t stop.”

The fabric clung to her, but with a gentle tug, he removed it, his movements slow and purposeful, as if undressing her was as intimate as any kiss. His gaze never left her, eyes dark with desire and intent. 

“You’re so beautiful,” he breathed, the sincerity in his voice making her cheeks flush.

As the last of the fabric slid off, he paused, looking down at her exposed body. Drugging his finger past her slit, Y/n shivered.

“You don’t even know what you do to me,” he muttered, his voice almost reverent as his hands roamed freely.

Y/n gasped sharply, her breath catching in her throat as Taeyong’s gaze held hers. “Tell me how it feels,” he said, his voice a low growl that sent another shiver through her.

“It feels…good,” she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper as the sensation of his touch overwhelmed her.

The intensity of his eyes made her pulse quicken, and without breaking eye contact, he slowly pushed his finger past her pussy lips, pumping her slowly. The sensation sent a shiver through her, a wave of heat pooling in her stomach as she felt every inch of him, every deliberate movement. 

It had been a long time since any man had made her feel this way, with his touch, his attention, his ability to bring her to the edge of pleasure with just his fingers rather than his dick.

Her body instinctively responded, arching up toward him, urging him on. Taeyong, ever the patient yet focused lover, leaned down, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of her inner thigh. The soft touch of his lips made her legs tremble, her breath hitching. 

He kissed her softly at first, savoring the taste of her skin before moving lower. Then, with a deliberate, almost reverent motion, he lifted her leg and draped it over his shoulder, his lips following the path along her body.

His touch was firm but gentle, his hands holding her securely as he explored every inch of her. His movements were calculated, knowing exactly how to tease, how to please, and how to leave her gasping for more. 

Each kiss on her thigh, each press of his fingers, each shift of his body as he maneuvered around her made her heart race, her body surrendering to the rhythm of his touch. There was no rush, only the slow, deliberate build of anticipation, of a moment that would stretch out into something unforgettable.

Her hands gripped the sheets beneath her, knuckles white with the intensity of the moment. The fabric bunched beneath her fingers, grounding her in the mess of her own senses. 

Her body trembled, not just from the touch of his hands and lips, but from the rising anticipation that seemed to pulse through her veins, making her entire being feel alive in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time. Every touch, every movement from him seemed to heighten that tension, making her heart race faster, her breath coming in shallow gasps.

She was acutely aware of the way his fingers worked, each pump of his fingers bringing her closer. Looking her in the eyes, Taeyong pressed his tongue on her open hole, licking it slowly. Her body responded instinctively, her back arching as she tried to meet his movements, a soft moan slipping past her lips. 

Dragging his tongue up, Taeyong flicked her clit gently before wrapping his lips around her little bundle of nerves, sucking it sweetly.

She could feel the heat pooling in her core, the pressure building as he brought her closer and closer to the breaking point. 

It was as if time had slowed, the air thick with desire, each passing moment dragging her further into the depths of the pleasure he was giving her.

Taeyong's voice was low, his words dripping with control and seduction as he spoke between kisses and lickes. 

“Look at you,” he murmured, his tone both teasing and admiring, his breath warm against her skin. “So responsive…I barely have to try, and you’re already trembling for me.”

His hand moved with precision, his fingers exploring her, eliciting soft moans from her lips. “You like this, don’t you?” he asked. “You like how I make you feel…how I know exactly what you need.”

When her body arched into him, her fingers gripping the sheets for dear life, he chuckled softly, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of her inner thigh. 

“I can feel it,” he whispered, his dark eyes locking with hers for a moment. “You’re so close, aren’t you? Don’t fight it, sweetheart. Let me take you there.”

Her breath hitched as he continued, his words relentless, each one sinking deeper into her mind. “I want to hear you,” he urged, his voice firm but enticing. “Don’t hold back. Let me know how good I’m making you feel.”

As her moans grew louder, his fingers slowed slightly, his eyes flickering up to meet hers just as his fingers flicked her bundle of nerves. “Not yet,” he said with a sly smile, his tone a mix of command and playful cruelty. “I want to savor this–savor you.”

When she whimpered in protest, her body begging for release, he leaned closer, his lips grazing her ear. “You’ll get what you want,” he promised, his voice soft. “But only when I’m ready to give it to you.”

The tension in her body was almost too much to bear, and he could see it in her eyes, feel it in the way she trembled under his touch. “Taeyong.”

“That’s it,” he said, his tone shifting to something even darker, more possessive. “Let go for me. I want all of you–all of this.”

And as his fingers pumped inside her, her body finally succumbed, the overwhelming waves of pleasure taking over, Taeyong’s voice was the last thing she heard, grounding her as she spiraled into bliss. 

“Good girl,” he whispered, his words a mix of pride and satisfaction. “You’re mine now, Y/n. Don’t ever forget that.”

Y/n gasped softly at his words, the weight of them settling over her like a velvet chain. Just hours ago, she would have scoffed at the thought of allowing any man to speak to her like that, to claim her with such confidence. 

But Taeyong was different. He had a way of dismantling her defenses, one deliberate touch, one seductive word at a time, until she couldn’t help but surrender to him.

His lips captured hers once again, the taste of her still lingering on his tongue. The kiss was hot, igniting a fire that spread through her body, leaving her craving more. She couldn’t think beyond the feel of him, the weight of his presence pressing down on her like a promise he fully intended to keep.

Their hands moved in sync, tugging at the fabric that still separated them. His fingers slid over her skin as he stripped her down slowly, as though he was savoring every second. She reciprocated, her hands working to free him of the last barriers between them, her fingertips brushing over the warmth of his skin.

As the final piece of clothing fell away, Taeyong hovered above her, his dark eyes drinking her in as if she were the most exquisite thing he’d ever seen. He reached out, his thumb tracing the line of her jaw with a gentleness that contrasted starkly with the intensity in his gaze. 

“You’re stunning,” he murmured, his voice low, as though he was speaking more to himself than to her.

Y/n’s heart raced as he leaned down, his lips brushing against her neck, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. Every move he made was deliberate, calculated, designed to make her feel as though the rest of the world had melted away, leaving only the two of them.

Taeyong shifted slightly, his body aligning with hers, his weight grounding her in the moment. “I want all of you,” he murmured against her skin, his voice dripping with possession and promise. “Every part of you, mind, body, and soul.”

And as he claimed her lips once more, Y/n found herself unable to deny him, her own desires tangling with his in a way that felt inevitable, there was no stopping this.

Taeyong didn’t hesitate, positioning himself at her entrance with need, the head of his cock stroking at her enterance. With one deliberate thrust, he sank into her, his body melding with hers as a shared gasp filled the space between them. 

His head dropped forward, the pleasure overwhelming in the tension of his muscles and the soft groan that escaped his lips. He pressed a series of tender kisses to her cheek, trailing them down the curve of her jaw and the column of her neck. 

His arms wrapped securely around her, pulling her closer as though he couldn’t bear even a whisper of distance between them. Slowly, he began to move, sliding in and out of her in a rhythm that was unhurried but intentional. His pace was steady, each thrust carrying a weight of emotion that should not exist.

It wasn’t rough or fast, it was something else entirely. Intimate, almost romantic in its simplicity. Every movement spoke volumes, as though he was telling her all the things he couldn’t put into words. Y/n felt herself surrendering completely, her body and mind clinging to the moment.

She should have said something, corrected the situation, but she didn’t. She was too lost in the sensation of him, the way he filled her so perfectly, the way his hands caressed her skin as if she were something precious. It was a side of him she hadn’t expected, a gentleness that left her utterly disarmed.

Her hands found their way to his back, her fingers tracing the lines of his muscles as she clung to him, anchoring herself in the experience. Their breaths mingled, their bodies moving together in a harmony that felt as though it had always been there, waiting to be discovered. And in that moment, nothing else mattered.

Pulling away from her neck, Taeyong’s gaze locked onto Y/n’s through heavy-lidded eyes, his expression intense. His mouth hung slightly open, each exhale a soft gasp that matched the rhythmic thrusts of his hips. For once, Y/n wasn’t distracted with schemes or distractions. She allowed herself to simply look at him, really look at him.

Every detail came into focus, the little scar just beside his eye, one which had a story all of it’s own, the tiny mole at the corner of his full lips, which were still flushed from their earlier kisses, and those dark, soulful eyes, brimming with emotion even as they bore into hers. He wasn’t just the enigma she had been trying to figure out, he was real, alive, and breathtakingly close.

Almost on instinct, her hand rose to his face, her fingertips brushing against the warmth of his skin. The touch was soft, caring, and it caught him off guard. His eyes fluttered shut, a quiet hum escaping him as he leaned into her palm. His thrusts faltered momentarily, their rhythm breaking as if her touch had thrown him completely off balance.

Encouraged by his reaction, she let her fingers trace along the sharp line of his jaw before threading into his dark hair. She dragged her fingers through the strands slowly, savoring the way his body seemed to respond to her every movement.

“Don’t stop,” Y/n moaned, her voice trembling with a mix of urgency and pleasure.

Taeyong’s eyes opened, intense as he met her gaze again. “I have no intentions of stopping,” he murmured, his voice low and gravelly.

His hips regained their rhythm, but now there was an added edge, a desperation to match her own. His movements became more deliberate, every thrust drawing soft cries from her lips. 

The intimacy of the moment wasn’t just physical, it was in the way he looked at her, in the way their bodies moved as if they had been made to fit together.

Y/n felt her heart pounding in her chest, the intensity of his presence surrounding her. For a moment, all of her plans, her worries, and her doubts melted away, leaving only the raw connection between them. And as Taeyong continued to move, his breaths mingling with hers, she knew this moment would linger with her far longer than she’d ever admit.

Taeyong’s movements grew more deliberate, each thrust hitting deeper as his pace quickened, pushing both of them closer to the edge. His grip on Y/n tightened, one hand anchoring her hip as if to hold her in place, the other trailing up to cradle the back of her side, pulling her even closer to him.

Y/n’s breath hitched, her nails digging into his back as waves of pleasure rippled through her, building to an almost unbearable peak. “Taeyong…” she whispered, her voice trembling with need, her body arching to meet his every thrust.

“I know,” he rasped, his voice raw and low, his forehead pressed against hers. His eyes flickered shut for a moment before opening again, dark and intense as they bore into hers. “Just hold on, Sweetness. I’ve got you.”

Her legs tightened around him instinctively, her body trembling as her hands clung to his shoulders. The sensations were overwhelming, every stroke of his hips igniting fireworks in her core. Her breaths came faster, mixing with his, their voices rising in unison as the tension between them climbed higher and higher.

Taeyong’s jaw clenched, his brows furrowing as he fought to keep control, though the way her body responded to his every movement was quickly unraveling him. “You feel so good,” he muttered, his words barely coherent, spilling out between deep, ragged breaths.

The sound of his voice, low and commanding yet filled with need, sent a shiver down her spine. Her hands found their way to his hair, tugging lightly as her body trembled beneath him. 

“Fuck, I’m close,” she gasped, the confession tumbling from her lips before she could stop it.

“Me too,” Taeyong admitted, his voice hoarse, his pace becoming erratic as he chased his own release. He leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “Cum, pretty girl.”

His words were the final push she needed. Her body tensed beneath him, her back arching as a wave of ecstasy washed over her, pulling her under. 

“Taeyong!” her voice shaky and filled with raw emotion, her nails raking across his skin as she clung to him.

The feeling of her unraveling beneath him sent Taeyong over the edge. With one final, deep thrust, he groaned her name in return, his body shuddering as he let himself fall into the pleasure, every nerve ignited by her. 

His hot seed filled her inner walls as he held her close, their bodies trembling together as the world seemed to blur around them, leaving only the sound of their breaths mingling in the stillness.

As Taeyong collapsed onto her, his body heavy with exhaustion, he instinctively wrapped his arms around her and rolled over, shifting her onto his chest. The movement made Y/n’s heart skip, her breath catching as she found herself sprawled on top of him. The intimacy of the moment felt almost too much, but his arms held her securely, refusing to let her go.

Taeyong's fingers traced light patterns along her back as they lay there, their breaths gradually evening out. He tilted his head down to look at her face, his expression a mix of smug satisfaction and genuine tenderness.

“See?” he said, a teasing lilt in his voice. “Wasn’t this better?”

Y/n blinked, her brows furrowing slightly. “What are you talking about?”

“Sober,” he clarified, his lips curling into that cocky smirk she was starting to recognize all too well.

Y/n rolled her eyes, letting out a small scoff. “Eh,” she replied with a nonchalant shrug, though her voice lacked conviction.

Taeyong’s eyes widened in mock offense, his hands tightening slightly around her waist. “Eh?” he repeated, his tone incredulous. “Really? That’s all you’ve got for me?”

Y/n glanced away, trying to mask the warmth blooming in her chest. She wasn’t used to this kind of vulnerability, the way his deliberate, steady touch had left her feeling exposed and cared for all at once. It wasn’t like the impulsive encounters she was used to, where there was no time to think, no time to feel.

But this…this had been different. His pace had been deliberate, his touch almost reverent, and for a fleeting moment, it had felt like he was laying her bare in more ways than one. It made her heart ache in a way she didn’t want to acknowledge, let alone admit.

“It was...fine,” she finally said, her tone deliberately flat as she tried to deflect the truth of her emotions.

Taeyong raised a brow, his smirk returning. “Fine, huh? I’m not convinced,” he said, his hand sliding up to tilt her chin so her eyes met his. “You’ve got that look on your face. The one that says you’re trying not to give me too much credit.”

Y/n gave a half-hearted shrug, still determined to keep her composure. “Maybe you’re just imagining things.”

“Or maybe,” Taeyong murmured, his voice dropping as he leaned closer, “you’re just scared to admit you liked it” 

Her eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, she thought about denying it. But the way he was looking at her, with that maddening mix of cockiness and understanding, made her realize he saw right through her. Still, she wasn’t about to let him have the upper hand. It would throw her whole plan out the window.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” she muttered, resting her chin on his chest to hide the faint flush creeping up her neck.

Taeyong chuckled softly, his chest rumbling beneath her. “Whatever you say, sweetness,” he teased, pressing a light kiss to her temple. “But we both know the truth, don’t we?”

Y/n didn’t respond, letting the silence settle between them instead. As much as she wanted to brush him off, a part of her couldn’t shake the way her body had felt so in sync with his, or the way her walls, both physical and emotional, had momentarily crumbled under his steady hands.

And that was exactly why she couldn’t let herself fall any deeper. Not yet. Not ever.

As Y/n began to push herself off the bed, Taeyong's arms tightened around her, pulling her back against him with a firm but gentle hold.

“Oh, don’t even think about it,” he said, his voice low but commanding. “You’re staying here tonight.”

She huffed. “I’ve got stuff to do tomorrow, Taeyong.”

He smirked, the corners of his lips twitching upward. “That’s right–stuff with me.”

Y/n turned to look at him, her disbelief plain on her face. “And why exactly should I stay here?”

“Because,” he said, his tone calm but laced with authority, “tomorrow, I’m taking you out. We’re going to get you looking all nice and pretty. If you’re going to be by my side, you’re going to need to look the part.”

Her jaw dropped, a sharp scoff escaping her lips. “Excuse me? That wasn’t part of the arrangement.”

Taeyong met her defiance with an unamused glare, his expression steady and unwavering. “This is exactly the arrangement.”

“No,” she countered, sitting up slightly to emphasize her point. “The arrangement was sex and leave. That’s it.”

Taeyong shifted, propping himself up on his elbows, his dark eyes locking onto hers with a look that made her stomach twist. “It’s whatever I want it to be, and right now, I’ve decided that you’re coming with me tomorrow. No arguments.”

Y/n blinked at him, momentarily stunned by his audacity. She wasn’t used to anyone dictating what she did or didn’t do, and yet here he was, speaking as though his words were law. There was no way she was going to let him boss her around. 

“Taeyong,” she began, her voice firm, “I don’t think you understand—”\

He cut her off, his hand brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “Sweetness,” he said, his tone soft but unyielding, “I always get what I want. And right now, I want you. By my side. End of story.”

Her cheeks flushed, a mix of anger and something she couldn’t quite place bubbling to the surface. She wanted to argue, to push him away and assert her independence. But instead, she found herself staring into those intense eyes, her resolve faltering.

“You’re impossible,” she muttered, crossing her arms over her chest.

Taeyong’s smirk returned, full of victory. “And you like it,” he teased, leaning in to press a kiss to her shoulder.

Y/n rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, “What have I gotten myself into?”

-

“What’s taking her so damn long?” Taeyong muttered, his irritation evident as he stared out the tinted car window, fingers drumming impatiently on his knee.

Johnny glanced at him through the rearview mirror, his tone calm but slightly amused. “You made her stay the night, knowing she didn’t have any of her own things here. What exactly did you expect?”

Taeyong huffed, his jaw tightening as he leaned back against the plush leather seat. “I expected her to move faster.”

Johnny chuckled under his breath but said nothing more.

The sound of the door opening broke the tension. Y/n slid into the car, her expression a mix of annoyance and feigned composure. She didn’t miss the way Taeyong’s gaze immediately shifted to her, scanning her outfit with a quick, assessing look.

“Ready?” Johnny asked, his voice light as he glanced at her in the mirror.

Y/n nodded, adjusting her bag in her lap. Before she could say a word, Taeyong made a dismissive gesture with his hand, signaling Johnny to drive.

As the car pulled away, Y/n shot a sideways glance at Taeyong. “Impatient much?”

He smirked, leaning closer to her, his voice low and teasing. “I don’t like waiting. But you make it hard to stay mad when you clean up so nicely.”

Y/n rolled her eyes but felt the heat rise in her cheeks. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Hmm,” Taeyong replied, a sly grin tugging at his lips as he turned his attention back to the view outside. “You’ll learn to keep up, Sweetness.”

Johnny, catching the exchange in the mirror, shook his head with a small laugh. “You two are something else.”

Y/n shot him a mock glare. “Don’t encourage him.”

Taeyong only chuckled, reaching over to rest a hand casually on her thigh. Y/n stiffened at first but didn’t push him away. Instead, she glanced out the window, a swirl of thoughts clouding her mind. How had she gone from a calculated plan to sitting here, letting this man wrap her into world?

The hum of the engine filled the silence as the city blurred past, the day ahead feeling both unpredictable and inevitable.

-

She should have known it wouldn’t be a quick trip. This was the third store they’d visited, and poor Johnny’s arms were overflowing with shopping bags. Each time Taeyong picked something out, Johnny accepted it without a word, his expression a mix of patience and resignation.

“Taeyong, are we done yet?” Y/n asked, trailing behind him with a huff.

“Just one more store,” he said dismissively, barely sparing her a glance as he inspected a row of tailored shirts.

Y/n groaned and turned to Johnny, silently pleading for help.

Johnny chuckled, shifting the weight of the bags. “What can I say? He’s the boss.”

With a sigh, Y/n trudged along after Taeyong. The excitement of playing dress-up had long faded, replaced by an acute boredom she could no longer ignore. 

As Taeyong lingered over a display of dresses, Y/n’s curiosity got the better of her. Wandering off, she moved toward a different rack of clothes, fingers running over the fabrics.

The soft hum of the store's background music barely registered as she browsed. A particular dress caught her eye, its sleek design and bold color calling out to her. She was about to reach for it when she felt it. The unmistakable weight of someone’s presence behind her.

Turning around, she barely had time to process what was happening before a hand gripped her wrist tightly, yanking her backward. She gasped, her heart leaping into her throat as she came face-to-face with a disheveled man.

“You!” he yelled, his voice rough and raw with emotion. “You ruined my life!”

“Let me go!” Y/n demanded, struggling to free herself from his iron grip.

His hair was a wild mess, his face gaunt and drained. Whoever this man had been before, he wasn’t anymore, just a shadow of himself, fueled by anger and desperation.

Before she could react further, the man was suddenly yanked away, his grip on her wrist breaking as he stumbled back. Her breath shook as her eyes darted up to see Johnny, his arm locked firmly around the man’s neck in a hold that left no room for struggle.

Taeyong moved instantly, positioning himself between her and the man, his dark eyes cold and calculating. There were no wasted words, just swift action. Taeyong delivered a sharp punch to the man’s stomach, knocking the wind out of him. The man groaned, doubling over, but Johnny’s hold kept him upright.

“Take him away,” Taeyong said, his voice low and lethal.

Johnny nodded and hauled the man toward the exit without hesitation, his grip unyielding as the man sputtered curses and weak protests.

Taeyong turned back to Y/n, his gaze softening slightly as it met hers. His hands reached for her shoulders, steadying her. “You okay?” he asked, his voice quieter now, tinged with concern.

Y/n swallowed hard, trying to compose herself. “I’m fine,” she replied, but her trembling hands and the quiver in her voice betrayed her words.

Taeyong frowned, studying her. “You know this guy?”

“Crazy ex,” she said, but every words was insincere.

Taeyong’s jaw tightened, his eyes darkening as his gaze flicked to where Johnny had just disappeared with the man. “He won’t come near you again,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

Y/n nodded, but her mind was racing. The encounter had rattled her more than she cared to admit, but she couldn’t let Taeyong see that. 

She straightened up, forcing a smirk onto her face. “What, scared I’ll bring too much drama into your life?”

Taeyong scoffed, his lips curving into a smirk of his own. “I can handle a little drama. But I don’t share, Sweetness. Remember that.”

Despite his cocky tone, there was something protective in his gaze that made her feel…safe. She hated to admit it, even to herself, but right now, she was glad Taeyong was here.

Taeyong’s mood shifted immediately. “Find something you like?” he asked, his voice low and smooth.

“I was just looking,” Y/n replied, her hand returning to the rack.

Taeyong stepped closer, his hand brushing past hers as he took the dress off the rack. He held it up, tilting his head as he studied it. “Try it on.”

Y/n blinked. “What? No, it’s fine. I don’t need–”

“Try it on,” he repeated, more firmly this time, his smirk turning into something dangerously persuasive.

Before she could argue, he gestured toward the fitting rooms. “Go. I’ll wait.”

Y/n hesitated but eventually relented, muttering under her breath as she made her way to the fitting room. Taeyong’s gaze followed her, a satisfied glint in his eyes as he leaned against the nearest display.

Johnny, now having returned, shook his head with a wry smile. “He’s relentless.”

Y/n didn’t expect to see him back so quickly, but was glad to see it was all handled.

“That’s one word for it,” Y/n mumbled as she closed the curtain behind her, already dreading whatever game Taeyong had planned next.

Inside the fitting room, Y/n hung the dress on the hook and stared at it for a moment. It was undeniably beautiful–elegant, sleek, and way too much for what she was used to. She huffed, brushing her hair out of her face as she reluctantly slipped out of her clothes and into the dress. 

The fabric hugged her frame perfectly, the kind of fit that made her wonder how Taeyong could have possibly picked it out so easily.

“Y/n,” his voice called out from outside, smooth and teasing. “Don’t take all day. We’ve got more stores to hit.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. “Pushy,” she muttered as she adjusted the straps.

Taking a steadying breath, she pulled back the curtain. Taeyong was waiting, his arms crossed, an easy smirk on his lips that only grew when he saw her.

He stepped forward, his gaze trailing from her head to toe. “Now that,” he said, his voice low and approving, “is exactly what I was picturing.”

Y/n crossed her arms, trying to ignore the heat rising to her cheeks. “It’s a dress, Taeyong, not a miracle.”

“It’s not just the dress,” Taeyong said, stepping closer until there was almost no space between them. “It’s you. You make it look better than it ever did on that rack.”

Johnny, standing nearby with his arms full of bags, chuckled. “Smooth.”

Y/n narrowed her eyes at Johnny before turning her attention back to Taeyong. “Yeah, okay.”

Taeyong grinned, pleased with himself. “Good. And don’t think this is the last one.”

Y/n sighed dramatically. “Of course it isn’t.”

As she stepped back into the fitting room to change, she couldn’t help but feel a flicker of something unfamiliar. It wasn’t just the compliments or the way the dress fit–it was the way Taeyong looked at her. Like she was the center of the world, even if just for a moment.

Whatever game he was playing, she was starting to feel like she wasn’t as in control as she thought. And that both thrilled and terrified her.

-

The shopping trip, while exhausting, turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable. Y/n found herself laughing more than she expected, teasing Johnny about his endless patience and rolling her eyes at Taeyong’s insistent choices. It wasn’t her usual idea of fun, but there was something charming about the dynamic between the three of them.

As Johnny drove the car through the evening traffic, Y/n leaned back in her seat, ready to finally head home and call it a day. But when she noticed the familiar streets leading back to Taeyong's place instead of her own, she straightened up, a sigh escaping her lips.

"Seriously?" she asked, turning to glare at Taeyong.

He remained infuriatingly calm, his gaze focused out the window like nothing was amiss. "Relax," he said smoothly, barely sparing her a glance. "Just for dinner."

"Just for dinner?" she repeated, eyebrows raised. "You said that last time, and look where I ended up."

Taeyong smirked, leaning slightly toward her. "And you’re still alive, aren’t you? Thriving, even."

Y/n crossed her arms, her lips pursed. “I have my own place, you know. A perfectly good one that I’d like to go back to.”

Johnny chuckled from the driver’s seat, clearly entertained by the back-and-forth. “You might as well stop fighting, Y/n. He always gets his way.”

"Thanks, Johnny," she muttered sarcastically, though she couldn’t entirely suppress the small smile threatening to tug at her lips.

As the car pulled into the driveway, Taeyong turned to her, his expression softer now but still holding that undeniable authority. "Come on."

Y/n sighed dramatically, but as much as she hated to admit it, she was curious. Dinner with Taeyong always came with strings, ones she couldn’t quite figure out but found herself tugging on anyway.

"Fine," she said, rolling her eyes. "But if this turns into another impromptu all-nighter, I’m charging you for my time."

Taeyong grinned, stepping out of the car and offering his hand to her. "Worth every cent."

Y/n arched an eyebrow, tilting her head as she glanced at Taeyong. “You know, for a mafia boss, you don’t seem to do much…you know, crime,” she teased, her tone light but curious.

Taeyong’s lips curled into a faint smirk, though his eyes stayed serious. “That’s intentional,” he replied, his voice low and steady. “I keep you away from all of it.”

Her brows furrowed slightly. “It’s that easy?”

His gaze softened as he leaned back, his fingers idly tracing the edge of his glass. “No…However, I don’t want you involved. You’re not meant for that world, Y/n. I’ll handle the darkness. You just…stay in the light.”

The weight of his words settled between them, and for a moment, she wasn’t sure how to respond. But beneath his calm demeanor, she could feel the protectiveness in his tone, the lengths he was willing to go to shield her from whatever shadows trailed behind him.

Y/n crossed her arms, leaning closer. “You can’t just keep me in the dark forever, Taeyong. You might think you’re protecting me, but I should at least know what I’m being kept safe from. You’re the one that forced me into your life..”

Taeyong’s jaw tightened slightly, his expression unreadable. “Knowing doesn’t make it easier. Trust me.”

Her lips parted, ready to argue, but his hand reached out, brushing against hers, silencing her with the smallest touch. “I’d burn the whole world down before I let anything touch you…it’s the least I can do,” he murmured, his voice soft but resolute.

Y/n swallowed, her heart skipping a beat. It should never skip a beat. "Taeyong..."

“Let me protect you, Y/n. That’s all I’m asking,” he said, his dark eyes locking onto hers, a silent plea hidden in their depths.

As the car pulled up to Taeyong's grand mansion, Y/n stepped out, her eyes scanning the lavish property with a mix of awe and exasperation. Before she could say anything, she noticed Johnny standing by the front door, casually leaning against the frame with a knowing smirk.

“That is a quick man, you know,” Y/n said, glancing back at Taeyong.

Taeyong chuckled as he casually adjusted the cuffs of his shirt. “Johnny’s efficient. I don’t keep him around just for his charming personality.”

Johnny straightened up, giving Y/n a small wave. “That’s just a perk,” he teased. “Come on, dinner’s ready. You don’t want the food getting cold.”

Y/n blinked, caught off guard. “Wait, dinner’s already ready?”

Taeyong didn’t respond immediately, simply gesturing for her to head inside. As they walked through the grand entrance, the scent of freshly prepared food filled the air, enticing her in.

“Of course, I had it prepared,” Taeyong finally said, his tone matter-of-fact. “I knew you’d come back here with me.”

Y/n scoffed, shaking her head. “The arrogance.”

Johnny chuckled from behind her. “He calls it confidence.”

They entered the dining room, where an elegant spread of dishes awaited them. Candles flickered softly on the table, the setup far too extravagant for what Y/n had assumed would be a casual dinner. Her eyes widened as she took it all in.

“This is…a lot,” she muttered, glancing at Taeyong.

He smirked, pulling out a chair for her. “Nothing’s too much when it comes to you.”

Johnny, rolled his eyes playfully. “Here we go again.”

Y/n sat down reluctantly, feeling oddly out of place amidst the opulence. Taeyong took his seat at the head of the table, pouring her a glass of wine without asking. The air between them was oddly calm, though she could sense Taeyong’s ever-present dominance in the way he carried himself.

As they started eating, Y/n couldn’t help but ask, “So, do you always have your mansion stocked for unexpected guests, or am I just special?”

Taeyong looked up from his plate, his smirk deepening. “What do you think?”

Y/n rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips. “I think you have too much time on your hands.”

Johnny gave her a wink. “Welcome to Taeyong’s world.”

Y/n glanced at Johnny with a smile. “Eat with us.”

Johnny hesitated, his eyes flicking to Taeyong for permission. Taeyong gave a subtle nod, his expression unreadable but unmistakably commanding. Without another word, Johnny pulled out a chair and sat down beside Taeyong, resuming his role as the ever-loyal right-hand man, even in moments like this.

For a moment, surrounded by laughter and good food, the tension of their usual power dynamic eased, replaced by something almost…normal. 

But Y/n couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just another move in Taeyong’s carefully calculated game. And yet, for reasons she didn’t want to admit, she didn’t mind playing along.

-

The trip back to his bed had been inevitable. The sex was good–annoyingly good, Y/n admitted to herself–and just as frustratingly sappy as the last time. As she lay sprawled on the bed, her body still buzzing, she forced herself to recover quickly. Pushing herself upright, she began gathering her clothes and belongings from the floor.

Taeyong remained laying against the pillows, his sharp eyes following her every movement. He didn’t bother hiding the small flicker of irritation that flashed across his face. She was leaving again. Of course, she was. She had stayed longer than either of them originally intended, but despite his best efforts to remain indifferent, the ache in his chest grew stronger every time she walked out the door.

Taeyong wasn’t a man who let people linger in his life unnecessarily. He was a mob boss, hardened and sharp-edged. He didn’t need anyone. But damn it, he wanted her.

“Come back to bed,” he said smoothly, his hand grazing the empty space beside him. “Stay for a bit.”

Y/n turned, one brow arched, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. “Seriously? I’ve already overstayed my welcome. The night and half the day.”

“Thirty minutes,” he said, his voice soft but insistent. “That’s all.”

Y/n huffed, crossing her arms. “Thirty minutes...and twenty bucks.”

The corner of Taeyong’s lips twitched into a grin. “That’s all I ask.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the small smile that tugged at her mouth as she begrudgingly trudged back to the bed. With a dramatic sigh, she flopped onto the mattress, letting Taeyong’s arms wrap around her.

He pulled her close without hesitation, settling himself on top of her like she was the one thing keeping him grounded. He pressed his face into the curve of her neck, inhaling her scent like he was memorizing it.

Y/n let her fingers drift lazily through his hair, her other hand tracing random patterns across his bare back.

He didn’t say it, but the truth was in his every touch and glance: thirty minutes with her would never feel like enough.

It was in this moment, as her intoxicating scent filled his lungs and her touch seared against his skin, that the realization struck him with the force of a tidal wave, she was bad for him. The worst kind of bad. The kind that crept in under his skin, clawing its way into places he didn’t even know existed.

And yet, he couldn’t pull away from her. Wouldn’t, even if he could.

Maybe it was the way her presence unbalanced him, shifting his carefully constructed world. Maybe it was the way she could make him feel powerful–like the mob boss her was–with just a glance. Or how, in the next breath, she could render him utterly powerless, every sharp edge of his control dulled by her.

He hated it. He craved it.

Her soft, teasing voice broke the comfortable silence. “Taeyong...you know I was only joking about the money, right?”

He scoffed, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. “There’s no way I’m letting you leave empty-handed.”

“You’ve already bought me a fuck load of clothes,” Y/n retorted, rolling her eyes, though a small smile betrayed her amusement.

“Shh,” Taeyong murmured, pressing a finger gently to her lips before laying back against her, his weight comforting rather than overwhelming.

“Taeyong,” she sighed, though she lacked protest.

“Shh!” he said, his voice muffled as he nuzzled into her neck. “Just let me spoil you a little longer.”

Y/n couldn’t help the soft laugh that escaped her. He was impossible, but somehow, that was part of the charm. Maybe it wasn’t so bad after all. 

-

Now that Y/n had stepped into Taeyong’s world, she had every intention of taking advantage of his status. The power, wealth, and influence that came with being the boss of a mafia empire was hard to ignore. She wasn’t naive, she knew what his position meant and what doors it could open.

At first, she didn’t care for it, a mans status meant nothing to her, a man was just fun for her. However, Taeyong was something entirely different, he was relentless. The expensive clothes, the meals, the protection, it was all given for free, but somehow worked in her favor, and she made sure to stay just within the bounds of what he’d willingly offer without suspicion.

Today was no different.

The phone rang and Y/n was quick to grab it, slipping into her usual professional tone. "Avalon Bakery, how can I help you?"

"By finishing early and getting ready," came the unmistakable voice on the other end.

She froze for a moment, her breath catching. "Taeyong," she said, masking the flutter in her chest. "Calling me at work now? Really?"

"Doesn’t matter where I call," he replied smoothly. "I’m having one of my men come pick you up. I want you to have dinner."

Y/n leaned her hip against the counter, rolling her eyes. "Another fancy dinner? You're spoiling me," she teased, though the warmth in her tone betrayed her amusement.

"Not quite," Taeyong said. "I won’t be there this time."

Her brow furrowed at his words. "Then what’s the point?"

Taeyong sighed softly on the other end of the line. "I wanted to take you myself, but I’m stuck with work tonight. Still, I don’t want you going home without a good meal. Call it...my way of taking care of you."

Y/n blinked, her chest tightening unexpectedly. The sincerity in his voice was something she wasn’t used to. 

"Well..." she hesitated, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you. That’s...sweet."

There was a pause, the faintest chuckle coming through the receiver. "Don’t read into it too much, Doll. Just be ready to be picked up."

Y/n laughed softly, shaking her head. "You’re impossible, you know that?"

"And yet, you’ll go," he said, his confidence palpable. "See you soon."

As the call ended, Y/n found herself staring at the phone, her heart beating faster than she cared to admit. It wasn’t just the gesture, it was the way Taeyong made her feel like she mattered, even when he wasn’t there.

With a sigh, she shook off the thoughts swirling in her head and got back to work, already feeling a strange anticipation for the night ahead.

It wasn’t long before the soft hum of a car engine broke the evening silence. Y/n glanced out the window, immediately recognizing it as her ride, no one else would be pulling up this late.

A small smile graced her lips as the door to the bakery opened, but the figure stepping in wasn’t who she expected. Instead of Johnny’s familiar face, this man was different. His longer hair framed sharp features, and his piercing gaze darted around the cozy interior of the bakery, scanning every detail.

Before Y/n could speak, his eyes landed on her, his voice steady and direct. "Taeyong sent me to take you to dinner."

“Oh, of course,” she said, straightening up. “Let me grab my things and close up.”

As Y/n moved around the bakery, switching off the lights and tidying up, the man stood in the corner, hands in his pockets, his sharp eyes still roaming the space. She locked up the doors, double-checking everything before turning back to him.

“Ready?” he asked, his tone carrying a professional coolness.

“Yeah, all set,” Y/n replied with a nod.

He led her to the car parked outside, his movements efficient and confident. Pulling the door open for her, he gestured for her to get in.

“Thank you,” she said politely, sliding into the back seat.

He closed the door and rounded the car, slipping into the driver’s seat with practiced ease. The engine purred to life as he set off, the city lights reflecting off the window.

“May I ask your name?” Y/n ventured, curiosity piqued.

“Yuta,” he replied, his voice calm as he glanced at her through the rearview mirror.

“Well, nice to meet you, Yuta. I’ve never had anyone but Johnny pick me up before,” she said, trying to make conversation.

“Johnny’s tied up with Taeyong tonight,” Yuta explained. “Work. So, you’ve got me this time.”

Y/n nodded, her fingers fiddling with the strap of her bag. There was something about Yuta’s demeanor, cool and composed, that reminded her of Taeyong in a way, yet distinctly different.

“Do you always run errands like this for him?” she asked, half-teasing but genuinely curious.

Yuta’s lips curved into the faintest smirk. “Not always, but when it’s important and he’s with Johnny, I’m the one he calls.”

His response stirred something in her. Important? Y/n looked out the window, the lights of the city blurring past. The thought of Taeyong going out of his way for her again made her chest tighten, though she wasn’t sure why.

“Well,” she said softly, glancing back at him, “I appreciate it.”

Yuta nodded, his sharp gaze flickering toward her briefly before returning to the road. “He’s good like that. You’ll see.”

The weight of his words lingered in the air as they continued toward her destination, the car filled with a mix of quiet anticipation and unspoken thoughts.

As the car pulled up to what she assumed was the restaurant, Y/n sank further into her seat, her fingers brushing over the flour smudges on her work clothes.

“I can’t go in there looking like this,” she muttered, her voice laced with unease as she glanced down at her bakery-stained attire.

“Don’t even worry about it,” Yuta replied, his tone dismissive but calm.

Y/n shook her head, almost pleading now. “I have better clothes at home. I can change, it’ll only take a few minutes.”

“Nonsense,” Yuta said firmly, his gaze fixed on the road ahead as he put the car in park. 

“Nothing to worry about. Besides, if anyone has a problem with you tonight…” He paused briefly, stepping closer to her to whisper. “…Taeyong’s instructed me to shoot them.”

The casual delivery of his words hit Y/n like a cold wave. She blinked at him, stunned, her mind scrambling to process what he’d just said.

“Excuse me?” she managed to say, her voice in disbelief.

Yuta finally turned to look at her, his expression calm. “You heard me.”

And just like that, she was reminded, this world Taeyong lived in, the one he so easily pulled her into, wasn’t just about expensive dinners and extravagant gestures. It came with an edge of violence, the kind she rarely let herself think about.

She swallowed hard, her throat dry. “You’re joking…right?”

Yuta’s lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smirk. “Does it sound like I’m joking?”

Y/n turned away, her gaze fixed out the window now. Her heart thudded in her chest, not from fear exactly, but from the sudden, sobering reminder of the kind of man Taeyong really was, and the people he surrounded himself with.

She forced a laugh, hoping to lighten the mood. “Well, let’s hope no one has a problem with me, then.”

Yuta chuckled softly as he opened his door and stepped out. “They won’t. Taeyong doesn’t give anyone the chance.”

Yuta was a lot more casual and out-spoken than Johnny, that much she noticed. As he rounded the car to open her door, Y/n couldn’t help but feel the weight of his words, and of the evening ahead. 

Yuta opened the door for her, his sharp eyes scanning the street as she stepped out of the car. Y/n adjusted her jacket self-consciously, still painfully aware of her flour-streaked clothes.

The restaurant loomed ahead, warm lights and understated elegance, a clear step above the casual spots she was used to. She hesitated at the entrance, her nerves getting the better of her, but Yuta placed a steady hand on the small of her back, urging her forward.

“Relax,” he said, his tone calm but firm. “You belong here.”

Y/n let out a small, uneasy laugh. “Easy for you to say. You don’t look like you’ve been beat up by a bag of flour.”

Yuta smirked, opening the heavy wooden door for her. “Trust me, no one will care. And if they do, well…you know my orders.”

She rolled her eyes but stepped inside, immediately greeted by the soft hum of conversation and the clink of glasses. The atmosphere was warm and intimate, the kind of place where people came to impress or celebrate. Y/n’s stomach twisted as she caught sight of women in sleek dresses and men in tailored suits.

“I stick out like a shit stain,” she whispered to Yuta, glancing around.

“You’re overthinking it,” he said simply, his tone dismissive as he gave a brief nod to the waiter at the entrance.

The man behind the podium straightened immediately, his eyes darting between Yuta and Y/n. “Right this way,” he said, his voice tinged with a nervous politeness.

Yuta gestured for Y/n to follow, his hand lingering at her back as they were led to a secluded table near the rear of the restaurant. The soft glow of a single candle lit the table, the surrounding booths providing just enough privacy to make it feel like they were the only ones there.

As Yuta pulled out her chair for her, Y/n couldn’t help but glance around, still feeling out of place. “This is way too fancy for someone who smells like cinnamon rolls,” she muttered under her breath.

Yuta chuckled as he took the seat across from her. “Then you’re in luck. Everyone loves cinnamon rolls.”

Despite herself, Y/n smiled, though the knot in her chest refused to loosen entirely. She still didn’t quite understand why Taeyong had gone through all this trouble for her, especially if he wasn’t even going to be here.

But as the waiter arrived with a bottle of wine and two glasses, she decided to let herself enjoy the night, pushing her unease aside. After all, it wasn’t every day she was treated like royalty.

“Order whatever you want, Taeyong’s paying,” Yuta said casually, leaning back in his chair as he glanced around the restaurant, always observant.

Y/n stared down at the menu, her brow furrowing as she scanned the intricate dishes with names she couldn’t even pronounce. 

“Bloody hell,” she said under her breath, setting the menu down. “I’ll just have whatever you’re having.”

Yuta raised an eyebrow. “I’m not eating,” he said flatly.

Y/n tilted her head, surprised. “Why not?”

“It’s your dinner,” he replied.

She frowned, crossing her arms over the table. “Well, I don’t want to eat alone. That’s awkward.”

Yuta’s lips curved into a faint smirk, but he said nothing, clearly unconvinced.

“And besides…” she added with a sly smile, “Taeyong’s paying.”

He chuckled softly, shaking his head as he gave in. “You’re a piece of work, you know that?”

“Maybe,” she teased, leaning back in her chair.

“Well, when you put it like that…” Yuta flagged down the waiter with a smooth gesture, ordering for the both of them. 

He didn’t even glance at the menu, rattling off two dishes with the kind of confidence that suggested he’d been here more than a few times before.

As the waiter walked away, Y/n couldn’t help but grin. “You seem to know this place pretty well. Do you bring people here often?”

Yuta shrugged, his sharp gaze flicking back to her. “Not exactly. Taeyong’s got a few go-to spots. This just happens to be one of them.”

Y/n leaned her chin on her hand, studying him for a moment. “So, do you always play chauffeur slash dinner companion, or am I just special?”

“You’re definitely special,” he said, his tone dry but not without a hint of amusement. “I don’t usually get roped into this kind of thing…come to think of it…this thing doesn’t happen…ever.”

She chose not to think on the second part too much. “Roped in, huh?” she said, feigning offense. “Am I that much of a burden?”

Yuta smirked, leaning forward slightly. “Not yet. Let’s see how the night goes.”

Y/n laughed softly, the earlier tension in her chest starting to ease. For all his sharp edges and serious demeanor, Yuta wasn’t as intimidating as she’d first thought. She might even enjoy his company tonight, if she could keep herself from thinking too much about Taeyong.

The waiter returned with their drinks, setting down two whiskey on the rocks. She raised her eyebrow at his choice for the two of them.

“Whiskey? Seems a little intense for a dinner companion,” she teased.

“Gotta stay sharp,” Yuta replied, lifting the glass to his lips. “You never know when someone might need shooting, remember?”

Y/n rolled her eyes, a soft laugh escaping her lips despite herself. “Right, because that’s such a normal part of dinner.”

Yuta’s smirk deepened, but he didn’t say more. Instead, his gaze flicked briefly over the room, scanning as if it were second nature. Y/n watched him curiously, noticing the way his shoulders remained relaxed yet ready, a quiet confidence radiating off of him.

“Do you ever just...turn it off?” she asked after a moment, her voice quieter now.

“Turn what off?”

“This,” she gestured vaguely at him, “the whole...hyper-vigilant, sharp-eyed, ‘I could kill a man if I needed to’ vibe.”

Yuta chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. “Not really. Comes with the job.”

She studied him for a moment, sipping her wine. “You seem so calm about it all. Doesn’t it ever get to you?”

He shrugged, his expression neutral. “You get used to it. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t weigh on you sometimes. But that’s not something I’d bring to dinner.”

His honesty surprised her. She didn’t expect someone in his line of work to talk so openly, or to show even the slightest hint of vulnerability.

Before she could ask anything else, the waiter arrived with their meals, carefully placing the plates in front of them. The food looked even more extravagant up close, and Y/n stared at the dish in front of her, wondering if she should have just asked for something simpler.

“Trust me, it’s good,” Yuta said, picking up his utensils.

She glanced at him, then took a cautious bite. Her eyes widened in surprise as the flavors hit her. “Damn, that is good.”

“Told you,” he said, smirking as he started eating.

They ate in relative silence for a while, the clinking of silverware and the hum of conversation from other tables filling the space between them. But Y/n couldn’t stop her mind from wandering, thoughts of Taeyong creeping in despite her best efforts to keep them at bay.

Yuta seemed to notice her distraction. “You’re thinking about him,” he said matter-of-factly, not looking up from his plate.

Her fork froze mid-air, and she blinked at him. “What?”

“Taeyong,” he said simply, setting his utensil down and meeting her gaze. “You’ve got that look. Like you’re trying not to think about him, but you can’t help it.”

“What the fuck,” Y/n said, shocked, placing her fork down as well. “Is it that obvious?”

“To me? Yeah.”

She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. “I don’t know what you expect me to say.”

“I don’t expect anything,” Yuta said, his voice calm but firm. “But if you’ve got something on your mind, maybe it’s better to deal with it now instead of letting it eat at you later.”

His words struck a chord, and for a moment, Y/n wasn’t sure how to respond. She wasn’t used to people like Yuta, people who seemed to see right through her defenses without trying.

“I’ll think about it,” she said finally, her tone softer.

“Good,” he said, returning to his food as if the conversation hadn’t happened.

Y/n picked up her fork again, but the weight in her chest lingered, making each bite harder to swallow.

As the plates were cleared and the check discreetly handled, no doubt charged directly to Taeyong, Y/n leaned back in her chair, sipping the last of her drink. The evening had been unexpectedly pleasant, though her mind was still clouded with thoughts she couldn’t shake.

“Ready to head out?” Yuta asked, standing and adjusting his jacket.

She nodded, smoothing her hands over her flour-streaked clothes as she got up. “Yeah, let’s go.”

Yuta led the way out of the restaurant, holding the door open for her as they stepped into the cool night air. The city buzzed softly around them, streetlights casting a gentle glow on the pavement.

“You’re quiet,” Yuta remarked as they made their way to the car.

Y/n glanced at him, offering a faint smile. “Just tired, I guess.”

He hummed in acknowledgment but didn’t press further. They reached the sleek black car parked along the curb, and Yuta moved to open the passenger door for her.

“Thank you,” she said softly, slipping into the seat.

Yuta closed the door and rounded the car, hopping into the driver’s side. He started the car and merged into traffic.

The drive was quiet, the faint sound of the radio filling the space between them. Y/n stared out the window, watching the city blur past. 

Her mind kept drifting, tugged in different directions, Taeyong, this unusual dinner, Yuta’s unexpected insight.

“You sure you’re okay?” Yuta asked after a while, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.

She hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just...a lot on my mind.”

“Figured,” he said simply, his tone neutral but not rude.

They pulled up in front of her building, and Yuta shifted the car into park. He turned slightly to look at her, his sharp eyes softening just a fraction.

“Get some rest, Y/n,” he said.

She offered him a small smile. “Thanks for tonight, Yuta. Really.”

He shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Don’t mention it. Just doing what I’m told.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the chuckle that escaped her. With one last glance, she stepped out of the car, her heels clicking softly against the pavement.

As she walked to the door, she felt Yuta’s eyes on her, protective rather than invasive. For reasons she couldn’t quite explain, it made her feel...safe.

The car pulled away as soon as she entered the building, leaving her alone with her thoughts once more. The weight of everything, Taeyong, the evening, and everything in between pressed against her chest.

Y/n sighed, leaning against the elevator wall as she rode up to her apartment. Tonight had been different, and she wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about it. But one thing was certain, the lines she thought she’d drawn were blurring more than ever.

When Y/n finally reached her apartment, the familiar click of the door behind her brought a brief sense of relief. She dropped her bag on the counter, kicked off her shoes, and padded into the dimly lit space. 

She had just flopped onto the couch, when her phone began to ring. She could already guess who was calling her.

“Hello Taeyong,” Y/n answered. 

“Did you have dinner?” Taeyong’s voice came through, calm yet commanding in its usual way.

“Yeah, Yuta made sure I enjoyed the whole night,” she replied.

“Good,” he said. “What did you think of the restaurant?”

“It was...fancy,” she admitted with a soft laugh. “The kind of place I’d never go to on my own.”

“That’s the point,” Taeyong said smoothly. “I wanted you to have something nice tonight, even if I wasn’t there.”

Y/n leaned back against the couch, staring up at the ceiling. “You didn’t have to do that, you know. It felt...unnecessary.”

“Unnecessary?” His tone shifted slightly, laced with amusement. “It’s not unnecessary to take care of you, Y/n.”

Her breath hitched at the sincerity in his voice, and she swallowed hard. “Well, thank you. I appreciate it.”

A pause hung between them. She could almost picture him, leaned back in his chair, that ever-calm expression on his face as he waited for her to say more.

“Yuta said you were caught up with work,” she ventured, her voice quieter now.

“I was,” Taeyong replied, his tone shifting to something softer. “But I would’ve been there if I could. You know that, right?”

She pressed her lips together, her chest tightening. “I know.”

“Good.” There was a pause, and then his voice dropped just a fraction. “I’ll see you tomorrow, won’t I?”

Y/n’s fingers gripped the edge of the couch cushion. “Maybe,” she said, trying to sound playful, but it came out weaker than she intended.

Taeyong chuckled, the sound low and smooth. “Get some rest, Y/n.”

“You too,” she said softly before ending the call.

She set the phone down beside her and exhaled, her heart racing. The warmth of his words lingered, mixing with a growing sense of unease she couldn’t shake.

Why did his care feel so heavy? Why did his voice make her chest ache?

For the first time in a long while, Y/n felt conflicted, unsure of what tomorrow might bring.

-

Y/n told herself it was just a game, a mutually beneficial arrangement where she could enjoy the perks without getting too deeply involved. But somewhere along the line, her plans began to unravel. Taeyong wasn’t the cold, ruthless kingpin she expected. Beneath his sharp exterior was a man who didn’t just have power but a man with complicated emotions.

The problem was, Taeyong wasn’t stupid. He wasn’t blind to her intentions. Every time he handed her something, another shopping bag, a lingering look, a smirk that felt he knew far more than he let on, she felt like she was being pulled deeper into his world, not the other way around. But surely it was all just in her head, he couldn’t possibly know her end goal.

Y/n hated how much she enjoyed the way he looked at her like she was the only thing in the room that mattered, how he cared in a way no one else had, even if it was wrapped in arrogance and dominance.

Still, a part of her clung to her original plan, reminding herself why she had stepped into his arms in the first place. She couldn’t let herself forget her plans.

That’s why she had to pull back. The lines were blurring too quickly, and the space between them was shrinking with every encounter. What had started as an arrangement, vague and undefined, had spiraled into something else entirely.

The once-a-week meetings became twice a week, then four times. She’d even spent an entire week at his place without leaving once. The routine, the comfort, the magnetic pull of his presence, it was suffocating in its intimacy, and Y/n hated it. Hated how easy it was to fall into his rhythm, how natural it felt to be around him.

It wasn’t part of the plan. She wasn’t supposed to get comfortable, and neither was he. Yet here they were, teetering on a dangerous edge, and Y/n knew she had to stop it before it went too far.

So, she pulled away. Ignored the calls she knew would come, each one more persistent than the last. The familiar ring of her phone became a reminder of her resolve, a battle against her own instincts. The missed calls and voicemails stacked up, but Y/n didn’t answer. She refused to.

Until it was 2 a.m. and the silence of the night was broken by the insistent ring of her phone again. This time, the sound wasn’t just a distraction, it was relentless, demanding her attention.

Y/n sighed, not having to answer to know who it was. She knew she shouldn’t answer, knew that picking up would only draw her back in. But the stubborn resolve that had kept her away all day now wavered under the weight of the hour, the quiet, and the undeniable pull he had on her.

She picked up the phone, her voice steady but her heart racing. “What?” she said, trying to sound annoyed, even indifferent.

On the other end, there was a moment of silence, and then his voice, low, rough, and undeniably him, cut through. “Open your door, Y/n.”

Her breath hitched. He wasn’t asking. He was here. Frozen, the phone still pressed to her ear as her mind raced. 

He’s here? At my door?

“Taeyong, it’s two in the morning,” she said, her voice sharper than she intended. “What are you doing here?”

“Open the door and find out,” he replied, calm but with an unmistakable edge to his tone.

She hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Sure, she wanted to keep him desperate, but she thought he had more dignity than this. And yet, here he was, as relentless as ever.

“Go home, Taeyong,” she said, trying to sound firm, but the slight waver in her voice betrayed her.

“I don’t think so.” His voice was steady, laced with quiet authority. “Not until we talk. Now open the door before I shoot it open.”

Y/n froze, her pulse quickening as his words sank in. A gun?

The Taeyong she knew, the one who had always promised to keep his business far away from her world, was now standing on the other side of her door, threatening to shoot it open. Her mind raced, a thousand thoughts colliding. Was he serious? She wanted to believe he was bluffing, but with Taeyong, she could never be sure.

Her breath came in shallow gasps, her hands trembling as she gripped the edge of her phone. This wasn’t the deal, they had boundaries, rules to keep her safe, to keep his dangerous life from bleeding into hers. And now, those promises felt like nothing more than empty words.

Forcing herself to breathe, Y/n pressed a hand to her chest, trying to calm the rapid thud of her heart. She couldn’t think clearly, not when the image of him standing there with a gun flashed in her mind. He’s never done this before. Why now?

Sighing shakily, she hung up the call and hesitated, her feet rooted to the floor. Every step toward the door felt heavier than the last, dread coiling in her stomach.

“Taeyong,” she said, her voice cracking as she stood on the other side. “You promised…You swore you’d keep this kind of thing away from me.”

His reply came calm, but unyielding. “And I have. But you’ve been ignoring me, Y/n. What did you expect me to do? Wait forever?”

Her hands shook as she unlocked the door, her fingers fumbling on the latch. She took a deep breath, steeling herself before pulling it open just enough to see him standing there, his expression unreadable but his presence suffocating.

He wasn’t holding a gun, but the weight of his words, and the implications, was enough to make her knees feel weak. His hands in his pockets, the faint glow of a nearby streetlight highlighting the sharp lines of his face. He looked calm, collected, but his eyes told a different story.

“What the hell are you doing, Taeyong?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing. “What I have to. Ignoring me. Avoiding my calls. Acting like you can just disappear after everything. Now let me in.”

Her grip tightened on the door, but she didn’t open it further. “I needed a little space...time for myself”

“Space?” He tilted his head, a humorless smile playing on his lips. “You had no problem being close when it suited you. So tell me, Y/n, what changed?”

She looked away, unable to meet his gaze. “It’s nothing personal.”

“It’s always personal,” Taeyong said, his voice softening but losing none of its intensity. “Especially with us.”

Y/n felt a lump rise in her throat. He wasn’t wrong. It had always been personal, even when she tried to convince herself otherwise.

“You need to leave,” she said, her voice firmer now, though her heart ached with every word. “We’re not doing this right now, Taeyong.”

He took a step closer, forcing her to either meet his eyes or retreat. “Why not?” he asked, his voice low and cutting. 

“Because it’s 2 in the morning!” Y/n snapped, her voice laced with frustration and exhaustion.

“You’re going to answer me,” Taeyong demanded, his tone firm, unwavering.

“I have!” she shot back, her words sharp and biting. “I needed some time to myself. I’ve been staying over with you for days! I haven’t even been going to work! It’s supposed to be a once a week arrangement!”

“Hey, I make the rules,” Taeyong countered, his eyes glinting with a dangerous mix of power and control.

“Exactly, you made those rules!” Y/n exclaimed, her hands flying up in exasperation.

“So I can change them whenever I want,” he replied smoothly, as if his logic was irrefutable. “So why are you ignoring me?”

Y/n groaned, running a hand through her hair, her patience hanging by a thread. “Oh my god, I’ve just told you already!”

“Well, it’s bullshit!” Taeyong shot back, his voice rising with the heat of his frustration.

Her jaw dropped, her disbelief palpable. “...Are you kidding me right now?”

Taeyong stepped closer, his presence filling the doorway, his frustration matching hers. “You’re avoiding me for no reason. If you think I’m just going to sit back and take that, you don’t know me at all.”

“Oh, I know you,” Y/n retorted, crossing her arms. “I know you’re used to getting your way, but newsflash, Taeyong, I’m not one of your men, and I’m definitely not one of your rules to bend and break whenever you feel like it.”

His eyes narrowed, his frustration momentarily giving way to something unreadable. “You’re more than that,” he said quietly, his voice losing some of its edge. “Now, just let me in.”

Y/n rolled her eyes and tried to push the door closed, hoping to end the argument then and there. But she should have known better, Taeyong wasn’t someone who took no for an answer.

With a swift shove of his shoulder, Taeyong forced the door open, the momentum knocking Y/n off balance and sending her to the floor. Her breath hitched, and her eyes widened in alarm. She instinctively pulled her knees to her chest, her arms coming up defensively as if to shield herself from whatever was about to happen.

Taeyong stepped inside, his presence darker and more intimidating than she had ever seen. He didn’t even glance down at her as he closed the door behind him with a heavy click. 

“Sit,” he commanded, pointing to the couch with an authority that sent a chill through her.

Y/n scrambled to her feet, her breath shaky as she hurried to the couch, her heart pounding in her chest. She sat, her hands gripping her knees, trying to steady herself. Taeyong took a seat on the coffee table directly in front of her, leaning forward, his gaze piercing. His expression was unreadable, somewhere between anger and something far more complicated.

Her wide, glassy eyes met his hard stare, and she felt smaller than she ever had before.

“Now listen here, Y/n,” Taeyong began, his voice low but firm, leaving no room for argument or interruption. “You and I are going to bed. We’re going to sleep. And in the morning, you have a choice. You can either tell me what’s going on, or you can keep quiet, and we’ll go on with our arrangement.”

His words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Y/n opened her mouth to respond but quickly shut it, unsure of what to say. The Taeyong she was used to, the teasing, smug, and occasionally overbearing man, was gone. In his place was someone unrelenting, someone who made it clear he wasn’t leaving without some kind of resolution.

She swallowed hard, her voice trembling as she finally whispered, “Taeyong...you promised you wouldn’t bring your world to me.”

He leaned closer, his jaw tightening. “And I haven’t. But don’t think for a second that I’ll let you push me out of yours.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Y/n’s chest tightened as she tried to process his words, the weight of his intensity settling heavily in the room. For the first time, she was scared and unsure of what to do.

Taeyong rose from his seat on the coffee table, his movements deliberate and calm, but the tension in the air was still thick. Without a word, he turned and walked toward her bedroom, his posture tall, as if he had already decided the night’s outcome.

Y/n remained frozen on the couch for a moment, watching him disappear down the hallway. Her heart pounded in her chest, still reeling from the events of the last few minutes. Slowly, she stood and followed after him, her steps hesitant, her mind racing with a mix of emotions she couldn’t quite untangle.

When she reached the bedroom, Taeyong was already unbuttoning his shirt, shrugging it off his shoulders and tossing it onto the chair in the corner. His back muscles flexed with each movement, his calm demeanor unnerving her more than any words he could have said.

He slid off his pants next, leaving him in just a pair of boxers. He climbed into bed, pulling the covers up and leaning back against the headboard, watching her with a silent intensity that made her skin prickle.

Y/n hesitated in the doorway, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. The weight of his gaze was heavy, but she knew better than to defy him now. Sighing softly, she climbed into bed beside him.

As soon as she was under the covers, Taeyong shifted, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close to his chest. His warmth enveloped her, and she stiffened, her body still tense from the confrontation earlier.

Taeyong pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, his lips lingering for a moment before he rested his chin on her shoulder. “Relax,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing now, a stark contrast to the authority he had wielded earlier.

Y/n swallowed hard, her body rigid against his. She wanted to relax, to let the comfort of his embrace wash over her, but her mind wouldn’t stop spinning. Every moment of the night replayed in her head, his words, his presence, the way he had barged into her space and taken control so effortlessly.

Taeyong’s breathing evened out behind her, his arms still securely wrapped around her. He was already slipping into sleep, but Y/n lay wide awake, her heart still racing. Her mind churned with questions and doubts, her chest heavy with emotions she wasn’t ready to face.

She closed her eyes, willing herself to fall asleep, but it didn’t come so easily. The night stretched on, the sound of Taeyong’s steady breaths a stark reminder of how deeply he had entrenched himself in her life.

-

Morning arrived faster than Y/n had hoped, a cruel reminder of the decision she had to make, to speak up or remain silent. The weight of the night before lingered heavily in the air, and her chest felt tight with the pressure of it all.

As she tried to slip out of Taeyong’s grasp, his arms instinctively tightened around her before releasing her. His eyes opened, sharp and alert, as if he had been awake all along.

“Ready to talk, are we?” Taeyong’s voice was smooth, but there was an edge that made her stomach twist.

Y/n didn’t respond. She sat on the edge of the bed, her back to him, her legs dangling as she stared blankly at the floor.

“No?” he pressed, the silence stretching. “Well then, I’ll send a car for you after five. Be ready.”

He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, moving to where his clothes were draped over the chair. Y/n’s gaze flickered toward him, careful not to linger too long, but she couldn’t help but watch as he got dressed.

It was when he slipped on his pants and shirt that she saw it, her breath hitched. He picked up a shoulder holster and secured it around himself, the dark leather stark against his crisp white shirt. Her heart leapt, the realization crashing over her like a tidal wave.

The gun nestled in the holster was no empty threat. His words from the night before weren’t just bluffs, he meant them.

How had she missed this before? Had he always carried a gun? The thought sent a chill down her spine, her hands gripping the edge of the bed as her mind raced.

Taeyong grabbed his coat, slipping it on and fastening the buttons with fluid movements. He turned back to her, his expression unreadable. Stepping closer, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead, the gesture gentle, almost tender, but it only made her feel more unsteady.

“I’ll be off,” he said simply, his tone as calm as if they had just shared a normal morning.

Before she could muster a response, Taeyong strode out of the room, leaving behind the faint scent of his cologne and the undeniable tension that seemed to follow him everywhere. Y/n sat frozen, her mind spinning as she replayed the image of him holstering the gun, a stark reminder of the world he belonged to, and how deeply she was entangled in it.

-

Taeyong stood in front of the mirror, meticulously adjusting his tie, his eyes scanning his reflection with a critical gaze. Behind him, Johnny lounged casually in the armchair, one leg draped over the other, his chin resting on his hand, sighing as he does.

Taeyong took his time getting ready, ensuring every detail was perfect. He smoothed his shirt, straightened his jacket, and checked his shoes. Tonight wasn’t just any other night, he wanted her to notice that he’d gone the extra mile. She needed to see that he’d put in effort, not for appearances, but for her.

Johnny yawned, a stark contrast to Taeyong’s focused intensity. “Shouldn’t I be heading out to pick her up by now?” he asked, his tone curious.

“Send someone else,” Taeyong replied without looking away from the mirror. His hands moved with precision, adjusting the collar of his shirt as if every detail mattered.

Johnny shrugged and pulled out his phone, making a quick call. Once done, he leaned back in the chair, studying Taeyong with a knowing smirk. “Alright, how do I look?” Taeyong finally asked, turning to face him.

Johnny didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he tilted his head, his expression shifting to one of mild amusement. “You love her?”

Taeyong froze for a moment, the question catching him off guard. His face contorted in a mix of disbelief and disgust. “Of course not.”

Johnny raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Then why am I here, helping you get ready like this?”

“Because I told you to,” Taeyong snapped, his voice tinged with irritation as he turned back to the mirror. 

His brows furrowed, and his jaw tightened, but his hands betrayed him, briefly pausing before resuming their adjustments.

Johnny leaned forward slightly, his voice quieter but no less certain. “You may not love her…but you do need her.”

The words hung in the air like a challenge, one Taeyong didn’t immediately acknowledge. He glanced at his reflection again, his expression hardening. Johnny’s observation had struck closer to home than he wanted to admit.

Taeyong scoffed lightly, brushing imaginary dust off his jacket as if to dismiss the weight of the statement. 

“I don’t need anyone,” he muttered, though his voice lacked the conviction it usually carried.

Johnny smirked, leaning back in the chair. “Sure, boss. Should I leave then?”

Taeyong ignored his quip, his focus returning to his reflection. But as he finished adjusting his appearance, a flicker of doubt crossed his face. Whether he’d admit it or not, there was something about her that had burrowed under his skin, a feeling he couldn’t shake, no matter how hard he tried.

-

Y/n sat on her couch, her hands clasped tightly on her knees, the smooth fabric of her dress brushing against her palms. The dress and coat she wore were gifts, or perhaps demands, from Taeyong, chosen with precision to fit his idea of what she should look like. The heels, she recalled, had been Johnny’s suggestion while the three of them were out.

Her heart felt heavy, and her stomach churned with unease. She didn’t want to go out tonight, not after everything that had happened. The memory of the night before still clung to her, vivid and raw. The fear she’d felt, the sheer intensity of Taeyong’s presence and the realization of what he was capable of, had shaken her.

But here she was, dressed and waiting. Not because she wanted to, but because she had no choice. Taeyong didn’t ask, he demanded, and she had learned quickly that resistance only made things harder.

The sharp sound of a knock on her door startled her. She exhaled shakily, gathering what little composure she had left. Rising from the couch, she walked to the door, her heels clicking softly against the floor. It was Yuta again.

He had sharp eyes that seemed to pierce through her, but the smirk on his lips added an unsettling edge to his otherwise composed demeanor. 

He was quick to speak, “Taeyong sent me to pick you up.”

Y/n hesitated, her grip tightening on the doorframe, but she nodded silently. There was no point in arguing. She stepped outside, pulling her coat tighter around herself, and followed him to the car waiting at the curb.

Yuta moved ahead of her, opening the back door with a fluid, practiced motion. “After you,” he said with a slight bow of his head.

“Thank you,” she murmured, her voice soft, before stepping into the car. She settled into the seat, the faint scent of leather and cologne enveloping her.

Deep down, Y/n couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Yuta's calm demeanor, though polite, felt more like a calculated mask than genuine friendliness. Taeyong’s reach seemed to extend further than she had ever imagined, and it was suffocating. Every choice she thought she had was slipping through her fingers like sand, leaving her with nothing.

As the car pulled away from the curb, Y/n stared out the window, watching the city lights blur past, her mind racing.

"Taeyong’s been looking forward to tonight, it was going to be yesterday, but I heard you never picked up." Yuta said casually, breaking the silence. "He doesn’t usually go through this much trouble for anyone."

She glanced at him through the rearview mirror, her brows furrowing. “What do you mean?”

Yuta chuckled softly, his eyes briefly meeting hers in the mirror. “Let’s just say he doesn’t do things in halves. When he sets his mind on something, or someone, he doesn’t stop until he gets what he wants.”

Y/n’s stomach churned. The weight of his words wasn’t lost on her. It was as if he was warning her without outright saying it, leaving her to fill in the blanks herself.

“Why does he…” she started, her voice faltering. “Why does he feel the need to control everything?” she knew the answer, but it still irked her. 

Yuta’s smirk faded slightly, replaced by a more thoughtful expression. “Taeyong doesn’t see it as control. To him, it’s care. Protection. He thinks if he holds on tight enough, nothing can slip away. And we can’t forget who he is and what he does…for him to lose control would be a one way trip into a casket.”

“But people aren’t things,” Y/n said, her voice firmer now, this feeling more personal.

“No, they’re not,” Yuta agreed, his eyes flicking back to the road. “But try telling him that.”

The car fell silent again, Yuta’s words lingering in the air like a challenge. Y/n turned her gaze back to the window, her reflection staring back at her in the glass. She felt like a pawn in a game she didn’t understand anymore, and the more she tried to resist, the deeper she seemed to sink.

When the car finally stopped outside a building, Yuta stepped out first, opening her door with a slight bow. “After you,” he said, his smirk returning.

Y/n hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest, but she stepped out anyway. The towering building loomed over her.

“Have a good night,” Yuta said quietly, his voice low enough that she almost didn’t hear it. 

Then, with a sharp smile, he gestured toward the entrance. Y/n swallowed hard, straightened her coat, and walked toward the doors, each step feeling heavier than the last.

As soon as Y/n stepped through the door, Taeyong was there, his expression lighting up as if she were the only person in the world. His tailored suit was a step above his usual attire, and the way he carried himself was disarmingly charming.

“There she is,” Taeyong said warmly, his lips curving into a soft smile. He stepped forward, taking her hand without hesitation. “You look beautiful tonight.”

Y/n blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone. He acted as though the night before hadn’t happened, as if he hadn’t stormed into her apartment, intimidating her into compliance. Instead, he was every bit the gentleman, leading her toward an intimate dining area lit with soft, golden light.

“Thank you,” she said quietly, her voice betraying the tension she was still carrying.

“Of course. Sit, my Dear,” Taeyong replied, pulling out a chair for her to sit.

She hesitated before sitting, her mind racing as he settled across from her. The table was set for two, with a bottle of wine chilling nearby and plates that looked as if they should be on display.

“I thought we could use some time to unwind,” Taeyong continued, pouring her a glass of wine. “No distractions, just us.”

Y/n forced a small smile, lifting the glass to her lips but barely sipping. Her eyes flickered to his, searching for any hint of acknowledgment about the night before, but Taeyong gave her nothing. His demeanor was composed, his smile easy, and his words smooth.

The meal came out in courses, each one more extravagant than the last. Taeyong asked her about her day and other interests, but there was little to ask, as he knew most thinks about her already. Moving the conversation along, he threw in lighthearted comments that almost made her laugh. For a moment, she wondered if she had imagined the cold edge to him the night before.

But then he reached across the table, taking her hand in his. His touch was firm but not harsh, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.

“I’m glad you came tonight,” he said, his voice low and intimate. “I like seeing you like this.”

Y/n stiffened slightly, her gaze dropping to their joined hands. The warmth of his skin against hers should have been comforting, but it wasn’t. It was a reminder of the control he wielded, the way he always managed to get what he wanted.

Taeyong noticed her hesitation, his smile faltering for the briefest moment before he spoke again. “I know I can be...intense sometimes. But I have a reason for everything. You know that, don’t you?”

Y/n didn’t answer immediately, her mind replaying the events of the previous night. Finally, she nodded, her voice barely audible. “Yeah, I know.”

“Good,” he said, leaning back in his chair but keeping his eyes locked on hers. “Because I want you to feel safe with me, Y/n. I’d never hurt you.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. Y/n forced herself to nod again, though the knot in her stomach refused to loosen.

As the evening went on, Taeyong maintained his façade of charm, showering her with attention and care. But no matter how pleasant the night seemed on the surface, Y/n couldn’t shake the feeling that she was walking a tightrope, and one wrong step could send her spiraling.

But something had been nagging at Y/n’s mind for weeks now, a question she couldn’t ignore any longer. No matter how much she tried to suppress it, it lingered, growing louder with every interaction, every lingering glance, and every controlling move he made.

She hesitated, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of her wine glass as she finally spoke. “What are your intentions with me?”

Taeyong stilled. He didn’t lift his head fully, but his eyes flicked up to meet hers through his dark fringe.

“You know this already,” he said, his voice calm but with an underlying edge, as if the answer should have been obvious.

Y/n didn’t flinch under his gaze, though her chest tightened. “Do I?” she pressed, her tone firmer now. “Because lately, it feels like I don’t.”

Taeyong leaned back in his chair. He looked at her for a moment, his expression unreadable, a mask of cool that revealed nothing.

“What are my intentions?” he repeated, his voice low and measured.

Y/n nodded, her pulse racing despite her attempt to stay calm. “Yes. What do you want from me, Taeyong? Beyond...what we agreed on.”

His expression didn’t waver, but the atmosphere between them shifted, heavy and charged. “I thought that was obvious,” he said smoothly, leaning back in his chair, his eyes never leaving hers.

“It’s not,” she countered, forcing herself to hold his gaze. “You’ve been acting like...like this is more than what we agreed to. It’s confusing.”

Taeyong tilted his head slightly, the corner of his mouth curving upward in a faint, almost amused smile. “You think I’ve been unfair?”

“It’s not about fair,” she said, her voice firmer now. “It’s about honesty. You say I matter, but what does that even mean? Am I just someone you can call whenever you want? Or is this about control?”

His jaw clenched at her words, a flicker of something unreadable passing over his face. “Control?” he echoed, his tone darkening. “If that’s what you think, you don’t understand me at all.”

Y/n’s chest tightened at the shift in his demeanor, but she didn’t back down. “Then help me understand, because right now, it feels like I’m just...a possession to you. And if not that…then something else.”

For a moment, Taeyong said nothing, his piercing gaze holding hers in a way that made her want to shrink and stand her ground all at once. Then, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as his voice dropped lower.

“You’re not a possession, Y/n,” he said, his tone deceptively soft. “But I also don’t take what we have lightly. You’re part of my life now, and I don’t plan on changing that.”

His words sent a shiver down her spine, a mix of unease and something she couldn’t quite name. “But we never agreed to that,” she said, her voice quieter now.

Taeyong’s lips pressed into a thin line, his frustration evident. “Maybe not, but I don’t care. Agreements can change. People can change.” He reached across the table, his fingers brushing hers. “And I’m not going to let you go, no matter what.”

Her heart thudded painfully in her chest, the weight of his words sinking in. She pulled her hand back slowly, unable to look at him.

“Does that scare you?” he asked, his voice softer now, almost tender.

Y/n swallowed hard, her gaze fixed on her lap. “I don’t know,” she admitted, the words barely audible.

He leaned back again, his expression calm but his eyes alight with something dangerous, something resolute. “You’ll understand eventually,” he said, his tone final.

And with that, the conversation was over, leaving her more unsettled than ever.

What had happened to her? She used to be confident, strong, unshakable. She had always held her ground, never letting anyone dictate her life or choices. But now? Now, she was letting him have control, letting him pull the strings, letting him decide.

This wasn’t her.

Her reflection in her spoon seemed foreign, like she was looking at a stranger wearing her face. The woman staring back at her wasn’t the Y/n she knew, the one who would have never tolerated this. When had she let him dismantle the walls she’d spent years building?

Her chest tightened, frustration bubbling to the surface. She couldn’t keep living like this, letting him dictate the pace while she stumbled to keep up. This wasn’t who she was, and it wasn’t who she wanted to become.

Her fingers clenched into fists in her lap. No more, she thought She needed to sort this out–whatever “this” was–before it consumed her entirely.

Taking a deep breath, she straightened her posture, determination setting her jaw. She couldn’t erase what had already happened, but she could take back control. It was time to execute plan b, a plan she made up on the very spot while looking at the man across from her.

She was scared to find out what would happen if she didn’t.

-

A/N: this man crazy, lol thank you for reading, part three is available to read :) 💚

[whereisten]

Late Night Adventures with a Green-Haired Kingpin

*Wildcard Ending*

Part 1 | Part 2 Intro | Part 2 | Part 3 Intro | Part 3 | Part 4 Intro | Part 4: Yuta Oneshot! | Part 4 | Part 5 Finale (Happy Ending) | Part 5 Finale (Sad Ending) | Part 5 Finale (Wildcard Ending)

Summary: You couldn’t quite explain how you, a normal office worker that didn’t even have a traffic violation, ended up in a gang leader’s bed, but here you are.

Genre: angst, fluff, smut, mafia

Pairing: Gang Leader!Taeyong X female reader (who is also a gang leader now)

Warning: violence, graphic descriptions of death and murder, cursing, cheating, toxic relationship, gun and knife mention, possessiveness, manipulation and blackmail, alcohol and cigarette use, character death, smut (unprotected (be safe!), rough sex, impregnation k!nk, dirty talk)

Word Count: 12.2K

(a/n: wow wow wowww we have finally reached the end of this series, I can’t believe it, I’m actually kinda sad to say goodbye. Greenie, I will miss you :( anyway! I hope you enjoy the finale, both endings start off the same for about 1k words, then veer off to two completely different scenarios, so I hope you’ll consider reading both. let me know what you think about them! I had fun writing both! its been some time so my writing style has changed, hope thats okay. Thank you for your support <3)

“Do you think not eating will make me pity you?” Jaehyun stares at you sitting across the table from him sternly. 

You look down at your now unbound wrists in your lap then up to the guards standing in all four corners of his dining room. You couldn’t escape if you tried. 

“What’s your plan here? What’s your goal? You’ve already killed Yuta…I’m willing to give you everything we owned..and yet..you don’t want it.”

You sniffle as you think of your last moments with Yuta. As frustrating as he was, you didn’t want him to die. You never wanted him to feel pain. He was just a young, insecure guy whose downfalls could’ve been redeemed if given the chance. And in just under a minute, all that was taken from him.

You sit there, stitched up and still in pain as tears fall onto your hands.

Jaehyun carefully cuts the fat from his steak. “Oh..you misunderstand me..I do want everything, and I will take it when I please..but I also want Taeyong to pay for his, and his father’s, wrongdoings. You also must pay for your wrongdoings. You chose to protect your men, I chose to avenge my sister. With each choice comes a consequence, wouldn’t you agree?”

You don’t nod, you only cry harder. A slight feeling of shame hits you and you think of how Yuta would scold the shit out of you for showing weakness if he were alive to see it.

“Hmm?” Jaehyun places a finger on your chin and tilts it upward. You were too lost in your tears to notice he had walked over to you while carrying a piece of steak on a fork.

The annoyingly handsome man smiles slowly while tilting his head. “I have no doubt that Taeyong will find the whereabouts of your men and bring an end to this chapter, I always get what I want.”

You chuckle and brush his hand away. “You’re a fool, he knows I’d never forgive him for revealing that.”

You wince as a sharp pain cuts deep into you again, reminding you of the accident that occurred just hours prior.

“Me? A fool? Hmm and yet you’re in this situation with no Superman to save you..your other hero lay dead, headless, and covered in bugs as the first stage of decomposition starts and-“

“Fuck you! Don’t talk about him like that! You think you’re better than him, but the truth is your daddy gave you everything! You’re nothing but a spoiled brat struggling to fit into his big man pants for the day!” You stare into his eyes and curse him through gritted teeth. Before you can take another breath, he grabs your chin and tightens his grip, then stabs your wound with the opposite end of the fork.

You scream at the sudden pain while trying to escape his hold, but you can’t get away from him. He laughs as you squirm in pain.

“And are you so different? Fucking a kingpin on the first night of meeting him? Learning all there is to know about this business just so you can fuck another man and become work buddies?” 

Your eyes widen as your eyes slowly drift up to his.

Jaehyun pouts. “Oh..you didn’t know that I know you’re a whore, a smart whore, but a whore nonetheless. You spread your legs for Taeyong and it got him all googly-eyed and stupid, so stupid he gave you everything. Fuck, pussy must’ve been that good.” 

He laughs as he shoves the utensil in deeper. You groan. “Stop!”

“Inheritance is inheritance, who cares how it’s gained..isn’t that right, honey?” The wild look in his eyes reassured you that he was having fun with this.

“Fuck you! You know nothing about me! You’re lucky your dad worked his ass off so you don’t have to lift a finger, you fucking asshole!”

“You know so much, honey. You’ve also got a dirty mouth. Be careful or I might start to like you.”

Your nose flares as you breathe heavily.

He uses his hand on your chin to pull you upwards into a standing position. You try to fight him off, but he overpowers you easily. Something about him makes his strength feel unlike anything you’ve ever felt before.

He releases his grip and moves to stand behind you. He then holds the piece of steak up to your face. “Now, eat.”

You turn your head away, letting out a huff. Jaehyun pushes two fingers into your wound, making you scream again and bend over. “Stop! Please!” You grip the edge of the table, still trying to fight him off.

He only chuckles and pushes his fingers in deeper. “Just open your mouth and I’ll stop, it’s pretty easy.”

You cry harder, but do as he says, opening your mouth as he places the fork inside. 

“There you go, good girl.” He smiles again as you chew.

He lets you go and walks back to his seat at the table, leaving you a crying mess. It takes you some time and strength to sit back in your seat, your hand over your wound as blood begins to pour out. 

“You and your men are starting to piss me off, but as I said before I always get what I want.” He cuts into the steak slowly, the fork and knife held by his fingers still covered in your blood.

You feel weak, his face becomes a blur and you pass out within seconds.

[5 Hours Later]

With only a few hours left, Taeyong arrives at Jaehyun’s mansion. He sits on the couch and waits for Jaehyun to show up.

He hadn’t slept all night, he’d been working with Taeil to figure out where your men were. He immediately knew he was going to find them and give their location away to save you. As he said before, he didn’t give two shits about them and didn’t care if that offended or upset you. Yuta was killed and he needed to save you before it was too late. He lost his best friend, he couldn’t lose his true love too. Furthermore, you could help him find Haeju.

Jaehyun arrives after about 5 minutes, walking towards the love seat facing him. You walk in after him. Taeyong’s eyes follow the leash connecting Jaehyun’s clenched fist to the collar around your neck and nearly loses it. Taeyong is saddened to see you like this, your shirt stained with blood, your eyes low and red from crying, and your face drained. To make matters worse, the collar has chrome letters decorating it to spell out ‘JAEHYUN’S’.

He truly was a petty and sick man.

“Kneel.” Jaehyun commands while pointing to the spot beside his feet on the floor.

Taeyong’s eyes grow. How dare he, he’s out of his mind. His heart starts to race as he grows angry. “N-“

“It’s okay, Taeyong..I’m okay.” You kneel quickly, ignoring the fact that Jaehyun was hell-bent on breaking you down and putting you below him. He was exactly as you told him, a spoiled brat.

“Good girl.” He smirks as if hearing your thoughts.

Taeyong grits his teeth when he sees you clutching your stomach and wincing.

“She needs to rest.” He says to Jaehyun sternly.

“Oh god, I hope that’s not what you came here to tell me.” Jaehyun rolls his eyes, leaning back and taking in Taeyong’s irritated appearance. He knows he’s practically two seconds away from lunging at him, and he loves it. 

“Taeyong..you don’t have time.” You whisper through a strained breath. Kneeling in that position puts more pressure on your wound.

Taeyong swallows hard. “Fine..here..the coordinates of where their men, along with my own will be meeting. I faked a message from Yuta’s number calling for an emergency meeting at 12.”

Your eyes grow, you shake your head. “No! What are you-“

He continues. “It’s a warehouse, so there will be approximately 5 exits your men will have to cover. Do what you will, they mean nothing to me now, let y/n go so I can save my sister.”

“Taeyong, don’t do this.” You start to cry once you see the paper Taeyong places on the center table.

“Oh? It’s that easy, is it?” Jaehyun crosses a leg over the other, his dimples showing through as he grins.

Jaehyun’s right hand man grabs the paper and leaves the room to make preparations for an attack.

“I gave you what you asked for, now let her go.” Taeyong doesn’t look at you, for the sight will drive him mad if this takes any longer.

Jaehyun nods. “Sure. Go on.”

And it’s a little too easy. No catch? No pause? Just freedom? Oh no..you both knew Jaehyun better.

You start to crawl towards Taeyong, and once you’re within an arm's reach away, Jaehyun tugs the leash hard and snatches you by the collar back towards him. You yelp and grab at the collar once it tightens.

“But..I didn’t get what I asked for, did I?”

Taeyong stands up. “Stop with the fucking games! Let her go!”

You cough and gasp for air.

Jaehyun shakes his head while laughing. “I think she can stay beside me for a few more minutes..at least until my guys confirm yours are dead. It’s only fair. Or…you could stay here and let your sister die.”

Taeyong sighs and sits back down.

After a few seconds, he says through gritted teeth. “You’re an asshole.”

Jaehyun nods. “Yes..well, it’s just another day.”

“Just…five minutes..give me five minutes then.” Taeyong looks into his eyes, trying to hide his embarrassing tone of desperation.

Jaehyun scoffs then eyes him up and down. “You don’t need five minutes, you probably finish in two..”

“You broke your own rule and lied..the least you can do is give us that…I don’t even know if I’ll see him again.” You growl at him.

Jaehyun looks down at you. “Ahh..and the bitch makes another demand.”

Taeyong's eyes narrow, he never thought he'd feel such a burning urge to kill anyone as strong as this.

“Two minutes and bring my toy back unharmed.” Jaehyun lets the leash go.

Taeyong quickly kneels to the ground with you and holds you in his arms closely. He helps you up to your feet then quickly walks you outside.

“Listen, we don’t have much time but trust me, okay?”

You sniffle and shake your head. “Taeyong, you bastard, I’ll never forgive you for this.”

He holds both of your arms and holds you firm towards him, his eyes growing as his grip tightens. “Y/n, just trust me!” 

You nod, but don’t look into his eyes.

“I’m..sorry I couldn’t save you, but I know he won’t kill you, he needs to have something over me and as of right now, he knows it’s you..it’s you above everything..look at me.” He uses his finger to bring your chin up towards him. 

Your teary eyes finally meet his, melting him where he stands. Had his mind not been in a million places at once, he would’ve kissed you until the sun set. “I love you.”

“That’s not enough, Taeyong..what are you going to do?”

“First, I’m going to save Haeju, then I’ll come back for you, just wait for me, I promise..”

You nod. For a moment, you had forgotten that Haeju was running out of time. “She’s probably at the pit, it’s a house in the middle of nowhere..here take this.” You hurriedly hand him your smart watch. While getting stitched up, you remembered that it was connected to a tracker you left inside a vase at the house. The watch could pinpoint where it was once the app was activated.

“Follow it quickly, it’s just a guess, but I doubt Yuta would leave her in a place that I don’t know of.” 

Taeyong nods. “Thank you, do whatever he says, give him whatever he asks for..just until I get back, okay?”

You nod. “Please…be careful.”

He can’t hold back any longer. He leans down and kisses you deeply, drawing you in as your eyes shut. Your heart starts to race and tears flow down your cheeks as you think this will be the last time, if not for a while, then for forever.

Taeyong feels himself tearing up as well. He remembers all the moments you spent together and the times you made him happy. He remembers when you lived together like a normal couple and how your smile brightened every day for him. Losing Yuta was too much for him to bear, he knew he couldn’t lose you too.

You finally pull away and press a hand to his chest. “You have to hurry.” You swallow hard and look away.

He nods and hurries out of the mansion.

You watch him walk away and it feels like everything moves in slow motion. You’re being dragged back into the room by the guards, your arms ache, but all you can do is watch Taeyong leave. Your heart breaks slowly as you know it will be the last time you see your green-haired lover. You don’t feel the guards tightening rope around your wrists once more.

Jaehyun places an arm along the top of the couch, watching you sit still on the couch across from him.

About 30 minutes pass as you stare at the ground and Jaehyun checks his emails and calendar on his phone.

He finally places it down and grabs your leash.

“So…How does it feel? To be used and thrown away like nothing?”

You chuckle and look up to him. “He isn’t throwing me away, he’s saving his sister..then he’ll kill you.”

Jaehyun only laughs. “Why do you even care for that freak?”

You sigh and rest your back against the cushion. Maybe if you visualize yourself choking the life out of Jaehyun, you’ll be satisfied enough.

“It doesn’t matter to you.”

“Well..do you love him?”

“If I say yes, will you leave us alone?”

Jaehyun laughs again, his dimples showing through even in the dim lighting of the gold-lined room. “Now, you know I can’t do that.”

You laugh. “Of course…coward.. are you scared you’d have to keep looking over your shoulder?”

He smirks, tilting his head as he observes the collar around your neck. “You’re lucky I need you.”

“And you’re lucky I’m tied up right now! You bastard!”

“Hey hey hey..” he yanks the leash, bringing you to the edge of the couch. You steady yourself on your knees to avoid falling off.

“No need to yell, you’re funny, but don’t push your luck with me..” he stares into your eyes and there’s a dark glint in them this time. For once, you genuinely feel threatened and it sends shivers down your spine.

“Boss!” One of his henchmen bursts into the room.

“It was a set up!” 

Jaehyun lets the leash go and stands up. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

The man hands the phone to his right-hand man. You strain your ears to listen and hear they were unable to make contact with the team that set out to kill your members at the meeting. The back up team arrived at the location Taeyong told him about and discovered that Jaehyun’s men were victims of a building bombing. Bombs were set up and detonated when the clock struck 12, killing all of Jaehyun’s men. Your guys were safe, the meeting was faked. 

Taeyong must have met with your guys and devised the plan while he was gone. He knew it was risky, but took a chance anyway, knowing that Jaehyun would trust him if he left you behind.

You smile in relief, but know you’re about to see a side of Jaehyun you’d never seen before.

You can’t help but laugh when you see his face become drained of all color while listening to the person speak over the line.

He throws the phone to the floor, watching it break into several pieces. He stomps over to you quickly and grabs you by the collar, raising you off the couch as you whine.

“Did you fucking know about this?” He takes a knife out of his pocket and presses the tip into the space just below your jaw.

However, you don’t stop laughing, it was about time the bastard felt pain like you did.

“Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t, maybe I don’t even know what you’re talking about.” You chuckle and the knife goes in deeper. You could care less what he did to you, you just wanted your guys to be safe and Haeju to be found before it was too late

He growls then throws you back down onto the couch. “Fucking bitch!”

“What’s the problem? Daddy can’t fix this for you?” You say in an annoying high pitched voice. Jaehyun slaps you hard, making you split blood onto the couch. You go dizzy for a moment, but resume your laughing fit.

“First, I’ll tear him limb from limb, then gonna kill him in front of you!” Jaehyun growls.

You chuckle. “You idiot. You killed him the moment you killed Yuta and took me away, you killed him the moment you made him choose between his sister and me..”

Jaehyun stops his pace and smiles slowly. “Hmmm..you’ve given me an idea actually.. what’s worse than killing someone quickly?”

You sniffle while sitting up slowly. What is he getting at?

He sits beside you, making you slightly nervous with the close proximity. Would he kill you now? “Killing them slowly..what if I *did* marry his sister?..he’d have to see my face, always next to his poor, innocent sister’s, and regret being alive every single day.”

You turn to him, shaking your head furiously. “No..it’s not what Haeju deserves..leave her out of this..”

Jaehyun looks down at you with furrowed brows, taking the leash up slowly into his palm. “Now..now, you’re in no position to be making demands..unless..you’d like me to marry you instead?”

You knew what he wanted. To not only hold his marriage with you above Taeyong’s head, but to gain complete access to your money and assets now that Yuta is dead. 

You chuckle. “You’re insane.”

He stands up. “Fine. Haeju it is.”

You jump to your feet. “No! Neither of us..you won’t hurt him this way, you’ll only dig a deeper grave for yourself if you marry either of us in front of him!”

“Well, sweetheart, I’m quite the daring person, I’d love to see how deep the grave gets…so what- or who- will it be? You or her?”

[10 Days Later]

You’re getting dressed when a notification pops up on your phone screen.

[BREAKING] Body of Young Woman Found, Mutilated by Knives

Your eyes widen. You unlock your phone and read through the article quickly. “No..no, it can’t be.”

“Are you ready?” Jaehyun opens your door and walks in.

“No..this..this can’t be happening..” tears flood your eyes, it was your worst nightmare playing out in real time. The body was confirmed to be Haeju’s. You feel your heart break into pieces. You stumble back and sit onto the bed as everything turns gray. Jaehyun didn’t let you have a phone so you couldn’t get in contact with Taeyong. His guys were also unable to find him. This is why.

He must’ve lost it when Haeju died. There’s no way he’d be back for you now, the one person he truly loved was gone. You wish you could apologize to him, you wish you could console him as he cries.

“Let’s go.. and don’t make me come back.” Jaehyun leaves your room, ignoring the fact that you’re sobbing into your hands after hearing the news. He’s cold-hearted, cruel, unfair, and now, you’re stuck with him forever.

Guilt eats away at your heart for the entire day. You can’t focus on the new responsibilities you’re tasked with as Jaehyun’s wife. You were able to save your guys after everything, begging Jaehyun to allow them to live as they had nothing to do with you and Taeyong’s choices. He could use the men to replace his that passed, and you proved that they were valuable by highlighting their accomplishments. 

You even surrendered everything to him once you married, combining your accounts and giving your businesses to him so he’d take the title as the owner alone. You knew Yuta would’ve cursed you out for giving him everything, but it was all you could do to save everyone. 

Now, with not a penny to your name after all these years, you were reduced to being the wife of a kingpin, a woman whose only duties were to provide a man’s needs while sitting quiet and pretty. It upset you, to feel like just an object after all you’d been through. But this was your punishment after letting Yuta and Haeju down. You deserved this, you deserved to be unhappy for the rest of your life.

Jaehyun was just happy to own you. Taeyong was nowhere to be found to pay for his crimes, he knew sooner or later, he’d be back for you. He awaits the day he gets to kill you both, not until after inflicting so much pain that you beg for death of course. Until then, he’d have to keep you alive.

In the meantime, both you and your men pledged allegiance to him and he couldn’t be happier.

[Three Months Later]

As time goes by, you worry for Taeyong, but you also feel as though you’ve been abandoned again. Could you blame him? You let his sister die. Why would he want to see you? You’re also a practical death trap for him here with Jaehyun.

But still, you wondered why he didn’t care about what happened to you.

“Hey..everything okay?” Xena leans over and asks as you both get pedicures together. If it were up to you, you wouldn’t have taken care of your appearance, but Jaehyun said that he’d never have a disgusting woman by his side for his business partners to see. If you wanted to be claimed as a luxurious handbag for a man, you needed to look expensive like one. And that meant getting all sorts of treatments done to your body daily. It was tiring, but it meant pleasing Jaehyun and in turn, staying alive.

You turn to her. “Not really, but it’s okay.”

Surprisingly, Xena was nice to you. She ended up falling in love with a doctor from the underground hospital she stayed at while healing. You realized it didn’t take much to get her to be head over heels though. She told you she thought she loved Taeyong, but she didn’t, she just liked the attention and his smile.

She knew you were stuck here in this never-ending loop of life while being a wife to Jaehyun of all people. She could see that it was hard and that you missed Taeyong, and the pain in your eyes was satisfying enough. After all, you did cause her to be shot.

Then again, Jaehyun was harsh and she couldn’t imagine being with someone she didn’t truly love.

“Okay..” she nods.

Later that night, you, Jaehyun, Xena and her new boy toy, Doctor Kun, have dinner together. They laugh and have a great time, while you give a small smile and nod. How could you find joy like some regular housewife?

After about two hours, you say your goodbyes and start to clean the dishes.

Jaehyun leans against the counter and looks at your sad face. “It’s been months..when are you going to get over it?” He says sternly as he crosses his arms in disappointment. 

He eyes you up and down in the lavender colored spaghetti strap silk dress he chose for you.

You chuckle. “Get over it? That’s funny.”

He raises his brows. “If you don’t want to do the job of a wife, then I could just kill you and get another, would you like that? How about I relieve you of your duties?”

You look onto him with empty eyes.

“Taeyong would be sad though..” he tilts his head, his mouth tilting upwards once he realizes he’s said the words that will spark feelings in your heart again.

“Oh fuck off, Jaehyun, you need me.”

He steps closer to you. “What I need is for you to smile and stop being a self-indulgent bitch. You make people uncomfortable when you act like that.”

You suddenly throw a dish to the floor and look up at him. He isn’t startled, only amused as he always is when you get upset. It’s like seeing a dog run wildly through the house because he caught the zoomies.

He chuckles.

“Uncomfortable? Jaehyun, I’m in a fake marriage! Oh, I’m sorry if I look miserable, but maybe it’s because I fucking AM! Have you ever thought about that?!”

“And how did you get into this position? Your memory isn’t that bad, is it?” He says smoothly.

He steps closer and you can feel the heat in your cheeks rise. He’s so intimidatingly close, he towers over you and you back away, but the edge of the kitchen counter hits your back.

“All I want is for you to smile..I give you everything, your life is grand and expensive..look at this mansion you can prance about in.” He stands directly above you, eyes staring intently into yours as he smirks.

You can’t help but look away, feeling the intensity might burn right through you if you stare any longer. Jaehyun can practically feel your heart racing.

He wraps an arm behind you and reaches to the back of your head, grabbing your hair clip so it falls loosely to your shoulders. You look back up at him through wide eyes, slightly scared by him in this moment.

He places it onto the counter then leans down. He’s intoxicating as his movements hypnotize you, your mouth opens on instinct. He presses his knee in between your legs, making the fabric of your dress rise. His lips just centimeters from yours, you feel his hot steamy breath enter your mouth. 

But he doesn’t kiss you, instead he places his hand onto your neck and squeezes. You whimper at the sudden sensation of his finger tips digging into your throat. He leans back and looks into your eyes. “Smile.” 

You shake your head, causing him to tighten his grasp. You hold his wrist in an attempt to stop him. “Smile or I’ll kill you right now.”

His knee presses into you harder, giving you friction that you so desperately need in between your legs.

“No.” You grumble out.

He turns the stove top on the oven beside you on. “Don’t push me, y/n.” His husky voice enters your ears.

“I hate you.” You look into his eyes.

With that, he spins you around, grabbing the back of your head and forcing you down onto the stove. You place your hands on the counter on either side. “Stop!”

“Smile!” He presses you down harder against your resistance.

You’re just centimeters away from the stove, feeling the heat decorate your cheeks as it gets hotter with each second.

“Okay!” You cry out, tears now falling out of your eyes.

He lets your head go and spins you around. 

You smile and wipe away your tears for him. 

He finally smiles back and rubs the back of your head. “Good girl.”

He kisses you for the first time, it isn’t nearly as magical as it was with Taeyong, but you welcome the embrace. It has been some time since you last felt lust like this and you needed a release.

Jaehyun wasn’t kind and he wasn’t gentle, but he was handsome and good at winding you up.

You take his shirt off over his head and unbuckle his pants.

He rips the straps off your dress, allowing your chest to be free. He then kisses your neck and shoulders as his hand holds the back of your head. You moan, chills running wildly throughout your body before he takes one of your nipples into his mouth while caressing the other. 

He pushes the bottom of the dress up so you can wrap your legs around his waist as he kisses your neck. He enters you quickly and easily, noting how you were turned on just as much as he was by his actions. He grunts and curses as you cry out his name. Your nails scratch his broad shoulders then his back, drawing out blood as he fucks you against the kitchen counter for the first time. 

“Fuck..” you whimper and shut your eyes tightly. He’s rough and unforgiving with his thrusts, you nearly cry from the feeling of being stretched out to fit him, but within minutes you reach your climax together. 

Jaehyun pants as his head rests on your shoulder. “He’s never coming back, y/n.”

You look down at the knife set to your left, you have him right where you want him. So why don’t you do it? You could end it all now, but you know that stabbing him will only lead to your death.

You had to follow Taeyong’s orders. You had to wait for him. Surely, he’d show up.

You never made love again after that day, you were only lustful for that moment, but never again. Jaehyun wasn’t Taeyong, he’d never be him.

You did, however, help Jaehyun make business decisions and even caught when partners were trying to sell him short.

One day you meet with property owners looking to sell a nightclub. They inform Jaehyun they only wish to receive 30% of the profit from the club, leaving Jaehyun with 70%. They call it a fair deal, but you notice something is wrong.

Jaehyun’s advisor agrees with it at the meeting, but you stop Jaehyun from signing.

“I’m sorry..it’s just, something isn’t sitting right with me..” the men turn to you, their sharp eyes exposing their disgust at you opening your mouth in the first place.  

“Go on.” Jaehyun looks at you and nods. 

But you didn’t need his permission to. You continue. “The club is located in a city with a diminishing population, folks are getting older and leaving to calmer places once they retire. By investing in this club, Jaehyun would be losing more than what he would gain, resulting in immense negative profit for us, and minimal loss for you as you would no longer have the responsibility of upkeep and creating appeal.”

The men are stunned silent, two shift in their chairs and look down.

Jaehyun smiles slightly then looks back at the men. “Well..is my wife correct to assume you are setting me up?”

“No..sir, we’d never do that, please believe us-ah-we just..” one man scrambles to come up with an excuse.

Jaehyun raises his hand. “That’s enough, get out.”

They move quickly, knowing that Jaehyun has a short fuse and would easily end their lives if he felt the need to.

Afterwards, it’s just the two of you in the room. He is impressed by you and even turned on by the way you talk, he wishes he could take you right then and there, maybe even while the advisor watches. Nonetheless, he knows you’ll never touch him again so he chuckles and stands up to leave with his advisor.

“You’re talented and smart, I’m happy I kept you.” He says over his shoulder as you bow.

You grimace while feeling like some sort of pet for the man.

“I was only stating my findings. It was pretty obvious what they’re trying to do.” You stand up straight and meet his eyes, the ones of Satan himself. He never let you have a phone, but he did get you a computer to do research. Of course, he also made sure to track every website you went on.

Jaehyun smiles then closes the door behind him.

[Two Months Later]

You were sitting at your desk when you heard Jaehyun call you downstairs.

You enter the dining room and feel an overwhelming sense of shock when you see him.

Taeyong.

He smiles when you walk in, making your heart melt. You feel a mix of emotions. Happiness, regret, and fear all flood you at once. You wondered why he had dared to enter the lion's den, but you also felt relieved to see he’s still alive and well. 

His hair is an intense raven black color now, but makes him look more mature and just as handsome as he was from the very first day you met him. You want to hug him, to cry with him, to feel his heart against yours once more.

“Sit.” Jaehyun interrupts your thought, he feels ill seeing you happy at the sight of Taeyong.

You do as he says, sitting in the seat between him and Taeyong.

Taeyong is overwhelmed when he sees you. Just as pretty as ever, you look healthy and gorgeous in your lavish jewelry. They weren’t you and he knew that, but he figured Jaehyun would dress you up like a doll just because he owned you. He wanted to kill him so badly, for many reasons. Behind all the glamour, however, he could see the emptiness in your eyes. They were now a dark abyss that had lost hope and he felt bad for being the reason for it. Soon, he’d make it up to you.

“Well..should I kill you or her first?” Jaehyun places his hands on the table and leans forward while smiling.

Taeyong looks away from you and back to Jaehyun with an evil glare. “I’ve come to talk..after some time away, I’ve made the decision to leave everything to you…Jaehyun.” 

You gasp. Was Taeyong really willing to give everything up?

“You expect me to thank you? Why shouldn’t I just kill you and take it? It belongs to our family anyway. Haeju is dead so there goes the idea of our families merging.”

Taeyong shows his irritation at the mention of Haeju and clears his throat. “I guess I should explain the benefit behind keeping us both alive..”

“I’m losing my patience, Taeyong.”

“My businesses are still gaining value with interest as time goes on. Everything imported into my account will automatically be put into yours, but only while I am alive. It is not until I die that the value of these investments will be frozen and assessed by a special agent. Long story short, I’ve made it so that my assets will increase drastically over the next few months and years…so if you killed me now..you’d lose a lot. And no one likes to lose, isn’t that right Jaehyun?”

Jaehyun chuckles. “You sly bastard..”

Taeyong slides two stacks of papers across the table to Jaehyun.

“Just sign it and my earnings become yours forever…”

Jaehyun leans back in his chair. “What’s the other contract for?”

Taeyong’s nods and crosses his arms. “Oh that? Those are just divorce papers for you and y/n.”

Your eyes widen. Taeyong was insane if he thought this would actually work on Jaehyun, but then again, has he ever proven to be sane in the time that you’ve known him?

You look up at Jaehyun whose smile slowly turns downward. Why did he seem to be more upset about the divorce? 

“The papers state that everything y/n owns now belongs to you and she leaves with nothing. Although, I suppose she’s already given you everything, so in that case she will have to pay a certain percentage of her income for the rest of her life to you. 90% to be exact.”

Your brows furrow. You open your mouth to protest at the absurd request, but you trusted Taeyong to have a plan. 

Jaehyun shows his disapproval with the request with his facial expression alone.

“Both contracts state you agree to let us live freely while still benefiting from our hard work.”

You knew Taeyong was smart, but you didn’t expect this sort of courage. Who was this Taeyong in front of you? Maybe Yuta and Haeju’s deaths changed him. Maybe the absence of green hair dye allowed him to think clearly. 

After a moment of silence, Jaehyun laughs like a maniac at the table. You swallow hard. It wasn’t going to work, he was going to kill both of you.

“Guards.” He waves a hand and every guard in the room points their shotgun at you, some point theirs at Taeyong.

“You’re pissing me off, I like having y/n by my side, I own her..” he says the last three words with a snarl.

“Jaehyun!..Please-“

“You don’t have to beg him, y/n, not anymore..and definitely not while I’m here.” Taeyong reaches into his pocket, pulling out a ziploc bag and placing it into the table. 

“When’s the last time you’ve seen your sister, Jaehyun?”

You look closely and find..a finger.

But not just any finger.. one with the initial’s ‘XK’ tattooed onto it. 

Xena. You were with her when she got the tattoo to prove her loyalty to Kun. You draw in a sharp breath. “Taeyong..”

He slides the bag across to Jaehyun who stops laughing and looks closely. 

He holds the blood-stained bag up and realizes it’s his sister’s ring finger. 

He slams it down and stands up. “Where the fuck is she?!” He takes his own gun out of his pocket and points it to you. “Tell me now or she fucking dies!”

Taeyong only laughs “I’m the only one that knows where she is, kill her and you’ll never know where she is..all I can tell you is she doesn’t have much time.” He smiles wickedly.

Jaehyun cocks his gun. “Do you think I’m fucking playing with you?! Tell me now!”

Taeyong leans forward, staring into Jaehyun’s soul like Lucifer readying to claim.  “Sign both contracts and I will tell you. Should the contracts be broken, my lawyer has the right to take all of your assets and put them into a private account.”

Jaehyun grumbles. “Why the hell would I trust you after what you did last time?!” 

Taeyong tilts his head to the side. “Yes, what I did was shitty, wasn’t it? This time, I will go with your men to her location, but first..you must let y/n go.”

You shake your head, knowing that they’ll just kill him after Xena is found. “No..Taeyong, come with me please.” You start to cry. “Don’t leave me again.”

Taeyong continues to impress you, but the biggest surprise of all is that he is willing to give everything up for you, even after you unknowingly aided in Haeju’s death.

He turns to you and reaches his hand out on the table. You take it and sob. 

Taeyong rubs his thumb over it slowly. “It’s going to be okay..he won’t kill me, he’d lose too much, and Jaehyun is too smart to make a mistake like that, isn’t that right?” He turns to look at Jaehyun who still holds his gun out furiously.

After being pushed into a corner, Jaehyun has no choice but to agree. “Fuck..fine!” He signs both contracts quickly and puts his gun down. 

“You better not fucking die quickly.” If there was anything Jaehyun loved more than himself, it was money. From birth, he had access to everything because of it, he was greedy and would do anything to have it. He couldn’t love you, he wouldn’t even try, but he did love the idea that you belonged to him at the end of the day. 

You were just another item for him to have access to because of his wealth and status. The fact that Taeyong was actually able to take something out of his hands like a spoiled baby losing a toy pissed him off. More than ever, he felt the urge to kill him.

“Get her out of my sight!” Jaehyun yells. Some farewell that was.

The guards drag you by both arms from the table and out of the dining room. “Taeyong! Don’t do this! They’ll kill you!”

“Don’t worry, we’ll be okay, I’ll know where to find you, just remember what I told you.” Taeyong yells back before the heavy doors close with an echoing bang.

[The Next Day]

With the help of public transportation and a few nice strangers, you found your way back to Taeyong’s old mansion. You traveled with tears overflowing you during some moments. Taeyong risked everything for you, even harming Xena in the process. How would you see him again? 

You also had nothing but the clothes on your back, no phone, no purse, no money. How would you survive? You’re free from Jaehyun, but at what cost?

You brushed your thoughts away and headed to the only place you felt was home. You hoped he’d pop up one day if you stayed there. You’d persevere no matter how long it took.

Taeyong’s house was now abandoned, and with no gate guard, you walked in easily.

You hoped you had some old clothes there in good condition. You push the heavy doors open and walk in, wiping tears away after the long journey. His mansion was vastly different from the very first night you entered it. Much like your life, it quickly lost its charisma and beauty.

You gasp when you see someone in the shadows. It couldn’t be..

“T-Taeyong?”

You walk closer.

“I’m sorry, love, it’s just me.”

Taeil turns to you. You sob harder as he pulls you into a hug.

After pulling yourself together, you sit down at the table with him.

“Taeyong wanted me to give this to you.” He slides a briefcase on the table.

You furrow your brows. “What..what is this?”

You open it to see wads of cash under a passport. 

“We created a new one for you, he told me to tell you to leave..go somewhere you’d both go and don’t look back.. don’t tell anyone where you’re going, don’t even tell me..” Taeil says lowly.

“B-but I can’t leave, not without him..”

“Y/n..I know it’s hard, but you have to trust him. You already know where he’ll meet you.”

You look down at the passport. 

If you left now, just how would Taeyong find you? You nod towards Taeil and tell him thank you. 

Before he leaves, he turns to you. “I’m sorry.”

You nod, but you aren’t sure why he was apologizing. Did he think Taeyong wasn’t going to make it?

[One Month Later]

When the first two days passed, you were okay. “It’s only been two days, y/n, calm down.” Then days turned into weeks and weeks turned into a month.

Taeyong never showed up. You sit on the beach and take in the sight of the crystal blue water of the Bahamas. You’re right back where you started, regretting the night you met Taeyong and let him turn your life upside down. He put business first, he always has and always will. 

He probably stayed to take care of things with Jaehyun. But then again, what if he was killed? There was no way of knowing now. You didn’t have a phone, you couldn’t risk being tracked. You only had your shack that was adequate for you and the small amount of things you had.

Day after day, you engaged in your routine of having breakfast at a nearby cafe, going to the library to catch up on the news, getting dinner items from the supermarket, then watching the sunset. Oh, and your nightly cry, it was at night that you missed him the most. You missed being in his arms and feeling his warmth around you as you fell asleep. You missed feeling safe and happy.

[One Month Later]

A few more weeks pass and one day, while in the supermarket, you glimpse someone with green hair.

“I must be seeing things, plus his hair isn’t green anymore.” You mumble to yourself and continue shopping.

Then minutes later, you turn the corner to get to the aisle with eggs and collide into someone, making your basket drop as you yelp.

“Oh! I’m sorry.” You bend down and pick your basket up.

“It’s fine, y/n.”

This person somehow knew your real name, and not the fake one from your passport that you told to everyone. Did Jaehyun find you?

You look up slowly to see wavy green hair touching the man’s shoulders. Your eyes shift to his.

“Taeyong-“ you gasp, dropping your basket before throwing your arms around his neck.

He runs your back and smiles while breathing in your scent. “Y/n…my baby.” 

You start to sob into the crook of his neck. “I’m so sorry..I’m so sorry about Haeju.” You sniffle.

Taeyong pulls away and smiles softly. “Let’s go home and talk.”

Taeyong takes you to his home, a new house he purchased with cash he withdrew before leaving. 

You enter it and stare in awe. “It’s so beautiful, Tae.”

“It’s perfect now that you’re here.”

You put your hands on your hips and turn to him. “What took you so goddamn long?” You manage to get out while choking up. You missed him so much, you couldn’t believe you were actually with him.

“Y/n..” he pulls you close and kisses you deeply, you close your eyes and fall into him while he caresses your back. 

“I thought you died.” You cry harder, but he kisses your cheek and wipes your tears. 

“I know..I know, I just had to make sure you were okay first.”

“You don’t get it Taeyong. I’m never okay when you aren’t here.” 

He looks into your eyes, holding back his own tears. You’re more beautiful than ever in his eyes. He wants to kiss you for days, he wants to caress you until he takes his last breath.

“Come with me..” he takes your hand and leads you to his patio where you sit down together in front of the beach. 

He runs his fingers over your hands and swallows hard. “I haven’t..been honest with you..mainly because I haven’t found the time until now..but I need to explain what happened in the time that I was gone.”

Taeyong was different, he spoke more maturely and he was gentler. His hair was green again, but he wasn’t the maniac you met on the first night.

“Okay..”

“Haeju didn’t die..I was able to save her in time at the pit thanks to you, and the private account I told Jaehyun about is actually hers.”

Your eyes widen. “But..I saw it in the news.”

He nods. “I know..I had my guys “burrow” a female body from a morgue, they placed it in the trap after we got Haeju out. The body was so badly destroyed with the bomb Yuta set up, we only had to leave her wallet and belongings there for investigators to confirm her identity. Taeil forced news stations to release the article so Jaehyun could believe her death.”

Your mouth falls open. Haeju was alive after all. You felt relief.

“I dyed and cut my hair, then Haeju and I went to Japan. We both changed our names and she enrolled in a different college while telling her closest friends what happened. She wasn’t too happy about it, nor the fact that Yuta used her, but she’ll be okay…I’m sorry, y/n, I had to protect her.” He looks into your eyes as the reflection of the sun setting hits them, bringing out the depthness of the color. A truly beautiful work of art is in your eyes right before him.

“I see..I’m so happy she’s okay..I wish you could’ve found some way to tell me..but I get it, Tae. I’m just glad you’re here.”

He smiles and hugs you close, bringing you into his lap as he resumes your kiss. You hold his face in your hands and turn your head to give him more access. Being this close to him, feeling his heart race as his hands grip your body, it still isn’t enough.

You pull away. “Before we continue, I still want to know what took you so damn long.”

Taeyong gazes down at your lips, wishing you’d kiss him again. 

He licks his own. “Okay..” he drags his fingers down your arm, making the hair in the back of your neck raise. He had changed since you’d last been together, but he still knew how to make you weak.

[Before Taeyong’s Meeting with Jaehyun]

Xena is in the kitchen cooking when she here’s a knock on her apartment door. “Kun, baby, can you answer that for me.”

Since being shot, she decided to live a “normal” life, while still indulging in expensive things of course. She just didn’t need the drama that came along with the money, and Jaehyun was doing a great job of running their father’s business anyway. When she first decided to work for him, she had her eyes and heart set on Taeyong. He was her incentive, but once everything happened, she discovered that she didn’t love him, she only wanted his attention and with you still around, that would never happen.

Kun made her happy though. He lived a simple life and showed her what true love was.

Kun walks out from his office room and does as she asks. “Who are you?” He eyes the strange man up and down.

“I’m here to see Xena.”

“Who is it?” She shouts out and looks toward the door.

She nearly drops the spatula when she sees him.

“Taeyong” comes out in a faint whisper.

He walks in. “I’m sorry to interrupt you, I won’t take up much of your time actually.”

“Wait..did THE Lee Taeyong apologize?” She crosses her arms and walks toward him. “Kun, can you finish that for me?”

Kun nods and walks into the kitchen, leaving her and Taeyong to talk alone.

“How did you find me?” She asks as Taeyong makes himself comfortable on her living room couch.

He smiles. “Come on Xena, you know how this works.”

“You should be apologizing for putting me in the fucking hospital. You never even visited me. Were you too busy dyeing your hair a normal color?” She sits down across from him.

Taeyong nods. “I’m sorry..it wasn’t supposed to happen that way..”

She rolls her eyes. “So..you disappeared, your girl is married to my brother, I’ve clearly moved on…what is it you want?”

“Haeju..was murdered..I couldn’t save her..” Taeyong shakes his head, his eyes well with water.

Xena leans forward. “Haeju..your sister? No..she-“ memories of Haeju flood her mind as she thinks of when they met for lunch. She was sweet and they bonded well. She had nothing to do with this world and shouldn’t have suffered because of it.

“She was being held captive, but Jaehyun didn’t allow me to get to her in time.”

“I’m..so sorry.”

“I need you to help me.”

“Taeyong, if this is about the merge of our families, I can’t do it anymore, I love Kun and-“

“No..no, it’s not about that..I need to get Jaehyun to let y/n go.”

She chuckles and leans back into the couch. 

“Wow..” she rubs her temple. “You are a man with a serious deathwish. You do know who my brother is, right?”

Taeyong nods and leans forward. “It’s exactly that..he’s your brother, you’re his only weakness.”

“He will never let y/n go, Taeyong. I’ve seen it myself..”

“Seen what?” Taeyong’s brows bunch together. Jaehyun couldn’t possibly be in love with you. He’d kill him on sight if that’s the case. He was already upset with the fact that it was a business marriage and you now carried a last name that wasn’t his.

“Jaehyun is infatuated with the idea of owning her. He watches her like a hawk and doesn’t even let her hang out with anyone but myself. It would be like taking a toy out of a two year old’s hands..”

“Well..it’s not impossible..” Taeyong persists. 

“I don’t know..he’s still my brother after all-“

“Xena..listen to yourself right now. Haeju is dead because of him. None of this is her fault. And y/n being a prisoner for the rest of her life, I know you never cared for her, but do you really think she deserves that?”

She looks to the floor while thinking. “Just what is it that you want me to do?”

Taeyong explains his plan to fake her kidnapping. They “borrow” another body from the morgue, but this time, only cut off a finger and tattoo it to match Xena’s ring finger.

Once the plan was set in motion, Taeyong led Jaehyun’s men to Xena who was in a hotel room sleeping safe and sound.

Taeyong then escaped to the pit to prepare for his departure from the country again. He had to lay low and untraceable once Jaehyun discovered he was tricked again.

[Present Day]

“That’s it?” You look up into his eyes.

He scoffs. “What do you mean “thats it?” You should be thanking me or telling me how smart I am right now, do you know how much planning when into saving you from that obsessive asshole?”

You only smiled while Taeyong went on and on. It was nice to have him back.

“Speaking of..are you sure he won’t scour the world for us?”

Taeyong looks to the water. “He won’t..he’s too preoccupied with other things.”

You lift your head from his chest. “Wait..what DID you do during those months?”

Taeyong’s mouth pulls into a sly smile. “Don’t worry, baby, I took care of everything.”

“Taeyong..”

“No more questions for today.” He puts a finger to your lips.  “Kiss me or I’ll leave for a few months again.” 

You gasp. “Lee Taeyong! Are you insane? Threatening to leave me? Oh you’ve really pissed me off.”

You lift yourself up completely and stop into the bedroom. “I’m going home!”

He runs in after you laughing. “You’re already home! Come back here!”

He spins you around and drags you back to the bedroom, pushing your body into the wall. Your shoulder blades collide with it, but you’re too distracted by his smooth lips and wandering hands to care.

You wrap your arms around his neck and pull him closer as you kiss. His hands rest on your hip, fingertips digging in deeper and deeper as your tongues tangle around each other.

He leads you to the bed as you moan, laying you down before leaning over you and taking your shirt over your head. It has been way too long since he felt you, he was going to go crazy if he waited any longer.

You feel the same way, shimmying off your sweatpants so you can finally feel his skin on yours.

He places his jeans below his hips and kicks them off. He then resumes your kiss while still leaning over you.

You unbutton his shirt, revealing his beautiful tattooed body little by little.

“Tae..I need you.” You whisper into his ear, feeling his fingers release your waist then float down to your apex.

You widen your legs more as he groans.

His eyes leave your face to focus on your pointy nubs begging for his attention.

He licks around both of them as his finger massages your folds slowly but purposefully. Your hands find his hair, combing through his emerald locs while he works both nipples in his mouth. He pushes his fingers in, moaning when he feels how wet and tight you are for him.

Your head falls back into the bed as you grind onto his hand. “Fuck..” it feels good to have him touch you after all this time. His thumb flicks against your clit while he lays sloppy kisses onto your neck.

His lips graze your ear. “It’s been so long, baby, but you still feel so good. I’ve been thinking about you and how you feel around me…” he uses his other hand to play with your nipple in between his thumb and index finger.

You draw in a sharp breath as his fingertips press onto your sweet spot. “Tae..”

“You’re so pretty, I just want to fuck you all day and night long..can I do that? It’s been a while, right?”

“Yeah..” you whimper. He can feel you clenching after hearing his proposal.

“I’ll take you in any position and in every room in this house, would you like that?”

You nod and close your eyes, preparing for the climax of your life.

“This pussy is mine, right? It’s so good, I had to come back for you.” His fingers move fast, he moves his other hand downwards to tap away at your clit. 

You clench even more and grasp his arm. “Yeah..right there.”

“I’m gonna fuck you until you’re round with my kids, we can finally fill this house, what do you say?” His husky tone makes you lose. 

“Yes!” Your nails dig into his arm as your body contorts below him. Your head falls back into the bed while he slows his fingers and kisses your neck.

“Hmmm..it’s been so long, you don’t even remember the rules..”

Your eyes open. “Rules?”

He nods. “I didn’t say you could cum, did I?”

“No..but Tae, it’s been so long I-“

“Shhhh..it’s okay, we have a lot of making up to do..I just hope you’re ready.”

You swallow hard and look into his eyes as he moves further down your body.

“Now..let me taste you.”

He grabs both legs by the crooks of your knees and pulls them apart. He wastes no time and begins licking up your essence. He uses the tip of his tongue to lick in-between your folds and then your clit.

You let out a mewl and place your hand in his hair.

He licks all over, his tongue going deeper and deeper with each swipe. He teases you with light movements from his tongue for a few minutes, making you breathe heavily and curse under your breath. “Tae..please.” You whine.

You try to push him closer but he resists.

“I’m so hard, but I still want to take my time.” He smirks then maintains eye contact while flattening his tongue against you.

You throw your head back. “God..I missed you.”

With that, Taeyong moves faster. You start to ride his face, moving back and forth until you see stars.

He stands up and flips you over so you’re on your stomach with your ass up. “You’re lucky I’m too fucking hard to play with you more.”

“What’s the rush? We have an entire lifetime to play..” you chuckle, but it’s interrupted when he slams himself into you. The breath leaves your body before you groan. “Taeyong!”

“You’re right, I’m gonna enjoy ruining you every night.” He pulls out slowly, enjoying the way your tight opening quivers with him inside it, struggling to adapt to his length fast enough.

He grabs your hair and snaps your neck back. “Ow!” You yelp.

He pushes back in again. “Did you miss this?”

“Of..course..fuck.” You shut your eyes tightly. Taeyong was fucking you to fit him, you couldn’t focus on anything but the grinding sensation of him finally in your body.

Your ass hits his hips as he goes deeper with each thrust. You can’t keep yourself from moaning, listening to how he pants and whispers curses.

“This pussy is so good..I’m going to fill it until you leak all over me..”

His fingertips dig into your hips, leaving a burning sensation and you’re sure you’ve started bleeding.

“Tae..I’m going to..”

“Let me see your pretty face as you do, baby.” He pulls out and lets you turn over on your side.

He kneels and then straddles your leg while curling your other leg around his side.

He holds his hard cock in his hand, brushing the tip against your dripping folds.

He pushes in while looking into your eyes.

His intense eye contact and the way he clenches his jaw makes you even wetter than you were before.

He thrusts into you, watching as you grip the sheets beside you and whine.

This position allowed him to go even deeper while still maintaining eye contact with you.

Your clit was perfectly stimulated and he could watch every cry escape your mouth as well as your breasts.

Here you were, looking perfect as ever for him during the sunset. You always took him well while still looking so pretty. He falls in love with you all over again, gazing at your face, then your neck, your breasts, your stomach, and your thighs. If he could paint you in this moment he would. But he knew he was blessed to have you all to himself. You’re all his finally and falling apart on his cock once more. He had no plans to let this sight go for the next few days. He really did plan on fucking you everywhere and every day.

“Fuck, it’s so deep inside you..” his tongue darts across his bottom lip.

He thrusts harder than pulls out completely. 

“Faster..please.” You beg him while looking at his beautiful body above yours. The way his veiny hands roam your body and keep you in position for him drives him crazy. You can clearly see the base of his dick disappear inside you now, the sight makes you dizzy.

“Of course. Anything for you.”

And with that, Taeyong drills his cock into your pussy, whimpering as it swallows him, begging to be emptied into.

“Taeyong!” You cry out while watching his abs flex and his beautiful body glisten in sweat above you.

He moves fast and places a hand around your neck, knowing that you preferred being quieted this way.

He squeezes your throat and starts to choke you.

Your body moves up and down on the plush bed, your breasts bouncing up and down while he destroys you.

He throws your leg up on his shoulder, his cock his your g-spot repeatedly and you silently go insane. His thrusts are fast, but his sturdy length slides in and out of you easily, never failing to press against your extremely sensitive areas.

“Good girl...take it just like that.”

His tone is low and husky, he continues to choke you while looking into your eyes deeply. The dark glare turns you on even more. Of course you were his, no one gets you to the edge like he does and no one is as beautiful when they try.

And with a few more thrusts, you come undone just as he does, your body shaking once again.

Your eyes roll in the back of your head as he kisses you through it.

It feels like minutes pass by while you experience your most intense orgasm. He ensures you are stuffed with him completely before pulling out.

He lays down beside you and kisses your forehead. “Rest for now..we have a few more days of this to prepare for.”

You laugh. “Still greedy as ever.”

He runs his fingers along your back. “Mhmm.”

“You’ve changed, Taeyong..how could you leave the business behind? You were a kingpin.”

He smiles and kisses your neck. “I guess I have changed, I’ve been too easy on you..”

“I’m being serious..why did you choose this life?”

He sighs. “Well…we never got a chance to talk about it, but…when Yuta died, I realized that I didn’t want that anymore. I didn’t want the pain.. I only wanted to be with you. I need you to be happy and alive. In just a few seconds, all that was taken from Yuta…how could I let that happen to you too? It’s tiring.”

“What is?” You run your hands through his hair.

“Having to watch my back all the time..having to dominate all the time..so I did what my father failed to do..I put love first. I don’t want to lose you and the chance to live happily.” 

You tear up at his confession and kiss him again. 

You made love several times that night after taking a shower. Taeyong made true to his promise to make love in every room, making you cry out his name until your voice became hoarse.

A few days later, you get a job at an insurance agency while Taeyong buys supplies for his craft. He starts painting and selling some of his works, but most of his money is made from investments he executed while staying in Japan. These were done under his fake identity, so technically Jaehyun didn’t have the rights to them. You both live a normal life and just a few weeks later, you hear the good news.

[Five Weeks Later] 

You’ve been feeling ill for the past few days, so Taeyong takes you to urgent care. When you describe the news to the doctor, he states he suspects you’re pregnant.

Taeyong’s eyes widen. “P-pregnant?”

You roll your eyes before looking at him. “Well..you did say you’d make it happen.”

You take the test and confirm your pregnancy.

To Taeyong, you are the most beautiful woman he has ever seen while you grow throughout the months. He takes care of you and makes sure you have everything you need. Massaging your feet and giving you warm showers whenever you asked.

“We’re naming him..Cerulean right?” Taeyong rushes you to the hospital after your water breaks.

“We are NOT naming our baby after a color..oh God this hurts.” You wince in pain as Taeyong speeds through traffic. “Be careful!! You’re going too fast!! You’re driving like a maniac!” Some things never change.

You give birth to a healthy baby boy and name him Cyan. Your hearts grow even more when you become pregnant again soon after, giving birth to a healthy baby girl named Dahlia.

Taeyong is the most attentive father you’ve ever seen, rocking the babies to sleep and feeding them whenever they cried. Of course, it’s the bare minimum, but the man before you blew your mind away. You love him so much.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” He says before taking his shirt off and crawling into bed beside you. He had just put the babies to sleep.

“Oh..nothing.” You chuckle.

He snatches your book away from you. “Hey!” You call out while leaning over him to get it back.

He places it on the nightstand beside him and turns to you with a mischievous smile. “You look like you wanna have a third one so let’s get started..” he tickles your side and nuzzles your neck while you giggle.

[6 Years Later]

You’re heading home after picking the kids up from pre-school.

“How was your day today?” You turn to face them in the backseat of your car.

“It was good, mommy! How was yours?” Dahlia calls out.

“It was good, thank you for asking. Cyan, honey, how was your day?” 

Cyan pouts and looks out the window.

“Cyan got into a fight with a boy because he made fun of his name!” Dahlia swings her feet.

“Oh…Cyan, it’s not good to fight. Solve your problems with words next time, okay?”

Cyan nods, but still pouts while looking out. He couldn’t be any more like his father, could he?

“With that being said, did you win?” 

He flicks head towards you and smiles while nodding. “Yes, mommy!” 

You smile brightly and give him a hi-five. “Good job buddy! But don’t do it again, okay?”

He nods. “Okay, mommy.”

“Alright, let’s go home to daddy.”

Taeyong was out at the supermarket picking up pasta for dinner when you entered the house. The kids run off into the living room as you place your purse down.

“Hey! Who are you?!” Dahlia calls out. Your brows furrow as you walk in after them.

You see Dahlia looking up at a man with long black hair. You gasp when you recognize the person.

You step in front of the kids to block him.

“W-what the hell are you doing here?” You panic. How did he find you? Your home phone is too far away to grab.

Jaehyun maintains eye contact with you, then kneels down and looks at Cyan and Dahlia with a smile. “Hey, little kids…go play in your rooms now. Your mom and I are gonna have a little chat.”

Cyan looks up at you with wide eyes. “Mommy, who is he?” 

Jaehyun smiles widely, but it gives Cyan a bad feeling. “A friend.”

“Y-yes, go to your rooms and lock the doors. Don’t come out until I call for you, okay?”

They do as you tell them. You breathe a sigh of relief once they’re out of sight, then look back at Jaehyun. “He’ll be home any minute now.” You say through gritted teeth.

The man you once saw in freshly tailored suits every day now wore a simple white t-shirt and jeans. His hair was also messier than usual. Dark rings settled under both eyes. He didn’t have any guards around him. Something was definitely wrong.

He steps closer, making you trip and fall into the couch behind you. “I could care less, y/n. I’m here for you. Did you think you could escape me? Taeyong tore you away from me, and that’s never happened before..I always get what I want, y/n.”

You reach behind you to see if you can fish out the hidden gun. “Jaehyun..you have to let it go..it’s been years.”

“Oh trust me…I know how long it’s been, I’m the one who lost everything..Taeyong set me up, he rewrote contracts and by the time I realized it, it was too late. I lost everything…” he looks towards the kids’ rooms. 

“I think it’s time you lost everything as well..I’ll take care of them and we can get going, y/n, just you and me. I don’t have nearly as much money as I did before, but I’ll have you.. rightfully.” He smiles and turns to walk, but you quickly pull the gun out.

He turns swiftly, leaping back to you to get it out of your hands. “Get off of me!” You yell during the struggle.

Then suddenly, you hear a sharp pop echo in your house.

Taeyong speeds towards you as you stare at Jaehyun who stops moving. “Y/n! Are you okay?! Where are the kids?!”

Jaehyun spits blood out and onto your face as you stare in horror. He chuckles before falling to the side and bleeding into his hand from his abdomen.

Taeyong grabs you from the couch. “Y/n! What did he do?!”

You shake your head. “I-I’m fine..the kids are in their rooms. He-“ you breakdown into tears after feeling horrified at Jaehyun’s sudden drop in. 

During the time that you waited for Taeyong, he executed a plan to destroy Jaehyun and it worked. He rewrote percentages behind Jaehyun’s back, causing a negative spiral in profit. Jaehyun’s business partners turned their backs on him, becoming his enemies one by one. He was left with nothing after slowly losing his profit over the years.

Taeyong puts the kids to sleep while you wash your face off. You then burn his body on the beach and sit beside the fire. “Why..didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t think he’d find us..I was sure someone would kill him once they found out “he” changed their contracts.”

You look towards him, tears in your eyes again. “We could’ve..” you sniffle. “We could’ve lost them, Tae.”

“No..that will never happen, I’ll always protect you, the bastard is dead and no one knows where we are..we’re free.”

You nod, still shaken up by what happened, but he was right. With Jaehyun dead, you didn’t have to look over your shoulders everywhere you went. It was finally over.

Taeyong takes your hand in his and kisses it. “I love you, let’s live happily.”

You give him a small smile. “Ahh Greenie..an entire lifetime with you? What a headache this is gonna be.”

The two of you laugh before heading back inside to your sleeping kids

And so, you raised them together and lived an honest life, enjoying the simple things like beach days and amusement parks as well as teaching your kids about art, how to drive, your responsibility of course, and eventually, how to apply for scholarships. 

Haeju visited every now and then too. The world of underground crime was no longer part of yours. 

Taeyong didn’t think it was possible to escape and be happy with a normal life, or rather he didn’t think he’d feel the need to, but he was wrong. He found someone worth leaving it for. He found someone worth living for. 

[prodbymaui]

Lust Royale Series.

The alternative universe of the mafia where you serve as the heir of the infamous 'Solaire'.

Lust Royale is an original NCT series written by prodbymaui. The release dates are scheduled to start by the beginning of October 2024.

Copying, translating, re-posting and rewriting the following works in any form is strictly prohibited unless given permission to do so.

OVERVIEW: In the world of mafia, things would never go according to one's plan. As an heir to the mafia group who had been at the top of the game since the beginning, Solaire's made sure to pull out and use all their assets to protect the rising soon to be kingpin. All guards up to prevent being indifferent to the dangers of what the consequences of their plans may be.

Because unbeknownst to most players; In this game, evil is hidden everywhere-- in plain sight. Driven by greed as they try to conquer everything their eyes gazes at, may it be simple equipments, or a whole organization. People in this area-- they like to be ambitious. A person might be smiling at you genuinely today, but the next thing you know? You will be meeting your downfall in the hands of the exact same person.

TAGLIST: send an ask to be added..

01: MISTIMED

SYNOPSIS: Being an assassin, it was already expected for love to be seen as a weakness in Yuta's field of work. Therefore, if you find yourself falling in love-- might as well dig your lover's and your own grave because no enemy would pass the chance of sabotaging any glimpse of happiness, especially in the mafia world.

Despite first-hand witnessing the outcome of being in love-- The faceless grim reaper finds himself risking the chance of exposing his identity for the sake of catching the sight of this mysterious woman dawned in her blood red dress.

Coming soon..

02: UNMASKED

SYNOPSIS: You should've figured out the man the moment he stepped inside your headquarters. You should've found out he's nothing but a threat to the organization. As he stood before you, not as an ally but as a spy-- you felt stupid for letting your guards down and showing your vulnerable side. You should've known.

Because now, you have to battle with these crumbling, weakening feeling of love. All the while, Haechan is out there, determined to kill you with his bare hands.

Coming soon..

03: LIONHEART

SYNOPSIS: You were cruel, merciless, and ruthless. Unforgiving to those who had wrong you, ensuring to make them pay trice the amount of what they owe. The lack of empathy towards other people was one thing Mark could've used to dislike, or even loathe, you.

However, as he watches you cut the tongues of the men who murdered Song Jaesoo in half-- Mark finds himself grateful to your father for hiring and trusting him to serve as your right hand.

Coming soon..

04: BOUNDARIES

SYNOPSIS: In a midst of chaos and danger, you found yourself stuck between the forbidden love your father had warned you about several times and your responsibilities as the successor of the great Song Jaesoo.

Would you rather focus on your goals of revenging your late father to continue his legacy? Or would you finally give in and taste the freedom of being with someone whom you truly love?

Coming soon..

2023 © prodbymaui

[softsan]

˚ 🥀⊹ 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐋, 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐌 𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄. (𝐩𝐭.𝟒)

✉️ ・ 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭.

✉️ ・ ── 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬: | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 |

✉️ ・ ── 𝐦𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 | 𝐲/𝐧'𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬

✉️ ・ ── 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Mafia AU, Angst, Kingpin!Taeyong, Queenpin!Y/N, Fem!Reader, Childhood friends, Betrayal, Enemies to lovers, Eventual Smut. ✉️ ・ ── 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:  You were the only surviving heir of the old-time Mafia kingpin that had ruled the four territories. You were long thought to be dead, living the normal life you had always wanted...Until you run into a Taeyong, a formidable ghost from your past. You are then thrown back into the Mafia underbelly, reuniting with enemies you had hoped had forgotten you. Will you run away? Will you stand beside Taeyong, kingpin of the North, and be his queen? Or will you take your rightful revenge.

✉️ ・ ── 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Possessive Themes, Future Explicit Sexual Content, Murder, Kidnapping, Strangulation, Torture, Weapons, Graphic Violence, Heavy Angst, Explicit Language, Alcohol Consumption, Mentions of Drugs, Betrayal, Morally Grey Characters.

✉️ ・ ── 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭.

Past.

A dream. This must all be a dream.

An older man sporting a beard took a seat beside your hospital bed. His forehead was creased, his knuckles white from holding onto the chair’s arms too tightly.

You let out a sudden gasp, your eyes bursting open. Your pupils beaded around the room in an attempt to establish your surroundings.

Where am I? Your cracked lips, slightly parting.

“Don’t try to speak,” The bearded man stood up immediately, “You're okay,” He reached for your bruised hand to offer you some comfort.  

You flinched, your face twisting with fright.

The bearded man hastily retracted his hand, the creases on his forehead increasing, “Please don’t be startled. We won’t hurt you.” He pointed to himself, and the young girl seated across from you, “I promise.”

You didn’t believe in promises. Not anymore. Nonetheless, you studied the young girl who was sitting cross-legged. She appeared to be a couple of years younger than you. She was softly humming, preoccupied with what looked like a miniature electrical motor. She had disassembled the metal parts and was bending and shaping the wires with a pair of eyebrow tweezers. The lack of attention she heeded towards you, made you feel a little better.

“Why don’t you introduce yourself, honey,” The bearded man told his daughter, noting your interest.

“Yebin,” She mumbled, sparing you a short glance.

“We were the ones that found you,” The bearded man continued, “We were the ones to bring you to the hospital," He gave a short pause, "Do you remember?”

You didn’t. You tried to shake your head from side to side, however, you were prevented by a searing pain that ran down your neck.

The barbed wire. Your weak wrist lifted your trembling hand, to the base of your neck. It was wrapped in bandages and supported by a brace.

“This isn’t a dream,” Your voice came out dry and coarse.

The man’s eyes lowered, and his brow knitted together.

“No this isn’t a dream, dear.” He eventually replied.

Your home. Your family.

Your eyes began to water, you closed them to stop the tears from falling down your cheeks.

Everything you had ever loved was now gone. 

Present.

His arm loosely rested over yours. He slept soundlessly beside you, his eyelashes brushing against his cheeks. You banished the urge to stroke down his nose.

His features were sharper, his cheekbones more pronounced than you remembered.

Taeyong’s phone vibrated from his shirt pocket. He grumbled, vexed to be awoken from his peaceful slumber. He yawned, slowly opening his eyes.

Your eyes locked onto his, his gaze softening at the sight of you.  

He bit down on the inside of his cheek to stop himself from smiling. He never imagined he would one day wake up to such a cherished sight.

“Your phone is ringing.” You finally commented, breaking the silence.

Taeyong sighed, digging for his phone, and placing it against his ear.

You watched his expression change. Something had gone very wrong.

“I’ll be there.” He gritted through his teeth.

Never in a million years would he foresee something like this occurring. He hung up the phone, gently untangling his limbs from yours.

“I have to go.” He said regrettably.

You had watched how Taeyong’s face had darkened, you were almost compelled to ask him what had happened. Thankfully, you didn’t have to wait too long to find out.  

“There’s an incident on the grounds, an intruder…” He mumbled, sitting upright, “I should be back soon.” He looked for his shoes.

What he had left out was that the intruder had been shot and was now bleeding out. Mark was now at the scene trying to calm a hysterical Haechan who had tried to shield the intruder from the firing guards.

He’s leaving? Your mind was spinning, it would be the first time in days since he’d left you alone. If you had any chance at an escape, it had to be now.

“Can I take a shower?” You quickly pipped, noticing how he had picked up the restraints he’d previously used to tie you up.

Taeyong paused, a hint of suspicion behind his gaze.

“Please,” You sat up, “I’ll just use your bathroom.” You pointed to the connecting ensuite.

“You won’t try anything stupid?”

“I won’t.” You battered your eyelashes.

“There are guards just outside your door.” He warned, “I’ve also installed bars on the windows and barricaded the balcony.”

You didn’t respond.  

He finally nodded, “There are some towels in the cupboard. I’ll be only gone for a little bit.”

He hesitantly left you, his face trained on you as he closed the door behind him.

You let out a sigh of relief, hopping off the bed immediately.

You cast around Taeyong’s room, double-checking the windows. Alas, Taeyong was right, he had indeed blocked off any possible exit. You began foraging on shelves and looking through drawers. You were searching for anything that could aid you, something that could at least offer you some kind of leverage.

You entered Taeyong's bathroom. It was spotless, from the polished marble tiles to the neatly organized toiletries. If you could perhaps get your hands on a weapon? Could you possibly get Taeyong in a vulnerable position and negotiate your freedom?

In desperation, your eyes circled the mirror. You inwardly groaned, disliking the idea that came to mind.

Nonetheless, you decided to follow through. You turned on the knob for the shower. Steam gushed into the air, as water droplets sprayed onto your arms. You hoped the running water would drown out the sound of what you planned to do next.  

You reached for a relatively full bottle of shampoo and a hand towel, wrapping the towel around your knuckles.

As hard as you can. You demanded yourself, smashing the shampoo bottle in the bottom corner of the bathroom’s mirror. Your hand protested, a striking hot jolt running down your wrists. Your hands were still in bad shape from your last failed getaway.

After some hard jabs, a crack lacerated up the mirror’s surface. You continued until you were able to snap off a jagged piece.

“I’ve done it.” You commented in disbelief, “I’ve actually done it.”

You looked back at the cracked mirror. A pair of dreadful eyes leering from behind you. Your blood ran cold.  

“Y/N” The stranger almost sang your name.

Past.

“What’s this old thing?” Johnny twirled around a raggedy handbook.

Johnny let out a squawk. Taeyong had not so graciously pushed Johnny off his stool, snatching back his book.

Johnny scrambled back to his feet, exchanging bewildered looks with their retrieval specialist Jaehyun.

“What’s inside?”

“None of your business.” Taeyong dusted the cover, carefully tucking it inside his suit jacket.

“Now I’m even more curious,” Johnny whined. “Let us have a look!”

Taeyong waved a hand to dismiss them both.

“Let’s go, he’s clearly not in the mood,” Jaehyun clapped his hand on Johnny’s shoulder, directing a protesting Johnny towards the door.  

Taeyong waited for the both of them to be out of sight before carefully bringing out the handbook again.

Y/N. Sadness reflected in his eyes as he traced where you had etched your name. This raggedy handbook had once belonged to you. You had used it almost as a scrapbook during the last summer of your life.

He flipped the first page, his lips curving into a crestfallen smile. It was all he had left of you. The years after your passing had been long and tiresome. He could feel the only good memories he possessed begin to fade with time and he feared he’d one day come to forget you.  

On the first page was a polaroid of you with a stray cat. One that had snuck over the back wall and into the gardens. You held the cat with a childlike delight as it nestled closer to your chest. You had named it Tyong—after him.

The next page was cut-outs from magazines, a bucket list of things you wanted to do, and places you wanted to go. He chuckled at the roughly cut image of a famous beach. You had always wanted to see that sea and sand. You had even made him promise that he’d one day take you to one and the two of you would build a sandcastle together.

Taeyong halted on the third page. His lip quivered.

It contained three polaroids of you and him.

The first one was of you poking his cheeks and encouraging him to smile for the camera. The second one was of his half-attempt at a smile, while you laughed at the awkwardness of his expression. The last one was of you and him, your arm around his shoulder and a grin on your face that reached your eyes.  

He brushed his finger over the final photograph of you.

He’d never admit how much he missed you.

Your smile.

Your laugh.

Everything about you...

There just wasn’t anyone else in this world that could be compared to you in his eyes.

Present.

“It’s really you.” The stranger grasped onto your arm. You tried to shake him off, but his birdlike grip only tightened, his fingernails digging into your skin.

“Who are you?” You desperately squirmed.

You felt the mirror burrow into your palm. You winced as the bandages began to stain red.

“You can call me Nait Sabes.” He crudely smirked, “I’m here to help you.”

“Help?” You questioned his absurdity, you didn’t believe it for a second.

The unfamiliar man was dressed in a wrinkled guard’s uniform. He sported a black, leather holster and set of keys which jangled when he moved.

Regardless of the uniform, he certainly wasn’t a guard. You had subtly observed Taeyong’s other guards over time. They were obedient. They were silent figures that lurked in the background. The man before you, however, projected prowess. He stood with confidence, one which was vain and self-assured.

“The precious daughter of the kingpin of the old, the true heir to the four territories.” You disliked the sing-song way he spoke.

“For a dead princess you’re not quite dead, are you?”

You caught the sadist glint behind his stare.

“You must be terribly disappointed,” You were surprised by your own boldness.

“Oh no,” The man tilted his head, smiling, “Things have finally gotten interesting.” He cruelly twisted your hand.

You held back a cry. The shade of mirror embedded deeper into your bandages.

“I see we want to escape.” He nudged his chin towards your hand, “But running from someone like Taeyong, now that would end horribly for you.”

“Let me go.” You helplessly ground your teeth.

“You know, you only really have two options.” His smile grew, exposing his yellow teeth. “Taeyong has hundreds of men at his disposal, do you really think he couldn’t overpower you?”

“What do you suggest then?” You barely managed to murmur.

“Forgive him for all he’s done and live happily ever after,” He gleamed, softening the hold on your hands “Well, at least for a while…”

“A while?”

He laughed, “He’ll grow tired of you and discard you like the rest.”

You lowered your gaze.

“Or you could make your late father proud.” He sang, “You could take your revenge. You can steal all of his riches and obtain all of his power. You could even break his heart as he did yours.”

You shook Nait’s hand off again, this time he let you go.

“I don’t want revenge,” You stated earnestly, “I just want my past to be my past.”

“Naïve, little Y/N.” Nait shook his head, “There’s no letting go of one's past.” He echoed. 

Taeyong hurriedly jogged up the staircase, taking the first left towards his bedroom at the end of the hall. An anxiousness was bubbling, a sickening sensation swirling in his stomach something must have gone horribly wrong. 

I shouldn’t have left her here alone. 

As he approached, he noticed the mutilated bodies of two guards. Their limbs were crushed by the blow of bullets, their wounds leaking a stream of scarlet over the Persian rug. One of the guards had been stripped of his uniform, and his holstered weapon was also stolen. Taeyong’s eyes bulged, sprinting. He furiously punched in the keycode from his bedroom, slamming open the door. 

His head moved frantically, side to side. You were nowhere to be seen. He went deeper noticing the bathroom door closed halfway. The color drained from his face, his chest pounding harder. 

He pushed back the door to be greeted by a scene of red. Blood stained the porcelain tiles, blood painted the basin, and splattered upward towards the cracked mirror.  You lay in the fetal position, your chest heaving for breath. 

Taeyong fell to the ground, scooping you up into his arms. Your skin was cold and clammy to the touch. Blood had mattered your hair, and the lesion from your temple continued to bleed profusely. 

“Y/N?” He called. “Y/N?” He cried, his voice breaking, his body rocking you back and forth.

His shaking hand reached for a towel, pressing it against your wound. He tried to apply pressure, but the towel quickly soaked up the gushing blood. His head rested by yours, whispering reassuring words against your chin. 

You’re going to be all right Y/N. You're going to be all right.

"Stay with me Y/N." He helplessly pled.

NETWORKS: -​

MONI’S NOTE: Here comes part 4 hehe from here on there will be more and more changes from my previous story. I hope you enjoy this new part. Please remember to reblog, like, & comment!

TAGLIST: @scuzmunkie, @tyongluvs, @blackswann-53098, @straykidsftnct, @justineasian, @jaehyunpeachyy, @advent-entertainment, @traint0tokyo, @saint-atlas

© softsan - all rights reserved. please do not repost on any social media sites, translate, or modify any of my works.

[markleelately]

i’ve been slowly peeping over tumblr, what’s new 😭😭

any recs for nct fics? 😭😭

[yongility]

NEO TV # I LIKE ME BETTER WHEN I'M WITH YOU. (jaehyun x reader) 7/?

genre: angst, suggestive, gang au, rich kid au, enemies to lovers (kinda), a lil of fluffy stuff. slowburn, series.

warnings: drug use mentions, gangs, fights, use of weapons, adult language, illegal activities, cheating (not on the main couple), toxic family environment, addictions, manipulation, insecurities, illegal street racing, death mentions. jeno is jaehyun's younger brother, angst, smut and if I slip something my bad haha.

word count: +10k?

Warnings for this chapter: might be kinda long af cuz I don’t want to make this series long, so maybe we’ll have this chapter and two more for the finale. In this chapter we’re gonna get some description about Winwin’s trauma and accident, so it might be deep. Also NSFW, unprotected sex (don’t do it plssss), drug use, loooots of angst, police involvement (if that’s a warning lol)

To be dead while alive.

To live without feeling.

Or to watch your life pass before your eyes… unable to do anything. Winwin wasn’t sure which of those options was worse. Feeling his body trapped in a hospital bed, his mind awake but powerless, was a fate worse than death itself. He couldn’t move. He couldn’t speak. He couldn’t find any comfort within his own mind to give him even the slightest peace… It was like being trapped in a glass bubble, unable to touch anything, not even the people who still kept him company to this day.

He wasn’t even aware of how much time had passed since the accident, since the last reaction he managed to have, and since the last time his body had been connected to his mind… it might have felt like an eternity. In his mind, his memories of life before the accident grew blurry, as if they belonged to someone else. All that remained was emptiness. The present was a thick fog that never cleared.

He wanted to be able to do something, for himself, for his friends… especially for the memory of his parents.

He felt trapped in his own body, it was impossible not to think that. With every new visitor, except Jaehyun, Mark, or Lucas, he hoped that it would be the day he could finally do something to change his current state, but he seemed to betray himself. It was as if his mind was disconnected from his body, as if his soul were somewhere else, because no matter how much he wished to overcome it and regain some control over his life, he seemed broken enough not to be able to. He was a spectator of his own life.

Sometimes, when his friends came to visit him, Winwin focused on their voices, on every word and request, but it was inevitable to think that he wasn’t able to give them anything in return. It was like being dead while alive.

The worst part of all was not only the inactivity of his body but the inability to let go of the guilt. The guilt of not being strong enough to avoid the accident, the guilt of not being able to save his parents, the guilt of not being able to recover and be what everyone expected of him. There was no comfort, because all he could feel was that he was failing.

The clock on the wall seemed to mock (Y/N), marking each second with a coldness that unsettled her. It was the first time she found herself alone in that room… and she didn’t even know why she had mustered the courage to do it. Winwin wasn’t her friend. She didn’t even know about the situation he was in months ago… there was no specific reason that led her to that place.

Why am I here? she asked herself, looking at the white walls of the room. What do I expect to find? Visiting someone with whom I’d never had a close relationship? The truth was, she wasn’t sure… she could just blame it on curiosity if she wanted to.

The mere thought of seeing Winwin in that place, sunk into an almost eternal stillness, churned her stomach. Yet, a part of her knew this visit was more about understanding Jaehyun than about offering anything to Winwin. She wanted to make sense of what had happened—the tragedy that had left everyone around Winwin shattered, including Jaehyun. Perhaps, by understanding it, she could grasp why everything had fallen apart.

Maybe that understanding was what made her cling to the idea that Jaehyun was still capable of changing himself.

Winwin was there. Motionless. As if life itself had stopped flowing through him. She could barely make out the faint movements that indicated he was still alive, breathing, but somehow, it felt like he was no longer present. His face, so serene, stood in stark contrast to the turmoil she felt inside. How could anyone move forward after losing so much?

Unintentionally, her mind began to wander through memories of Jaehyun, the moments when he had spoken about Winwin—always with affection, with a loyalty that had begun to make her feel like an outsider. Jaehyun had made it clear how important Winwin was, how what had happened to him hadn’t just affected him but everyone who cared about him.

“They really miss you,” (Y/N) managed to say. “I don’t know if I should even be here, but… I guess now I’m also hoping you’ll go back to being who you once were.”

She waited for a reaction, but she knew there wouldn’t be one.

“I’m sorry for assuming you’d just moved back to China... I know we were never close, just classmates, but I shouldn’t have been so wrapped up in my own little world that I didn’t know what had really happened to you,” she said, her voice heavy with regret. The thought that Winwin was her age, yet the stark difference between them lay in how her life had kept moving forward while his had come to a halt, gnawed at her.

“The dance team really lost their brightest star. I wish I could have told you this under different circumstances, not after finding out what you’ve been through… but you really were the heart of that team,” she added with a soft, bittersweet laugh.

What am I doing here?

There was something profoundly unsettling about the situation, something that left her without answers. Yet, in that moment, she realized it didn’t matter how deeply she reflected on it or how sincere her words were—nothing could change reality.

In the end, all that remained was silence.

Silence.

That was all there was between them. Just the muffled echo of a room where even the machines seemed to breathe louder than Winwin. The tension in the air was palpable, an invisible hum that seemed to vibrate against the stark white walls of the room. (Y/N) sat quietly beside the bed, her eyes fixed on Winwin, who lay motionless, trapped in a body that refused to respond.

The words swirled in her throat, but at the same time, they felt utterly useless. Speaking to him felt like tossing stones into a bottomless well. Still, the faint movement she’d noticed earlier lingered in her mind. It was like a hidden heartbeat beneath centuries of stillness. She couldn’t ignore it.

Gently, she reached for his hand, as if afraid her touch might break him. It was cold, pale, with faint scars that told the story of his silent battle.

“I know you’re still there,” she murmured, her voice cracking on the last word. She wasn’t sure if she was saying it to convince him or herself. “I know you can hear me, Winwin.”

Her words hung in the air, unanswered. Closing her eyes, (Y/N) felt the weight of emotional exhaustion settle in her chest. She took a deep breath, searching for the strength she felt slipping away, and spoke again.

“I don’t know if anyone’s told you this before, but... it’s okay to feel tired. It’s okay to not know how to keep going.” Tears began to stream down her face, unstoppable. “But please… don’t give up. Not yet.”

Trapped in the prison of his own mind, Winwin felt something. A spark. Small, but real. Her words seeped through the thick fog surrounding him. He had been in the void for so long that he’d forgotten what it felt like to feel. Now, emotions were beginning to stir, like a river slowly breaking free of its icy shell.

Inside, he screamed. He tried to move his hand, open his eyes, anything to show her he was there. It was a desperate effort, as if he were trying to break invisible chains that bound him in place.

And then, it happened.

A small spasm ran through his hand—barely a flicker—but enough for (Y/N) to feel it. She gasped, almost letting go in surprise. Her eyes widened as she stared at him, searching for another sign.

“Winwin?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Inside, Winwin couldn’t respond the way he wanted, but he clung to her words. They weren’t empty promises. They were a lifeline from someone who wasn’t ready to give up on him.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, the darkness inside him seemed to recede just a little.

When Lucas received the call from the clinic notifying him that, once again, Winwin had shown a small reaction, he felt a spark of hope illuminate the darkest corner of his heart. It had been so long since anything remotely positive had happened that just hearing the word reaction seemed almost miraculous. However, when he arrived at the hospital and found the unexpected company of Hwang (Y/N), he couldn’t help but feel a mix of surprise and relief. He didn’t know her well, but at that moment, her presence felt like an anchor in the middle of a sea of uncertainty.

Lucas had tried to contact Jaehyun, leaving multiple messages in his voicemail. He knew how much Winwin meant to him and how much it hurt to be caught between the weight of guilt and helplessness. But while waiting for Jaehyun to arrive, Lucas listened to the doctor with all the attention he could gather, striving to process the words full of medical terms and uncertain possibilities.

The doctor cautiously explained that those small reactions, although minimal, could indicate that something was happening neurologically. That maybe, after so much time of apparent inertia, Winwin’s mind was beginning to respond. It wasn’t a guarantee, much less an immediate solution, but it was a spark of hope, something that gave them a reason to keep believing.

When the doctor left the room, leaving Lucas and (Y/N) alone with Winwin, Lucas took a moment to breathe deeply. His eyes rested on his friend, as motionless as ever, but this time with a different aura, as if something invisible was awakening inside him. He closed his eyes for a moment, thanking the universe, any higher power that might exist, for this small victory. As tiny as it was, it meant the world to him.

“Thank you for being here,” he said, turning to (Y/N). There was something in his tone that was sincere, almost vulnerable. “I’m glad that Winwin had a stimulation at the right moment to push him to react.”

(Y/N) looked at him, barely smiling. She wasn’t sure what to say. Words seemed insufficient to express everything she was feeling. Finally, she chose the truth.

“To be honest, I really don’t clearly know why I’m here. I don’t know why I came to see him in the first place.”

Lucas nodded, understanding more than she imagined. There was something in that uncertainty that resonated with him. Sometimes, reasons didn’t matter as much as actions themselves.

“You don’t need to know,” he assured her, his voice firm but kind. “What’s important is that you’re here now.”

A comfortable silence settled between them. Both looked at Winwin, each with their own thoughts but sharing a common emotion: hope.

Lucas finally let himself sink into the chair next to the bed, his eyes fixed on his friend. He had spent so much time talking to a motionless body, trying to fill the void with his own words, that he had grown used to the absence of a response. But now, every small movement, every tiny reaction, was a reminder that Winwin was still there, fighting in some way.

Unfortunately, and to their bad luck, visiting hours that day had already ended, so after giving Winwin one last look, they were forced to leave.

The exit from the clinic was marked by a heavy silence. The cold night air wrapped around Lucas and (Y/N) as they walked through the empty parking lot, their steps echoing against the concrete. Both carried in their minds the image of Winwin, motionless but full of a hope that was just beginning to sprout. However, that faint light didn’t seem enough to dissipate the cloud hanging over them.

When Lucas finally broke the silence, his tone was almost conspiratorial, as if speaking aloud could invoke undesirable consequences.

“I shouldn’t tell you this,” he admitted, stopping next to a light post. The shadows danced on his face, making his expression seem even more serious. “But I think you deserve to know.”

(Y/N) frowned, her confusion evident. She crossed her arms, watching him expectantly. “What is it?” she asked, trying to stay calm, though something in Lucas’s tone gave her a bad feeling.

Lucas lowered his gaze for a moment, as if deciding whether he should really continue. But when he raised his eyes to her, they were full of determination.

“Sooman asked Jaehyun to make an exchange with him.”

The weight of those words fell on (Y/N) like a bucket of cold water. At first, the words didn’t fully make sense. Exchange? What did that mean in this context? But it only took an instant for the gravity of the situation to begin taking shape in her mind.

“I don’t understand,” she finally said, her voice trembling slightly. But deep down, she already sensed it wasn’t anything good.

Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “Sooman wants Jaehyun to accompany him to a weapons exchange... which means Sooman expects him to take a more active role in the gang. To become someone willing to get his hands completely dirty. And to achieve that, he’s asking him to go along. An exchange... for his absolute loyalty.”

The words echoed in (Y/N)’s head. She felt how anger and helplessness began to form in her chest, fighting to surface. Jaehyun, always so stubborn, so convinced that he could protect everyone from that dark world, was now being dragged even further.

“Why are you telling me this?” she finally murmured, her voice barely a whisper.

Lucas looked at her with a mix of compassion and seriousness. “Because I think you two deserve a chance together. And because, if that’s going to happen, Jaehyun needs to stay far away from this mess, far from everything the gang means.”

(Y/N) shook her head, pressing her lips together while trying to control the emotions swirling inside her. She felt like she was about to break, but she forced herself to stay composed.

“Jaehyun isn’t going to leave the gang,” she said, almost as if reminding herself as much as Lucas. “He’s made that clear more than once. He’s stubborn. I won’t be able to change his mind.”

Lucas shrugged but didn’t stop looking at her with firmness. “Maybe you can’t change his mind. But that doesn’t mean you should give up on him. Jaehyun isn’t bad, (Y/N). He’s trapped in this because of a twisted sense of responsibility. But if anyone can make him see things differently, I think it’s you.”

(Y/N) let out a bitter laugh, lowering her gaze to the ground. “And what if he doesn’t want to listen to me? What if he’s so convinced he’s doing the right thing that he doesn’t care what I say?” she asked, a hint of despair in her voice.

Lucas stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Then at least you’ll have tried. Because if you do nothing, Sooman will take him further than any of us can reach. And trust me, that’s not a place that’s easy to come back from.”

Lucas’s words struck deeply in (Y/N). She glanced back at the clinic one last time, as if seeking strength from the place that had witnessed the small spark of hope for Winwin. Now, she understood that it wasn’t just Winwin who was trapped. Jaehyun was too, though in a different way. The question was whether she had the strength to try and save them both.

(Y/N) remained silent, her thoughts echoing endlessly in her mind. Lucas’s words weighed heavier than she wanted to admit. She knew he made sense, but she also knew that confronting Jaehyun would be like talking to a wall: hard, impenetrable, and determined to stay standing no matter what.

Lucas broke the silence, his voice softer this time, almost as if he feared breaking something in her. “You don’t have to decide now,” he said, his hands buried in the pockets of his jacket. “But, (Y/N), Jaehyun is playing with fire. And the problem with fire isn’t just that it burns you… it also consumes everything close to you. If you don’t do something now, I don’t know how much longer he’ll stay safe.”

She looked up at him, meeting his eyes that, despite their apparent strength, reflected the weight of worry. She wanted to respond, to say something comforting, but she couldn’t. She was caught between the desire to help and the fear of failing.

“Why me?” she finally asked, her voice barely a whisper. There was no challenge in her tone, only genuine uncertainty. “What makes you think I can do anything?”

Lucas gave her a faint smile, almost tinged with resignation. “Because Jaehyun listens when you speak. He might not show it, but he listens. And because you’re not trapped in this—not the way we are. You have something to offer him, something that can remind him there’s more beyond this world. Something worth fighting for.”

His words struck (Y/N) deeply. She had always known that Jaehyun was special to her, but hearing someone else put it into words made the feeling more real, more tangible.

She took a deep breath of the cold air, trying to clear her mind. Something inside her stirred—a spark that was beginning to ignite, though she wasn’t sure if it would be enough for what lay ahead.

“Where is he?” she finally asked, her tone more resolute.

Lucas looked at her for a moment before nodding, as if he had been expecting that question all along.

“At home. That’s where he usually goes when he needs to clear his head. But also…” He hesitated, carefully choosing his words. “It’s where he goes when he’s planning something. I don’t know how open he’ll be to listening, but if anyone can get him to stop and hear, it’s you.”

(Y/N) nodded slowly, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her bag as she processed the information. There was no time for doubt or second-guessing. If Jaehyun was at risk of sinking even further, she couldn’t stand by and do nothing.

“Thank you, Lucas,” she said finally, before turning toward the parking lot. Her voice was low, but there was a hint of determination in it.

“(Y/N),” he called, just before she could walk away. She turned, and for a moment, Lucas seemed more vulnerable than she had ever seen him. “Be careful. He might be stubborn, but he doesn’t deserve to lose you too. Nobody does.”

She didn’t respond, but she gave him a small smile, just enough to show that she understood.

With every step she took toward her car, the weight on her chest felt both lighter and heavier at the same time. The thought of facing Jaehyun scared her, but the thought of doing nothing… that was far worse.

The last time she had stepped into Jaehyun’s house, the memories had etched themselves onto her like marks on her skin. It hadn’t been just a moment; it had been a clash of emotions, a revelation that left her caught between the warmth of sharing something intimate with him and the chill of understanding just how trapped he was in Neo Zone, that dark, tangled world that seemed to consume him. She remembered the feel of his lips, how Jaehyun had allowed a small part of himself to open up to her, offering a glimpse of something he guarded so closely. But she also remembered the weight of realizing how much of him was anchored to that life holding him back.

That was why, standing in front of his door once more, her emotions were a whirlwind. Every step that had brought her here had been a mix of conviction and doubt. Was she ready to face him? To confront what it meant to stand beside someone like him? Even so, she raised her hand and knocked softly, as if afraid the door itself might crumble under the weight of her intentions.

When Jaehyun opened the door, his expression was a mix of confusion and something almost vulnerable, as if he hadn’t been prepared to see her there. His eyes searched hers, as though trying to decipher what her presence in that moment could mean. Then, the words left his mouth with a sharpness he hadn’t intended.

“What are you doing here?”

His tone was harsher than he meant, but (Y/N) didn’t flinch. She had expected this reaction. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady as she looked him straight in the eye.

“I need you.”

Jaehyun blinked, thrown off balance. Those two words hit him harder than he cared to admit. There were many things he was used to hearing: orders, reprimands, warnings. But I need you... those words carried a weight he didn’t know how to handle. He stayed silent, staring at (Y/N) as if waiting for her to elaborate, to explain what those words meant.

“I thought we already talked about this, angel,” he said, his body leaning toward her instinctively, as if an invisible magnet always drew them together.

“I know, and I told you then that there’s always something pulling me to you.”

Jaehyun exhaled slowly, trying to keep his composure, but (Y/N)’s words disarmed him, as they always did. That raw honesty, that way she had of saying exactly what she felt, left him defenseless.

“(Y/N)...” he began, but his voice trailed off. He couldn’t find the words. He didn’t know how to respond without revealing just how much those simple phrases affected him.

She looked at him with an intensity that almost made him step back, but he didn’t. Instead, he took a step closer, closing the distance between them.

“I need you,” she repeated, her whisper brushing against his lips.

Jaehyun didn’t wait another second before crashing his lips against hers in a hungry, desperate kiss.

His hands roamed wherever they could—her hips, her waist, her lower back—as if needing to confirm she was really there. He tugged her closer, pulling her into the house and pressing her against the wall. His lips left hers to trail kisses along her neck.

Lost in the moment and the intoxicating rush, she brought her hands to the back of his neck, pulling him even closer, if that was possible. She could feel the heat, the desire, the overwhelming hunger that wrapped around them both in that moment. Her legs, with a small jump, wrapped around Jaehyun’s waist, and his hands moved to her thighs to hold her securely as she clung to him.

The intensity between them was undeniable, a whirlwind of passion and longing that neither could resist.

“You make me loose myself in you” Jaehyun confessed in a sigh and returning to her lips. “You're a danger to me” she attacked his mouth again, causing a moan to come from deep inside her, achieving a thrill inside the boy and making his dick twitch in his pants. The kissing session simply became more cadenced as the seconds passed and in the blink of an eye, without understanding how, they ended up entering Jaehyun's room. Where, once, being inside, she (Y/N) was gently thrown onto the bed of the boy, who positioned himself on top of her and continued his caresses down her body.

“You're the most beautiful thing I have... and I can't become selfish enough to let you stay” he murmured.

“Jaehyun” she moaned. “I want you.”

The boy looked into her eyes as he brought his hands to the girl's shirt and untucked it with breathtaking fluidity.

“Where do you want me, my love?” he asked lustfully.

“Inside me... wherever... but I need you, I want you.”

(Y/N) had a way with words, because right there, releasing that sentence, being under Jaehyun's body, so willing to him... the boy wanted to give her everything he had at that moment. The kisses became hotter, the caresses more needy and rougher, and the clothes were quickly disappearing. Every touch and every glance was charged with so much lust and passion that it caused Jaehyun to be unable to think of anything else. Nothing of her life, nothing of the gang, nothing of the exchange.

Just (Y/N).

(Y/N)... (Y/N)... (Y/N).

“Jae” the girl let out a sigh when Jaehyun's hand was on her intimate part, caressing her over the fabric of her panties, feeling the wetness that the situation was generating in her, but her ecstasy was on the rise when Jaehyun decided to get rid of her panties and bring his mouth to her sex.

She could feel a little air crashing into her mules. “You're always a cutie” Jaehyun murmured and without further ado he plunged his mouth into her womanhood running his warm tongue between her lips, I feel gentle.

(Y/N)'s mouth could only let out moans here and there. Feeling her breath hitch as Jaehyun decided to lightly suck on her clit, Jaehyun placed his hands on her thighs to continue his work, pressing his mouth against her core and moving his tongue inside with the tip, generating more stimulation.

Jaehyun surely isn’t shy about using his tongue on her; because he’s just good about it. (Y/N)’s hands go straight to Jaheyun’s hair trying to get a hold on anything that can make her not to lose her shit, but the grip has Jaehyun going feral; as he just apples more pressure in her thighs and bring his head closer, if that’s even possible, to her pussy. Must be pretty obvious she was close enough to cum, because Jaehyun took the chance to introduce his middle finger into her entrance, sliding just perfectly.

“Shit… Jae- keep going” she murmured biting her lip and gripping tighter onto his hair.

“Just keep moaning like that, my pretty baby angel” he says taking a breath to once again lap at her pussy, working his tongue so beautifully that got (Y/N) seeing stars.

“You want me to fuck you, baby?” Jaehyun asks when he left her pussy to be able to stare at her.

She nodded and tug his hair so he could get closer to her face, she looked at him straight in the eyes and she could swear, his eyes were twinkling. She gave him a fucked out look and she brought him closer.

“Yes, baby; I want you to fuck me. Make a mess on me” she stated as she kissed passionately on his lips.

This kiss was eager, so full of warmth and love, that they got too lost in the moment. Jaehyun’s fingers kept sliding in her pussy simultaneously, making her shake under him.

It was just too good.

Then Jaehyun took his fingers out and his hand went straight to take a hold on his cock so he could just rub it on her pussy. Making her whimper and feeling her legs shaking; because the moment Jaehyun had decided to make his cock enter her pussy, was just her endgame. She could feel him so deep inside and oh so thick that she could swear she wouldn’t last long.

Too cockdrunk, she couldn’t even former a sentence out, she was just moaning and growling every time Jaehyun’s tip stroke so deliciously on her walls. Then, Jaheyun was leaning in and wrapping his lips on (Y/N) nipples.

“You’re perfect” Jaehyun said. “Not enough for you”

“Yes Jae. You’re enough for me” she replied. “You make me feel so good, so full” she moaned bucking her hips towards him.

That was enough to make him go wilder, thrusting so hard and fast that she was starting to feel reaching her climax. Her tits bouncing every time Jaehyun just pushed all the way out to her g spot.

“Fuck Yoonoh” she gasps. “You’re so deep.”

“You’re close, right angel?” he asks. “Just cum for me. You’re squeezing me so good, might just cum inside you.”

“Yes, Jae. Make a mess on me. Fill me up” He groaned and started to fuck her harder. “Don’t stop.” She asked again.

“That’s it baby, cum all over my cock.”

Just a little more of thrusts were enough to make her go all over the edge, squeezing Jaehyun so hard she only cummed once his tip reached once again her g spot. And a couple of more thrusts make him cum inside her as well.

He kissed her again. All over her face. All over her neck. He just wanted to feel her one more time. He just wanted to know that she was right there with him, she could just feel how Jaehyun was babbling some praises for her as he slides out of her entrances and dropped to her side, just to hold her closer to his body and be able to give her proper cuddles.

The room was bathed in shadows, with the streetlight casting faint lines through the curtains. Everything seemed frozen in time, except for the sound of their uneven breathing filling the space. Jaehyun held (Y/N)’s naked body from behind, while she gently massaged his arm wrapped around her waist. Unable to think any further, unable to face the boy… unable to forget.

“Do you know what’s the worst part of all this?” she suddenly spoke, breaking the silence. Her voice was soft, but heavy with a weight Jaehyun couldn’t ignore.

He slowly lifted his gaze, his dark eyes reflecting something between exhaustion and regret.

“What?”

(Y/N) turned towards him, and though she tried to stay strong, her eyes betrayed the pain she felt.

“That I always hope you’ll choose something different. That you’ll choose to stay. But every time I think you will, you show me the opposite… I know about the exchange.”

Jaehyun swallowed hard, diverting his gaze to the floor. His heart pounded, but his lips remained sealed.

She shifted in his arms, stopping in front of him. Her voice trembled, but she didn’t stop speaking.

“It was Lucas who told you about that, wasn’t it?”

“I can’t keep pretending this doesn’t affect me, Jaehyun. Watching you walk towards something I know could destroy you… it’s killing me. And I know it probably doesn’t matter to you, but I had to tell you.”

He raised his head, their eyes meeting for a moment. There was something broken in his gaze, something he rarely allowed to show.

“It’s not that I don’t care,” he murmured. “It’s just that there are things already out of my hands.”

(Y/N) stepped back, as if his words had pushed her away.

“That’s not true. You always have a choice, Jaehyun. Always. But it seems like I’m never part of it.”

The silence that followed was suffocating. She had hoped he would say something, anything, but he just stood there, motionless.

“If you decide to go through with this,” she said finally, her voice cracking, “you won’t see me again.”

Jaehyun looked at her, and for a moment, it seemed like he was going to say something, but he didn’t. His eyes begged her in a way his words couldn’t, but she had already made up her mind.

With a broken heart, (Y/N) took a step back toward the door. Each step was harder than the last, but she knew she couldn’t stay.

“Goodbye, Jaehyun,” she said before leaving, gently closing the door behind her.

The click of the lock echoed like a shadow in the empty room. Jaehyun remained seated, staring into the void, as if time had stopped. He didn’t know how much time had passed before he felt his chest tightening, and the feeling of loss hit him like an unstoppable wave.

Slowly, he brought his hands to his face, letting the tears he had held back for so long fall. It was a strange sight for someone like him, someone who always kept his composure, but that night, in the solitude of his room, Jaehyun allowed himself to break down.

Every word from (Y/N) echoed in his mind, over and over again, like a reminder of what he had just lost. He knew it was probably too late to fix it, but still, the thought of never seeing her again destroyed him more than he could have ever imagined.

As the streetlights continued to flicker on the other side of the window, Jaehyun remained there, facing the emptiness of his decision and the weight of his emotions.

Jaehyun needed clarity, and when confusion overwhelmed him, there was only one place that seemed to bring him some balance: that lookout on the outskirts of the city. From there, the city lights barely flickered like tiny artificial stars, while the sun slowly sank into the horizon, painting the sky with shades of fire and melancholy.

He collapsed onto the grass, resting his elbows on his knees and burying his face in his hands. The cold wind tousled his hair, but it couldn’t extinguish the burning heat of the thoughts tormenting him.

One problem after another, hasty decisions, and now, a countdown that seemed to suffocate him. There were only a few days left before the meeting, but with each passing hour, his resolve weakened.

He lifted his gaze to the sunset, searching for answers in the play of colors in the sky. There was always something in that place that reminded him of how insignificant he was, a speck of dust in an immense universe. And yet, in that moment, he felt that his decision could trigger an avalanche that would not only drag him down but also those he cared about.

One part of his mind tried to justify it: A quick exchange. No one would get hurt if everything went well. But the other part, the harder one to silence, whispered an uncomfortable truth: "Nothing is that simple. Once you cross that line, the responsibilities will only rise."

His phone vibrated in his pocket, pulling him out of his reverie. He didn’t need to look at the screen to know who the message was from; the intermediary never stopped reminding him of the details. Jaehyun squeezed the device in his hand, as if the simple act of holding it could give him an answer.

Was he doing it for money? Yes, in part. But above all, he was doing it because he felt he had no other choice. And that was the most painful part: the lack of control over his own life, the weight of a society pushing him to extremes. "If only it were different…" he thought, but didn’t finish the sentence. The words were lost in the air, just like his hope.

He sat on the grass, feeling the dampness of the ground seep through the fabric of his pants. With slow movements, he pulled out a crumpled cigarette from his pocket and lit it. The first drag was slow, almost ceremonial, as the smoke filled his lungs. When he exhaled, the nicotine-laden air formed a cloud that faded with the breeze. He closed his eyes, allowing the silence to envelop him, the kind of stillness only found away from the chaos of the city. For a moment, the world stopped being a complicated place.

Then, a voice broke the calm:

“Jung Jaehyun.”

The sound of his name was unexpected enough to make him open his eyes abruptly. He looked toward the source of the call, and as he recognized the familiar figure, he couldn’t help but let out a sigh, followed by a crooked smile. It almost felt like a joke from fate.

“I don’t have anything on me,” he said, raising his hands with feigned innocence, leaving the cigarette dangling carelessly from his lips. “This is tobacco, Officer Baekhyun.”

The man in front of him raised an eyebrow, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. His uniform was disheveled, as if he’d had a long day, and the way he scratched the back of his neck suggested he wasn’t there on official business. Without replying, Baekhyun sat down next to Jaehyun, letting out a sigh as he turned his attention to the horizon, painted in warm tones.

“I’m not here to take you to the station,” he assured with a calm voice, laden with sincerity that contrasted with his position as authority.

Their relationship couldn’t be described as simple. On more than one occasion, Jaehyun had faced Baekhyun under less friendly circumstances. Being part of Neo Zone had placed him on the officer’s radar, and though most interactions ended with Jaehyun sitting in a cold interrogation room, there was something about Baekhyun that set him apart from other cops. It wasn’t his tolerance, but the way he seemed to see beyond the criminal record.

“Got an extra one?” asked the officer, gesturing casually at the cigarette.

Jaehyun looked at him with a mix of disbelief and amusement. The irony was almost delicious. Without saying a word, he pulled another cigarette from his pocket and handed it over. Baekhyun took it, lighting it with a silver lighter he pulled from his jacket. The first drag was brief, but enough for the officer to release a sigh accompanied by a cloud of smoke.

Jaehyun glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, trying to decipher the intentions behind this unexpected visit. There was something in Baekhyun’s relaxed posture that unsettled him. It was strange to share a moment of calm with someone who, technically, should be his enemy. And yet, there they were, sitting side by side, as if the weight of their respective worlds could be suspended for a few minutes.

The wind carried the scent of tobacco into the cool afternoon air, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. They just watched the sunset, as if in that fleeting spectacle they could find the answers they both seemed to be searching for in silence.

Jaehyun glanced sideways at Officer Baekhyun as he exhaled the smoke calmly, as if they weren’t two men on opposite sides of the law sharing a casual moment. The contrast between them had always struck him as odd; Baekhyun had this mix of relaxed authority and curiosity that made him difficult to read. He wasn’t an ordinary cop, and maybe that’s why Jaehyun had never been able to decide if he should respect him, distrust him, or both.

“And what brings you here, officer?” Jaehyun asked, feigning disinterest while toying with the cigarette between his fingers. The usual tension in his tone was absent, replaced by a kind of calm resignation. After all, if Baekhyun had come to arrest him, he’d already be handcuffed.

Baekhyun didn’t answer right away. Instead, he looked at the horizon, where the last traces of light were fading into shades of purple and gray. Finally, after another drag, he spoke.

“You know, this place has something, don’t you think? It’s like time stops here, even if just for a moment.”

Jaehyun frowned. Baekhyun wasn’t one for beating around the bush. “Are you here to philosophize with me, or do you have something to tell me?”

The officer let out a soft laugh, shaking his head as though trying to ease the tension in the conversation. But his gaze remained sharp.

“Straight to the point, as always. Alright, Jaehyun.” He turned his head to face him, and his expression grew more serious, as if each word he was about to say carried more weight than he cared to admit. “I want to negotiate with you.”

Jaehyun’s body tensed almost immediately, an instinctive reaction. In his world, negotiations didn’t usually end well for anyone. But, as always, his face remained expressionless. He took another drag of the cigarette, holding the smoke in his lungs a few seconds longer than necessary before exhaling slowly. “I don’t think it’s very ethical of you, officer,” he replied with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

The response didn’t seem to surprise Baekhyun. “I know about the exchange.”

Jaehyun’s face immediately changed. The small smile on his lips vanished in an instant. He swallowed but tried to maintain his composure. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said firmly, though the slight tremor in his hands betrayed his attempt to appear indifferent.

Baekhyun brought the cigarette to his lips and took a drag before continuing, his tone calm, almost casual, as if he were talking about the weather. “When I took the position of chief of police, I promised myself one thing: to end Neo Zone. I’ve been following your steps, Jaehyun. You’re an important thread in this case.”

Jaehyun scoffed, a weak attempt to appear unconcerned. “And what do I do with this information?” he asked, turning to look at the officer with an arched eyebrow. “I don’t think it’s very wise of you to come all the way out here and tell someone from Neo Zone that you’re planning something against them.”

The officer let out a long sigh, a sound full of exhaustion and frustration. For a moment, he seemed to hesitate, as if the words he needed to say were too difficult to pronounce. Finally, he spoke, his voice lower, almost vulnerable. “Because I don’t want to see you sink further, Jaehyun. I’m serious.”

Jaehyun turned toward him with a look of disbelief. That answer wasn’t what he expected. “What the hell are you saying? Why do you care what I do or don’t do?”

Baekhyun shrugged, looking back at the horizon where the sun was beginning to set. “Because I know you’re not like the others. There’s something in you, Jaehyun. Something you haven’t destroyed yet. And believe me, I’ve seen enough people cross that line to know that once you do, there’s no turning back.”

Jaehyun clenched his jaw, a mix of frustration and something else he couldn’t identify burning in his chest. He was tired of hearing that same story. “You have potential, Jaehyun.” “You can be better than this.” Baekhyun’s words weren’t new, but they came with a different weight, a sincerity that unsettled him.

“And what’s the deal supposed to be?” he asked finally, his tone heavy with disdain.

Baekhyun nodded, as though he’d been expecting that question. “We found out about the exchange almost by accident. But when we knew enough, everything pointed to you. We know you’re part of the team that’s going to carry it out. I can offer you entry into the witness protection program if you decide to cooperate with us.”

Jaehyun let the words settle in his mind for a moment. Then, he slowly shook his head. “You want me to be a rat in my own gang?” he asked with a dry, bitter laugh.

Baekhyun held his gaze and nodded. “With all due respect, officer,” Jaehyun continued, leaning forward with a sarcastic expression, “But you’re crazy. What do you think would happen if they found out I was the one who ratted them out? It wouldn’t just be my head, it would be my life, my family. A bullet to the head would be the kindest thing they could do to me for being a snitch.”

“That’s why I can offer you protection,” Baekhyun insisted, his tone firmer now. “I’ve worked on this case for years, doing everything I can to make this program exist. The state can guarantee your safety and your family's if you cooperate.”

“My safety?” Jaehyun let out a hollow laugh, shaking his head. “I don’t need protection for myself. I need it for my family. I’m doing this for them, you understand? Not for me.”

Baekhyun looked at him with an intensity that Jaehyun couldn’t quite interpret. “Your family would be protected too. While you’re in the program, they will be a priority. And yes, you’ve made legal mistakes. But if you cooperate fully and give us the information we need to close this case, the judge may consider granting you clemency. You could start fresh. You wouldn’t face legal consequences.”

The words hung heavily in the air. Jaehyun lowered his gaze, his thoughts a chaotic mess. It was an enticing offer, but he couldn’t ignore the fear, the certainty that taking that path would mean losing everything he knew.

Jaehyun’s cigarette was burning slowly between his fingers, completely forgotten as Baekhyun’s words echoed in his head. The idea of betraying Neo Zone, of becoming a “protected informant,” seemed not only insane but suicidal.

“Are you kidding me?” Jaehyun murmured, more to himself than to the officer. He raised his eyes to Baekhyun, hoping to find some sign that this was some sort of trick, but the officer’s gaze was serious, almost… sincere.

“I know it sounds crazy,” Baekhyun replied, stamping his cigarette out on the ground with a measured motion. “But think of it as an opportunity. Not just for you, but for the people you love.”

That sentence hit a nerve. Jaehyun’s jaw tightened, and he turned his gaze toward the horizon, where the sun had already disappeared, leaving a gray-tinged sky. His family… (Y/N)… Years had passed, and excuses had become easier, but the truth was simple: he had entered this world to protect them, even if the price was carrying the weight of his own decisions. “It’s easy for you to say,” he finally replied, his voice low but full of bitterness. “You have a job, a uniform, a life that doesn’t depend on looking over your shoulder. But me… I don’t have that option. I haven’t had it for years.”

Baekhyun listened in silence, with a patience that irritated Jaehyun. Why did he care so much? What did he see in him that others didn’t? “And what if I told you that you could have it now?” the officer pressed. “You and your family. A life away from this. Away from Neo Zone.”

Jaehyun let out a dry, bitter laugh, shaking his head. “And then what? Do I hide for the rest of my life? Living in fear that someone will find out where I am? Because believe me, officer, those people don’t forget. You can lock up one, two, or ten of them, but there’s always more. And when they find out I’m the one who spoke…” He paused, bringing his fingers to his temples as if trying to calm the chaos in his mind. “I don’t even want to imagine what they’d do.”

Baekhyun slightly tilted his head, his eyes fixed on Jaehyun. There was something in his expression, a type of understanding that didn’t quite fit his role as a police officer.

“Jaehyun,” he said quietly, as if the name carried a special weight. “I know you’re scared. And I understand. But I also know you’re not like them. You have something to fight for. Something that’s worth more than any false loyalty you think you have to Neo Zone.”

“False?” Jaehyun let out an incredulous laugh. “What makes you think I can trust you, when you’re just another cop playing hero?” The sincerity in Baekhyun’s eyes didn’t waver. “Because I’m not a hero. And I don’t want you to end up as just another statistic.”

Jaehyun didn’t answer immediately. The wind was blowing strongly now, taking the warmth from the night that loomed over them. In his mind, the officer’s words mixed with memories of everything he had done to survive, to keep his family safe, even when it meant getting his hands dirty.

“If I accept this…” he began, his voice trembling for the first time. “If I trust you, how do I know it won’t go wrong? How do I know I won’t lose everything anyway?”

“Because you’ll be in control for the first time in a long time,” Baekhyun replied firmly. “You can stay where you are and let Neo Zone dictate every decision you make, or you can start building something different. Something that’s yours.”

Silence settled between them again. Jaehyun looked at the cigarette in his hand, now reduced to a filter that barely served any purpose. He stamped it out on the ground, wondering if Baekhyun was right, if he really could change his fate.

“This isn’t an easy decision,” he murmured finally. “I can’t promise anything.”

“I don’t expect you to do it today,” Baekhyun replied. “But time is running out, Jaehyun. And when the time comes, I want you to remember that there’s another way out.”

The officer stood up, brushing off his pants before turning toward him. Jaehyun didn’t stop him, and Baekhyun didn’t look back as he walked away. But the words remained, lodged like a weight in Jaehyun’s chest, still sitting under the cold night breeze, trying to decipher the right line to cross.

“If you decide to accept, you know where to find me… and if you decide not to, this conversation will stay between us.”

a/n:NOT PROOFEAD! So yes, it was way easier to write now that my laptop is working again TT, also this week was my bday yayyy! I hope you liked this chapter, i would really love if you could gave sum feedback! (specially since english is not my first language, so it makes it a little harder to write) I was just want to clarify that the informant protection program does exist and yup, people with illegal backgrounds can be part of it and almost get a plea if they colaborate enough.

taglist is open! if you want to be added just lemme know;)

taglist: @spicyryujin @daegalismybiasinnct @peachfulnight @gojoscumslut @bluedbliss @dear-97 @girlwholovespreppyattire @hana-off-icial @cigarettesafterjae @beomgyusonlywife @bts-iris @dojaejung @methneo @kriizztin @mrsuhnshine @pieddpiperr @completelyjae (idk why some of the tags just don’t work out!)

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