welcome to the show

When it comes to you and Wonwoo you both have some similarities, but are also quite different. You both have jobs online. Wonwoo is a successful streamer, and you're known for your spicy paid subscription website. You've been on online fans, and working as a cam girl for a few years now. You've managed to absolutely make bank, and have built quite the online following even away from your site.

You and Wonwoo have quite a few mutual friends. It turns out he's had a crush on you for a while. Once Seungcheol found out, he decided to introduce you two.

The first time you crossed patches was at Seungcheol's birthday party. You're not dumb, you're well aware of who Wonwoo is. There is something about a cute nerdy gamer with glasses, who clearly has the body of a Greek god, that does something to you.

You’ve found yourself being a silent viewer in a few of his streams.

At Seungcheol’s party, you learned Wonwoo was interested in you, but you aren't in a place with your career where you could try and navigate having a boyfriend.

The entire night Wonwoo flirted and eventually you exchanged numbers. You let him know then that you weren't looking for any type of connection with anyone.

It's been six months since you met, and it turns out you couldn't push Wonwoo away. He’s turned into someone you texted often, and even flirt with all the time.

It turns out when you only have sex with yourself and toys, you start to get pent up.

THE GIRL ON THE SCREEN

Wonwoo is hosting a game night at his, and his best friend Mingyu’s apartment. You picked out your outfit with the intention of possibly trying to get laid. You've been debating on crossing the line with Wonwoo for a while. Tonight finally feels like the night.

The boys live in a pretty big three bedroom apartment. It seems their entire friend group plus some of the boys significant others are here.

The first person you see is Seungcheol. He leads you into the kitchen where Wonwoo is talking to Seokmin. The moment Wonwoo's eyes lock on yours you have his full, undivided attention.

What was supposed to be a game night quickly turns into a night of drinking games. The more you drink the drunker you get. The more alcohol that floats through your veins, the more you flirt with Wonwoo.

The whole time he's talking to you, your eyes just focus on his pretty lips, and how he's nervously pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. You want Wonwoo so bad, you could scream.

-

The light peaking through the curtain slowly wakes you up. Your eyes flutter open and you're hit with the realization you're not in your room. Lifting the covers you see that you're fully naked.

The clicking sounds of the keyboard catch your attention. Looking over into the corner, you see Wonwoo on his computer. The scrambled memories of last night start flooding back to you.

Wonwoo turns in his chair removing his headphones. He tilts his head looking at you. "Good morning, sunshine."

Slowly you sit up in his bed, holding the covers up. "Did we have sex?"

"No, you were drunk and I refused to even kiss you while you were intoxicated." He says firmly.

"Why am I naked?" He turns his chair around so he's fully facing you.

"Because after you tried to kiss me, you thought if you got fully naked, I would fuck you."

The memories of what happened between you are sparse, but you remember some of it. Awkwardly, you look around the room. Wonwoo's room looks exactly how you thought it would. Seungcheol always jokes and calls him a neat freak, and it looks like nothing is out of place in his room. It even looks like he's folded your clothes and placed them on his dresser.

You look at the other side of where Wonwoo's phone is sitting on the nightstand. "I slept in the living room on the couch."

"Oh." Turns out Wonwoo is a gentleman and respectful.

"I came in here so we could talk once you’d woke up."

Holding the blanket close to your chest, you get a little more comfortable. You know there is no way you can get out of talking after you clearly threw yourself at him last night.

"What did you want to talk about?" You try to play innocent.

He rolls his eyes. "I don't know, maybe the fact you threw yourself at me last night."

"I thought you liked me?" Wonwoo's made it very clear in the past he's interested in you.

He pushes himself up from the chair. Without thinking your eyes travel up and down his body. He's dressed in a pair of God forsaken grey sweatpants and a tight tank top that shows off his glorious shoulders.

"See, here's the thing—I like you, a lot actually." He pauses, stopping at the foot of the bed. You know there is a but coming. There is no way he'll leave it just at that. "But I only mess around with girls who behave."

Your brows knit together, processing his change in tone. You've never heard him sound so stern. "Am I not a good girl?"

"No."

"I literally put myself on a silver platter for you."

He cocks his head to the side. "A good girl wouldn't have pouted and called me a virgin, because I wouldn't fuck her while she was drunk." You most definitely don't remember saying that to him. A hot wave of blush crawls up your neck.

"I'm sorry."

"I thought you were a good girl until last night." He reaches out, grabbing your chin. "I know that you play with yourself online before I met you, I'd seen some of your videos. None of your them ever made me think that you would be a brat." His words are firm. Your eyes go wide, taking in each and every word he says.

"I didn't think you were some hard dom." You retort.

He narrows his eyes, as a smirk tugs at his lips. "I'm not normally a hard dom. I like control in the bedroom, but if you behave I won't have to be hard on you."

He turns on his heels walking to his dresser. You watch carefully as he pulls out a box. He grabs what looks to be a vibrator wand, handcuffs and a bottle of lube.

"Are you going to fuck me?" You let the blanket fall, leaving your chest fully exposed.

He glances over his shoulder. "Do you still want me to fuck you?"

"Please." If Wonwoo only fucks girls he considers to be "good girls" you must be on your best behavior for him.

"Say it." He turns around, holding the handcuffs.

"Say what?"

"Ask me, tell me you want this." He raises his brows.

Without saying anything you push the covers off, leaving your naked body fully on display. "Wonwoo, I want you to fuck me. I'll be so good for you. Just please fuck me." You've never been one to beg, but right now, you'll do anything he asks of you.

He moves toward the bed without saying another word. "We'll use the traffic light system. At any point if something is too much, you need to tell me. I'm not sure what you're used to, but I'm in control."

Silently you nod.

"Use your words."

"I understand, sir." His eyes light up at the use of sir.

"You're a quick learner, princess. I need to know, what are your boundaries."

"I like choking, but don't be super rough with it. You can slap my ass, but not my face." You pause, suddenly feeling embarrassment crawl up your throat.

"Keep going."

"You can be rougher with how you fuck me. No gross stuff please. Oh and don't call me mean names. Like I don't want be fully degraded."

"Are you okay with princess, good girl, and brat?"

"Yeah, those are fine."

"Can I put you in handcuffs and edge you?"

"Yeah."

Holding the handcuffs out towards you, he nods his head. "Give me your hands." He clicks the cold metal against your skin. They're tight, but not tight enough to hurt. "If they hurt just tell me. Communication is key here."

"Yes, sir."

He goes to take off his glasses. "Please leave them on." You can't escape the thought of him wearing his glasses whilst doing the dirtiest things to you.

"Okay. Lay down, and do not touch me."

Quickly you obey him. Laying on the bed you spread your legs, giving him full access to your needy core. He walks over to the dresser, picking up the vibrator and the bottle of lube before returning and sitting them on the bed next to you.

Your eyes stay focused on him as he pulls off his tank top. Taking his time, he neatly folds it and sets it on top of the dresser, next to your clothes.

Placing his knee on the bed, he crawls towards you slowly. He stops once he's sitting on his knees between your spread legs. His large hand rests on your thigh, rubbing soothing circles into your skin, helping to relax you. You aren't sure why you're so nervous. Maybe it’s because this is the first time you're ever letting a man fully take control.

Picking up the vibrator, he clicks it on. "Color?"

"Green."

He presses the vibrator directly against your clit, earning a moan instantly. He doesn't give you a moment to breathe before he clicks up the speed. Your body tenses immediately.

Your lips part, sinful moans and whimpers filling the room. He unexpectedly drags two fingers through your folds. Closing your eyes, you tilt your head back.

Without thinking your push your hips up towards the vibrator.

"Don't." His words catch you off guard. Your eyes snap open and you see him glaring at you. "Don't try and get yourself off. You'll take what I give you."

"Yes, sir."

Two fingers are suddenly pushed into you, earning a wanton moan. He clicks the vibration speed up another level, as he drags his fingers in a come hither motion, touching that spot inside you that has you seeing stars.

"Let me know when you're close."

"Okay." You whine.

The feeling of his fingers and the vibration is too much, your orgasm is speeding towards you at one hundred miles per hour.

"I'm gonna cum." You cry.

The precipice of your orgasm is rapidly approaching, suddenly everything stops. He rips the vibrator and, fingers away from your needy core. Your orgasm is right there, and he stopped everything.

Your eyes fly open, and you look at him confused. You know he said he would edge you, but you thought he would change his mind.

"Wonwoo—" you cry.

"You're such a good girl, you didn't cum without my permission." He taunts you. Your eyes are wide, you try your hardest to process the situation. "Can you do that again?" You aren't sure if you can, but you'll try anything for him.

He puts the vibrator against your needy clit again. He goes back to his same task of pumping his fingers in and out of you, except this time he's added another finger— this orgasm barreling towards you quicker then the last.

Before you can even tell him you're close he stops everything. Every nerve in your body feels like a live wire. Tears brim your eyes. Another orgasm being ripped away from you is devastating.

“Fuck—“ you cry.

“Such a filthy mouth.” He says teasing you.

He pushes the vibrator back onto your clit. He has the speed all the way up. This orgasm is going to hit you like a freight train. He pumps three fingers in and out of you at a rapid pace.

All the muscles in your body are tense. It’s taking everything in you, to not lift your hips, attempting to chase your release.

"Wonwoo, please let me cum. I'll be so fucking good for you if you let me cum." Tears spring from your eyes. You pull your hands up towards you. If you keep your hands anywhere near him, you know you'll try to grab him.

He rips the vibrator away from your clit and tosses it on the bed. This time he doesn't remove his fingers. He keeps pumping them.

"You can cum princess." He dives in face first into your core. His lips lock around your clit. He's practically making out with your pussy, whilst he pushes you over the edge.

The white hot wave of your orgasm is excruciating. Your walls pulse around his as your head is thrown back moaning his name. He doesn't let up on your clit. He keeps sucking until it’s overstimulated and sore.

"Wonwoo." You cry, squirming underneath him.

He pulls back, sitting back on his knees. Sliding his fingers into his mouth, he licks them clean of your release.

"Pretty baby, can barely handle being edged." He teases.

No words form, silently you blink at him, processing everything that's happening. He turns around stripping away the rest of his clothes.

When he turns around you're greeted to the sight of his massive cock. This is by far the biggest cock you've ever seen with your own eyes.

"Should I grab a condom?"

"I'm clean. I haven't slept with a man in over a year." It's probably dumb to fuck without a condom the first time, but all the logical thoughts left your brain long ago.

"You sure?" He raises his brow.

"Yes, I want you to cum inside me."

He barks out a laugh. Walking closer to the bed, he reaches out and grabs the chain that holds the hand cuffs together. "I'm going to lock your hands above your head. If it's too much, you have to tell me."

"Yes, sir."

He hoist your hands above your head. He hooks the chains into a hook you didn't even realize was built into the headboard.

"You've done this before?" You ask.

"Many times." He smiles.

"Wonwoo?"

"Yes, princess?" He's standing over you.

"You haven't even kissed me." There is something quite humorous about the fact that he's already made you cum and you haven't even kissed.

"Do you want me to kiss you?"

"Please."

Without another word he leans in, pressing his lips to yours for a searing kiss. His hands holds your face as your lips dance together. He kisses you like you’re air in his oxygen-deprived lungs. Pulling back, his teeth tug on your bottom lip.

"Happy?"

"Yes."

He picks up the bottle of lube, clicking it open he coats his entire length. You're going to need all the help you can get, taking someone his size.

He pours some of the cold lube on your core, earning a gasp from you. "Oh—"

"I'm big, so this might hurt."

"I can take you." Even if it hurts you don't care. You'll make him fit.

"Such an eager girl.” He tosses the lube on the bed next to you. "Keep your legs spread wide."

He pushes in slowly, giving you time to adjust. He goes in inch by inch. The moment you're filled to the brim, it feels like he's splitting you open.

Out of instinct, your hands tug against the handcuffs. "Are you okay?" His voice is soft and gentle.

"Yeah. Just—" your brain is having a hard forming words. He's managed to leave you cock drunk. "You're so big."

A smile tugs at his lips. "Am I too big for you?" He pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

"No—" you cry.

"Color."

"Green, green." You stutter out. If he stops now, you'll break down crying.

"Did you want me to move, or do you still need time to adjust?" His hand that rests on your thighstarts rubbing soothing circles again.

"Please move, I'll be so good for you if you move." You can't help but beg.

He gives you a smile before he pulls his hips back and slams back into you roughly, knocking you back. He keeps a quick and brutal pace. With each thrust your breasts bounce.

Grabbing your leg, he hooks it over his arms. He keeps snapping his hips into you, over and over.

There is a weird contrast as he leans down kissing the top of your knee gently.

He's so big, he's touching parts inside of you that you didn't know could be reached. Your hands tighten into a fist as you try not to cum too early.

Out of nowhere he drops your leg. Your eyes fly open, looking at him confused.

"Color?"

"Green."

He stops moving for a moment. He's still sitting on his knee, snug inside you, but he moves so he's hovering over you. He snaps his hips back into you.

"Fuck—" you can't help but moan.

He takes your breast in his large hand. He gropes the flesh, earning wanton moans from you. This is the best sex you've ever had in your life.

"Wonwoo—" you cry.

"Does Princess want to cum?" He taunts you.

"Please, I'm so close."

"You can cum." He snaps his hips harder.

The cry that leaves your lips is loud. You're hit with the realization that Mingyu might be home. You pray that he left long before you and Wonwoo started fucking.

This orgasm hits harder then anything you've ever experienced before. You see spots as your walls flutter against his cock like a heartbeat.

Tilting your head back, you leave the delicate skin of your neck fully exposed. Without saying a word, his large hand wraps around your throat. He applies just enough pressure to send you futher over the edge.

"Fuck— fuck." You cry out.

He doesn't stop moving. He keeps thrusting into you, over and over as you ride out your high.

"Where do you want me to cum?" He ask, leaning in even closer to you.

"Inside." You cry.

He releases your neck and drops down to his elbows, so he is plastered against you. He slows down a little, rolling his hips into you as he chases his release.

His lips crash into yours for another heated kiss. Your tongues slide together, muffling your moans.

His thrusts get more sloppy as he gets closer to finding his release. "I'm going to fill you up." He moans against your lips.

True to his word, he fills you like you've never been filled before. He keeps thrusting into you as he paints your walls with his milky release. He came so much, it's starting to leak out around his cock.

It takes a few moments for him to slowly stop moving. He pulls away from you and reaches up for your hands. He releases the chain from the hook and slowly brings your hands towards him. He unlocks the handcuffs and gently rubs your wrist, focusing on the spot where the metal started to bite your skin. He places gentle kisses on both wrists. This is the complete opposite of the man who just fucked you until you cried.

"How are you feeling?" He's still inside you, he hasn't tried to move.

"Like my legs probably don't work." You let out a little laugh. “Please tell me Mingyu isn’t home.”

“He left hours ago.”

He leans in and presses his lips to yours for another kiss. "You're way nicer now." You say with your lips against his.

"It's because you were a good girl."

"I'll always be your good girl, if you'll fuck me like that." Reaching up, you tangle your fingers in his fluffy hair. It feels nice to actually touch him.

"So was this a one time thing?" He asks as he pulls back from you.

"No."

Slowly he pulls out of you. He sits back on his knees, watching as his release starts slowly sliding out of you. He takes two fingers and scoops it up, pushing it back inside.

"Don't waste it." He says, giving you a wicked smile.

"I need a shower." You sigh.

"Let's shower together, and then I'll take you out for breakfast."He holds his hand out towards you.

"Like a date?" You push yourself up, immediately realizing how sore you are.

"Yeah, if you want me to fuck you again we have to go a date."

You can't help but smile. For someone who just dom’ed the hell out of you, he's acting pretty cute right now.

"I would like to go out with you."

Things are definitely going to change after this, but you're okay with that. Clearly what you and Wonwoo have is special.

Ooh, fall and free, fall and free Fall and free, fall and free Fall and free

Your accident made news all over the city, the scandal of a promising club singer robbed of her memories overshadowing the ongoing murders haunting the darkest corners. As far as you know, you slipped and fell during a robbery gone wrong, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. You woke up at Neo City Memorial Hospital with your head wrapped in bandages and swollen, black eyes. Your mother prayed in front of a holographic Bible, clutching her Rosary tightly, while your father stared blankly out the window, lost in thought. It was the worst day of your life that you can remember, and it lingers in your mind.

So it’s no surprise that people from all over would come to see this mysterious person with a great voice and missing patches of her life put on a performance, because that’s what this city lives and breathes on. Scandals, violence, and sex mixed in between. You’ve figured out your role, and you play it well—it’s the only way you can survive.

I feel love I feel love I feel love

The beat fades out as you’re back on stage, the purple lights shifting slightly and shining on you, the enigma. Claps and cheers erupt in the club, and you let yourself bask in it all as the velvet curtains close. Buzzing from the energy of the crowd, you stand there rooted in place, your eyes closed as you hear them chant ENCORE! ENCORE! ENCORE! The buzz you get from this can never be replicated, no matter how much kosmi dust you snort. 

“Well done, gorgeous.”

Turning around, you face your boss, Cado, who walks towards you, clapping his hands. Your buzz drops like a free fall.

“Just doing my job, boss,” you sarcastically salute, the energy in the room shifting to something colder. It’s no surprise your boss is attracted to you, and you don’t miss the way he gazes over your body as something to possess rather than something to behold. He’s offered many times to get you to do “work” on the side for him, but you never budged. Maybe it’s worked on others, but not you. You don’t shit where you eat.

He’s unfortunately a conventionally attractive man, with a jawline sculpted by a god and dark, seductive brown eyes you can get trapped in. Cado takes good care of his body, bragging about how much he works out and sometimes flexing his arms or flashing his abs. All he talks about is himself and his money; it doesn’t impress you.

“You know my offer still stands, if you are looking for extra work,” Cado offers, a glint of mischievousness in his eyes.

Giving him a slow once-over, you snort. “I don’t need the extra money. You know that,” you scoff. “I’m sure one of the waitresses might.”

You walk away before he can say another word, exiting the side stage and heading to the bar. The need for a stiff drink is strong as ever, craving a shot of Sunshine Mist that’ll burn your throat and numb you in the best way. You only put up with Cado’s advances because this club feels familiar to you, even though you don't remember working here before. The nice guy facade he tried to put on at first, you saw through that early on. You see him for who he is, and you’ve made it clear every chance you get.

Holding your fingers up towards the bartender, Chan, you take a seat on the stool as the lively chatter and studio music fade into the background. Your head bobs lightly, your fingers drumming on the counter as you wait for your drink.

“Rough night?” Chan asks, twirling the cocktail shaker.

“Eh, just Cado being Cado,” you quip.

“My condolences,” he chuckles, sliding the shot towards you.

You snort, grabbing the glass and throwing it back. It gives you an almost therapeutic burn, instantly putting you at ease. Sunshine Mist is one of the strongest drinks concocted, and while not everyone can stand its aftereffects, it’s your preferred drink here, especially when dealing with the likes of Cado. For a moment, everything softens, and your buzz has returned, leaving your skin tingling all over.

“Mind if I join you?”

You turn towards an unfairly attractive stranger standing beside you, staring at him blankly before realizing you were. His dark hair falls across his forehead, his smile bright enough to rival the neon lights flooding the club. He definitely doesn’t fit this crowd, and you don’t recall ever seeing him, but you are not a stranger to unusual occurrences.

You gesture towards the stool next to you, and he follows your lead, scooting his seat closer to you.

Chan gives him a measured look. “What can I get you?”

“I’ll have the same thing she’s having,” the stranger responds, tapping his watch and revealing a digicard. “And put hers on my tab.”

“Thank you,” you say, the curves of your mouth twitching.

“You’re welcome, gorgeous.”

Your eyebrows lift, followed by a silvery laugh. Studying him more carefully, you can’t help but notice the shape of his eyes, the curve of his smile, the timbre of his voice. A flutter of butterflies invades your stomach; you shake your head as the heat creeps up your neck.

“So, what’s the catch?”

It’s his turn to lift his brow. “Catch?”

Sitting up straighter, you throw him a look. “You bought me a drink, which is greatly appreciated, but I have the feeling that you didn’t come over here to take a shot with me.”

You can’t help but notice the way his eyes twinkle when he laughs. “Okay, you caught me,” he says, raising his hands. “I just wanted to tell you I liked your performance.”

You stare at him blankly, and then you laugh. “That’s it?” You flash him a smile. “I’m almost disappointed.”

“Give me time.”

Chan slides the drink over to the stranger, who catches the rim with the tips of his fingers. The veins on his hands pop suddenly, and you shake away the thoughts that are creeping into your head. He thanks Chan as he takes his shot, shooting it back in the same manner you did. The burning liquor doesn't faze him at all, and you sit there impressed.

“Seokmin.”

Your brows knit together. “Excuse me?”

He pulls out his hand to shake. “My name is Seokmin.”

You giggle, realizing he was introducing himself. “Nice to meet you,” you say, shaking his hand in return. “My name is—”

“I know who you are,” he says smoothly. His hand is warm and soft, and you can’t shake this sensation in your chest. You gaze at each other, your body feeling drawn to him, as if magnetism is pushing you together. Your hand is still in his, and you are in no hurry to let it go.

“I’m sorry, I have to ask,” you say suddenly. “But have we met before?”

Seokmin falters slightly before regaining his composure, slowly taking his hand from yours. “I—”

“Hey, boss wants us to go over the set list for tomorrow night.”

Your manager, nicknamed Snake-Eyes, appears from behind, holding a holographic tablet with a floating stylus. Looking past your manager, you eye Cado towards the back, watching you intently with a cigarette in his mouth. Of course, he wants to talk about it now, of all the times.

Glancing back at Seokmin, you let out a small sigh, your mood soured once again thanks to your boss. “I’m sorry we have to cut this short,” you say. “Maybe I’ll see you again?”

“Maybe,” Seokmin smiles softly, sending more butterflies to your stomach.

He gives you a hand to slide off the stool, his cologne appealing to your nose. It smells familiar, and you can’t pinpoint where it’s from. Maybe it’s something you came across in the years you can’t remember. Lucky you.

You start to walk away, but something tells you to turn around, and you find him still standing in place, watching you walk away. “Don’t be a stranger?”

He smiles. “Don’t worry, love. You’ll be seeing more of me.”

For some reason, those words resonate with you for the rest of the night.

Seokmin steps out into the wet night, lighting a cigarette from the corner of his mouth. The petrichor is fresh and calming as he deeply inhales, letting the enhanced tobacco burn his throat. It’s past two a.m., and the city is still alive, with no sign of slowing down. Neon lights and advertisements are shoved in his face at every corner, drug paraphernalia in the streets, and people coming from all directions looking for adventure. He remembers when he was that carefree and full of life, looking forward to the next day and many after. But so much has changed, and it feels like a distant memory, a whole lifetime ago.

Seokmin takes another puff as he watches on, lost in the thoughts that have been tormenting him for the past two years. He came to the club to find peace, to get answers to the darkness in his soul and the mystery that refuses to rest in his mind. Seokmin sought a reprieve that can only be cured by one, and when he watched you perform for the crowd, with the light shining on you like the star you are, it made him sadder. You don’t remember him, or your past life together, and every day it gets harder to bear. You are the light of his life, the one thing that has kept him alive, and he is determined to help you remember him, or at least, know the truth.

The authorities say it was an accident. Sure, like he will believe a fall like that will leave you on the brink of death with black eyes, broken ribs, and needing surgery. Seokmin has been a private investigator for many years and has seen a lot of shit, and the insult to his intelligence is laughable. He’s mentioned it to your parents, but they practically threatened to call the police if he came on their property again. The reaction didn’t surprise him much—your parents never thought he was good enough for you anyway.

They never told you about Seokmin and your life together. Your father is a very powerful man, and he had every trace of you and him wiped out of digital existence. It’s almost amusing the lengths he went through to erase Seokmin from your life. But what’s cruelly ironic is that he cannot take Seokmin’s memories away from him. It’s what helps Seokmin sleep at night.

There were many times he sat in the dark, in the apartment that you shared, and thought about barging into the hospital room or the club and telling you the full truth, hoping it would trigger something. But he can’t tell you anything he doesn’t know himself. How were you hurt? Who would do this to you? Why were you targeted? These are questions that have been wrestling in his mind with little to no answers, and forcing the truth on you wouldn’t serve you any better.

But being in your orbit again, hearing your voice and seeing the warmth in your eyes, renewed something in Seokmin’s spirit. He’s more determined than ever to uncover the truth and secure the justice you deserve. To bring you home.

God help anyone who tries to get in Seokmin’s way.

“Hi, baby.”

The voice is a low, honeyed murmur that makes you smile. A kiss is planted on your shoulder in a haze, and your body automatically eases. You reach back, blindly massaging the head of the hidden person as you watch the sun rise in an apartment. He feels familiar, as if you’ve known him for some time, even though you can't see his face.

“Have you been to sleep yet?”

You shake your head, a peaceful smile on your lips as sunlight rises over the horizon. It’s the first time you have seen the sun in days because of the rain, and you're too wired to sleep, thanks to the cup of coffee you had when you came home. “I just wanted to see this—the sun rise,” you explain. “There aren’t enough artificial sun rooms that can compare to the real thing.”

“Mmm,” he hums in agreement. “You are right about that, baby.”

He shifts, placing a lingering kiss beneath your earlobe. A moan escapes your lips as tingles spread throughout your body. His hands are warm, comforting as they grab your waist, pulling you closer to him. His cologne is pleasing, its scent unlike any of the synthetic materials made in factories throughout the city. It’s fresh and comforting, like vanilla, with a hint of aromatic spice. More kisses trail down your neck, his soft lips each imprinting electric and hard to ignore. Your nipples harden at his sensuality, your skin suddenly feeling hot and in need of more touch.

“I’m supposed to be watching the sunrise.” Your protest is weak with little effort. The hidden figure smirks against your skin, a low chuckle booming through his throat. “Not funny,” you sigh.

You turn to face him, kissing him with your eyes closed, allowing your body and mind to give yourself to him completely. His hands roam your body as if they know you, and your spirit isn’t disturbed—instead, your intuition tells you it’s okay, and he’s yours. Your shirt rises over your head, and you lean back into your pillows. Your blanket is caught in between your fingers, a tug of something metal caught in its snag. Raising your hand in the light reveals a ruby ring on a silver band, sitting perfectly on your ring finger.

“I fall in love with this ring every time I see it,” you sigh, the words flowing from your heart. “Good job, lover.”

You look up at him properly, trying to catch the shape of your stranger’s face. But it keeps slipping at the edges, the rays of light refusing to let you focus too hard. His presence, however, feels steady, familiar in a way your thoughts don’t know how to argue with.

“I missed you, you know,” he says, his hands cupping your face. He kisses you deeply, and you lose all feeling in your legs. “I could do this all day.”

You raise a brow, a smirk on your lips. “Technically, you can.”

“I could.” He lets out a silvery laugh. “But Seungcheol wouldn’t like that.”

You don’t know who he is, but somehow the name doesn’t seem foreign to you. Sitting up slightly, you cock your head to the side. “Well, tell Seungcheol you have plans and will be busy all day.”

“And what are those plans?” He asks, trailing his fingers along your shorts.

Despite his face being covered in a shroud of light, you know he’s staring at your body, ogling your breasts that were made just for him. Lifting slightly, you help yourself out of your shorts, revealing your bare center, and part your legs slightly, just for his view.

“Tell him you will be busy eating out your fiancé,” you half-joke, placing your foot on his shoulder.

He guffaws as he lays his head on your foot, massaging it. You don’t know why the words ‘fiancé’ came out of your mouth. You don’t even know who you are in bed with. It like deja vu, and you can’t explain it, but it feels right. This is where you are supposed to be.

“I don’t think I can tell him that, baby,” he breathes in between laughs. “I’ll think of something.”

His free hand spreads your legs apart further, dipping his fingers into your wet heat. You hiss at the contact, every nerve in your body on alert.

“You're soaked, baby,” he coos, his thumb rubbing against your clit. “Maybe I’ll tell Seungcheol there was a leak that needs fixing.”

You're buzzing, unfocused, enthralled with the pleasure he is giving you. “Mmhmm, sure.”

The stranger shuffles, spreading your legs wider as he lowers himself to your center. His tongue takes a long swipe without warning, leaving you clutching your sheets. He moans and grunts in your pussy, tasting and sucking you as you squirm in his hands, the haze you are in multiplying by the second. Lip smacking, slurping, and lewd moans fill the room, lifting you further on cloud nine.

“Fuck, I—” you sound pathetic, but the incessant need to cum in his mouth is greater. You try to pull yourself together, but the pleasure is too great, and you succumb to him completely. Tugging his hair, you ride the wave of his tongue, chasing your release until it washes over you suddenly, leaving you with a vision of white and shaky breath.

“I got you, baby,” he says smoothly. “Give me all of it.”

You let out a guttural moan that ripples through you, gushing in his mouth unabashedly. He doesn’t let up, licking you until there is nothing left, leaving a kiss on your pulsing clit that makes you shudder. You dissolve into the blanket, slowly coming down from your high. Lying there with half-sleepy eyes and a smile on your face, the sunlight shifting as it rises in the sky. You turn your head as your lover lifts his face, the sunlight no longer protecting him, revealing him at least.

“I love you.”

You jolt upright, your heart beating heavily, your vision blurry, beads of sweat forming on your forehead. He disappears, and you’re no longer in the dreamy haze of light; instead, the softness shifts cruelly into a large room of unnatural darkness. Your alarm clock is blaring on the walls, the constant chirping grating on your nerves.

“Maxima, I’m awake,” you croak to the virtual assistant.

It takes a moment for your vision to fully come back, replaying what just happened in your bed. You dismiss it as a dream, but it feels so real, like an unlocked memory calling to you. You glance down at your crotch, noticing the obvious wetness between your legs. Letting out a loud groan, you scoot to the edge of the bed, your head in your hands, trying to make sense of it all.

Seokmin.

He was the man of your dreams. You were in love, you were happy, and seemingly engaged. Your parents never mentioned you to him, and maybe it is all just a dream, but you still remember how your body reacted when you were near him, as if he were a familiar instead of a stranger. Or maybe it is all in your head—a fantasy constructed by a lonely brain.

But something tells you there is more to the story, and if you want your mind to rest, you will need answers.

Aug 02 2061. 

That was the day Seokmin’s life changed forever.

He remembers the day like it was yesterday. You two watched the sun rise together, made love, and he watched you fall asleep before he left for the day. He did not, in fact, tell Seungcheol you had a leak that needed fixing, but Seokmin promised he would spend the next day with you. He had it all worked out with Seungcheol, and he was so excited to come home to you that night, to tell you the good news and plan the day together, or do nothing at all. It didn’t matter as long as he was with you.

But when you didn’t come home, and the minutes turned into hours, he knew something was wrong. Seokmin checked your location and noticed it was headed towards the opposite end of the city. He rushed out of the apartment like a bat out of hell, following your signal until it came to an abrupt stop at Neo City Memorial. Seokmin pushed on the gas pedal as hard as he could, running every traffic light and evading law enforcement to get to you. Every fear he had came true that night—you were hurt almost beyond repair, and there was nothing he could do about it.

Bzzt! Bzzt! Bzzt!

Seokmin shakes his head slowly, taking himself out of that day and back to reality, in an apartment where the sun no longer shines, barren of the life and love you brought into it. His phone buzzes again, and he sighs, grabbing the phone and swiping the screen up. His colleague and friend, Wonwoo, has been helping him with his investigation, digging into records that are behind red tape and out of his reach. A large file was sent to Seokmin’s email, encrypted with a password that only he knows.

Vulpes.

Entering his password, he connects his phone to a projector as the files load, filled with contacts of people who were at the club the night you were hurt. Scrolling through the list, he recognizes some of the names: bigwigs, politicians, and gang leaders who contribute to the corruption of Neo City. Nothing out of the ordinary. His attention turns to the file that holds the video footage, the icon blinking in sequences of threes. Tapping on his screen, he sees the video display on his wall, the frame still focused on a back entrance. 

“Let’s do this,” Seokmin sighs before pressing play. 

The video is audioless, with heavy rain pouring from the sky, slightly obscuring the street camera's lens. Seokmin watches intently, his fingers drumming on his leg in anticipation, not wanting to miss anything amiss. Growing impatient, he fast-forwards the video, the minutes dragging on with little to no movement to the back entrance. Did Wonwoo make a mistake? Seokmin thinks to himself. Maybe this is the wrong vid—

At 2:03 am, the back entrance door swings open, with two large men carrying what appears to be a woman, who is twisting and turning wildly, trying to get loose. A light flashed on the figure, briefly but clearly enough, which gave Seokmin pause. The blue dress, one he has seen too many times, is on display, and a chill shoots up his spine. Rewinding slowly, he stops at the frame, his chest tightening at the frozen image before him.

It’s you.

Seokmin stares for far too long, almost unable to believe what he is seeing. You were being carried out and manhandled like you didn’t matter, as if there wasn’t anyone out there who loved you and wouldn’t care if you disappeared. His blood boils with anger as he hastily taps the screen to let the video continue. One of the guards made the mistake of letting go of one of your legs, and you used it to your advantage, kicking him in the chest. He fell back, losing his step and falling ass-first onto the wet pavement. The other guard had your arms pinned behind your back, and as hard as you wrangled, you couldn’t get out of his lock. Even without audio, Seokmin knows you were giving them a good verbal lashing, a look of rage on your delicate face that Seokmin has never seen.

“Atta’ girl,” Seokmin says out loud. At least you still fought back.

Seokmin’s smile vanishes quickly when the fallen guard rose from the ground, stumbling towards you furiously. His fist connected with your left cheek, stunning you into shock. Blow after blow, the man assaulted you, hitting every exposed area he could. Seokmin watched your body go limp, the glee in the guard’s eyes embedded in his head. The guard holding you said something to your assaulter, who stopped his onslaught with a look of satisfaction on his face. Seokmin watches on, his stomach in knots, the anger burning deeper in his gut. These men will never see the light of fucking day again.

You're dragged to a waiting vehicle, set aside the passenger door like some sort of rag doll, your chest rising and falling slowly, your face swollen and bloodied. A figure stepped out of the back entrance, the light catching him, and Seokmin recognized him: Cado. Seokmin always sensed he didn’t like him much, and it’s not lost on him how Cado looked like you with carnality in his eyes. Cado knew better than to try anything in front of him, though.

Cado hustled over to the car, raising his hands angrily and slapping the backs of the heads of the guards. Opening the back door, he motioned for your assaulter to put you in the car. As he grabbed your arms, it is as if you were brought to life, and as an act of defiance, you spat in his face. The light goes out suddenly, just for a few seconds, but when it comes back on, you are on the wet ground, rain pouring on your face, with blood pooling from your head. Cado was enraged, picking you up and shoving you unceremoniously in the car, shouting and pointing in the north direction. Both guards entered the car, driving off suddenly, and Cado re-enters the club, the door shutting swiftly behind him.

The video stops playing, and Seokmin stands there, rooted in place and stewing in rage. He couldn’t be there to protect you, and he had to watch you experience the worst day of your life, and indirectly his too. You were supposed to be married now and living happy lives, but instead, you are apart, and you don’t remember a any of it.

Swiping to a different screen, he presses Wonwoo’s contact, the phone ringing once before he answers.

“You saw the video?”

“No shit,” Seokmin scoffs. “I want those guards found—”

“I’m already ahead of you, Seokmin,” Wonwoo answers. “I’m going to send you this address for the one who did the most damage.”

“Do that, and tell Seungcheol to meet me there,” Seokmin instructs. “Things will get extremely messy.”

“Well. You weren’t exaggerating about the mess.”

Seungcheol walks into the blood-splattered small apartment, slapping on a pair of black gloves made of matte obsidian and seamless synthetic polymer that clings like a second skin. Built with tech that alters fingerprint texture, it makes the person who uses it basically untraceable.

“I take it they are still alive?” Seungcheol surmises, stepping over broken glass.

“Barely,” Seokmin mumbles. Kneeling, he turns the head of one of the guards, the assaulter, Scion, lifting a finger under his nose.

As soon as Seokmin retrieved the address from Wonwoo, he was there in no time. He could’ve waited for Seungcheol to do things the ‘right way’, but all Seokmin could see was you being beaten and thrown around. He could have granted them mercy, but why should he? They gave you less than that, and now you’re both paying the price.

Seokmin hears shuffling behind him, and he turns, watching Seungcheol drag the other guard, Brucus, into the bathroom. He quickly learned their life story from the information Wonwoo sent over. Brucus’s family all died in the war in the neighboring desert, Dismiscus, a decade ago, and Scion comes from a family of lowlifes who are either dead, in jail, or walking the streets.

Basically, nobody would miss them when Seokmin wipes them off the face of the planet.

The bathroom door opens, and Seunghcheol comes out, his nose crinkling at the protruding smell that is starting to fill the space. “I’m pretty sure that guy took his last breath in the tub,” Seungcheol comments, surveying the living room. “I didn’t see any stab wounds or gunshots. What did you use?”

Seokmin holds up his left hand, showing off a glove made of synthetic chromium. “My goal was to make sure he stopped breathing.”

“Goal met,” Seungcheol quips.

Seokmin turns his attention back to Scion, tapping his cheek with two slaps. “Wake up.”

Scion doesn’t stir, his chest rising and falling as if he is in a deep coma. Without a second thought, Seokmin lowers a fist to his ribs, hearing a bone-shattering crack that satisfies him. Scion’s eyes almost bulge out of his sockets, followed by a piercing howl that is quickly covered by Seokmin’s fist.

“This pain is nothing compared to what you gave her,” Seokmin grits his teeth. “Tighten the fuck up.” Crimson slowly coats Scion’s lips. Seokmin stands straight, observing the weak man in this state. “I’m going to ask you some questions, and you are going to tell me everything I need to know.”

Scion slowly raises his head, meeting your gaze for the first time. “I’ve…seen…you…club.” His mouth twitches, a slight smirk on his lips. “You come to see our Vixen.”

Seokmin clenches his jaw, anger stirring in his stomach and hardening from within. He referred to you by your stage name, a nickname Seokmin gave you, and it makes him want to wring Scion's neck. Seungcheol appears to his left, adjusting his gloves. “So you know why he’s here then.”

Letting out a weak scoff, he attempts to sit up but winces, sliding further down the carpet. “Let’s…not play games.”

Seokmin couldn’t agree more. “Aug 02 2061,” he began. “Why was she being carried out of the club?”

Scion attempts to sit up again, lifting off the ground until he is comfortable. He doesn’t answer, instead pulling a cigarette from his front pocket and slipping it into his mouth.

“You got a light?”

Seokmin and Seungcheol exchange annoyed looks, shaking their heads in unison. Seungcheol digs into his pocket, pulls out a lighter, and flicks the switch to ignite the flame. Seokmin is in his right mind to take that cigarette and shove it down his throat while it’s still lit.

Scion looks at you carefully, inhales deeply, and lets out a wet cough. “It was on the boss’s orders.”

Seokmin stares, his jaw ticking in annoyance. “Cado?”

He nods, taking another puff. “That’s the one.” Wiping his nose with his sleeve, he closes his eyes and leans his head back against the wall. “She saw something she wasn’t supposed to see.”

That catches Seokmin’s attention. “What wasn’t she supposed to see?”

A slow, evil grin is on his lips, followed by a chuckle. “Business. Stuff way above my pay grade.”

“Care to elaborate on that?” Seokmin grits his teeth.

Scion doesn’t answer, instead burning out the cigarette in his hand. Seokmin takes a good look at him, watching the color slowly drain from his face. A long white scar trails from his sea-green, baggy eye to the corner of his mouth, and he looked rugged, rough around the edges, with tattoos and more scars riddling his arms. It would scare the average person walking down the street, but one thing Seokmin has learned in life is that it doesn’t matter how tough you look if you can’t back it up.

“You still want to protect your boss in death? That’s almost admirable.” Seokmin reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a 9 mm silencer. Taking a deep breath, he points the gun at his head, his index finger steady on the trigger. “I suggest you think long and hard about your answer.”

Flashes of your face and your smile flood his mind. The woman he knows, the person he wants to spend the rest of his life with, was taken away from him cruelly. He will work day and night to get you back, and if a few brains have to be splattered on some walls, so be it.

“I’m not telling you shit—”

The gun goes off before Scion could finish his sentence, blood splattering on his face. Seokmin is numb, not bothered by the violence he had to inflict. He could do it ten times over and still wouldn’t satisfy him.

“Go, Seok,” Seungcheol commands, taking the weapon out of his hands. “I’ll clean up here.”

Seokmin nods, leaving without saying a word. He wasn’t concerned about the noise, since the apartment is in a shitty part of the city and everyone minds their own business. The rain starts to fall heavily from the sky, washing the blood off his face and his leather jacket. Seokmin stands there for a moment, soaking it all in, letting the memories of you dancing in the rain fill his mind. You were always carefree, a pretty bird in a city of terror, and he would give anything to have that back.

Climbing onto his motorcycle, he loads “I Feel Love” into his headphones and roars out of sight, the venom of vengeance consuming him whole.

You can’t stop thinking about Seokmin.

He encompasses every corner of your mind, the montage of your moment together fresh in your head. You seemed to be a couple in love, a familiarity that you somehow feel in your heart, and it bothers you. You don’t know who Seokmin is; you met him for the first time last week at the club. Why does it feel like you were meant to know him?

You gaze at your bare ring finger, rubbing it with your index finger as you're lost in thought. For the past few days, it has felt weird not having a ring there, and if you stare long enough, you imagine seeing an imprint of something that might have been there at one point. You don’t know.

“Is everything alright?”

Slowly coming out of your reverie, you glance at your mother, whose eyes mirror yours in color. “I’m fine,” you clear your throat, shaking your head. “Just a bit tired.”

You stab your fork lazily into your seared lemon trout, taking a small bite to appease your mother. You aren’t sure what your relationship was like during the years you were gone, but before then, she was barely a parent. You were raised by the various nannies that were employed in your home; your mother spent her time playing the perfect wife, and your father was hardly around. You were merely an afterthought unless there was an event that required the whole family to be together. Chin up and smile wide, your mother would dutifully remind you. You don’t want to embarrass your father or the company. Your name carries weight in Neo City, and your parents will protect it by all means, even making you a pawn whether you like it or not.

“Are you still working at that club?” Your mother grimaces. “I don’t know why you bother setting foot in that soiled establishment.”

“Because I like to sing, Mom, and being there lets me do that,” you respond, feeling slightly irritated. You glance at your father, who watches you carefully, his silence louder than anything your mother could say. Crossing your arms, you feel the erratic thump of your heart. “I know you guys are worried about me, but aside from a weird dream, I’m fine—”

“What dream?”

Your father’s voice is soft yet commanding, catching you off guard. He hasn’t talked much since you arrived, barely shown any interest in the daughter walking around with partial amnesia.

“It’s nothing really, Dad,” you dismiss it, shaking your head. “I doubt it means anything.”

“Tell me.”

Your eyes drift from your father to your plate, and you let out a quiet breath. Your finger taps on your leg, unease settling on your chest. If you say it out loud, it becomes real, this dream, that moment with Seokmin. You don’t know what to make of it, and it scares you, experiencing a level of intimacy with a stranger you only met once. But knowing your parents, they will not let it go, and you might as well rip the Band-Aid off now.

“I had a dream about someone who came into the club,” you start, running your fingers through your hair. “I don’t think I know him, but in the dream, it felt like I did. Like maybe I knew him before.”

“Oh?” Your mother’s eyes light up as she wipes her mouth with a napkin. “And you’re sure you don’t know him?”

“Yeah,” you shake your head. “This guy, Seokmin, I have never met him before—”

“Wait,” your father cuts in, raising his hand. “What did you say his name was again?”

‘Seokmin,” you confirm. Grabbing your glass of white wine, you take a sip, noticing his brow furrow with annoyance. “Do you know him, Dad?”

‘What?” Your dad slurs before shaking his head. “No, I don’t know him. I am just concerned about you having dreams about a stranger.” He smiles reassuringly, though it doesn’t match his eyes. “You are still taking your medication, right?”

You throw him an incredulous look and scoff. “Yes, I’m taking my medication!” you spit, rising from your seat. “How could you think that?”

“Well, hold on,” your mother leaps out of her seat, raising her hands. “Your father and I just want what’s best for you.” Her voice cracks at the end, tears welling in her eyes. “We almost lost you.”

You stare at your mother and father, the burning ember of anger brewing in your stomach slowly cooling off. There is something indescribable in your father’s eyes that leaves you uneasy, an ice-cold shiver spreading down your spine.

“It was just a dream,” your mother says. “I wouldn’t worry about it, okay?”

“Your mother is right,” your father agrees. “Sit down and finish dinner.”

It wasn’t a suggestion, but you don’t have any more will to fight with your family tonight. You do as you're told, slowly putting on your poker face as you finish your meal in silence. But something your gut tells you is more than just a dream, and even more sinister, your father might know something about it.

Two weeks. It’s been two weeks since Seokmin has seen you, and the distance physically aches. Not that he hasn’t wanted to, but he’s been busy, cracking heads and taking names—so to speak.

He’s gone through the list of names that were there the night you were hurt, and showed up to a few of those places, gathering all of the information he could get. Some gave it to him willingly; others were harder to convince. It didn’t matter how he got it done, as long as he got what he was looking for. Some survived to see another day; others weren’t so lucky.

Seokmin stares at his hands in the bathroom, his hands covered with dirt and dried-up blood, bruised knuckles that are turning into a nasty shade of purple. Turning on the warm water, he washes the blood away with a fluxus genorum soap he acquired from the Neo City black market, which specializes in rapidly healing most injuries. It was created by a scientist who wanted to cure humanity of their ailments, but the government had other plans. It’s said that the scientist refused, and the scientist suddenly went missing, presumed to be killed by the others of your very own Senator. Yet somehow, his creation can be accessed by certain means. Seokmin always found that interesting.

He unbuttons his shirt, revealing fading bruises he didn’t care to heal. In a way, Seokmin is addicted to the pain. It’s one of the few things that’s real to him; the feeling of a fist trying to crush his abdomen or a pole that swings wildly on his arm. It’s an adrenaline high that he is not trying to be cured from. It keeps him focused and guarded on his investigation to reveal the truth and set you free.

And bring you back to him.

Seokmin strips off the rest of his clothes, washes up quickly, and changes into jeans and a white long-sleeved shirt, then pairs them with his leather motorcycle jacket. He puts on the cologne you like, hoping it will stir your memory in some way. He reminisces about the first time you brought the bottle home and sprayed it on him without warning.

“Whoa there, baby. What did you put on me?”

“Your good luck charm,” you said cheekily, holding up a small yellow bottle.

“My good luck charm is standing in front of me,” Seokmin flirted, pulling you by your waist.

“Well, yes,” you agreed, pressing the bottle onto his chest. “But this will give you an extra boost. It smells good.”

Seokmin squinted, trying to detect any deceit. You loved to prank him, and even though he knew what you were doing before it happened, he let you do it anyway. Seeing the joy in your eyes, the warm laugh that bubbled from your throat gave him endorphins no one else could replicate.

"This isn’t some sort of joke, is it?” Seokmin murmured, his hand drifting lower to squeeze your derriere.

“Mm mm,” you shook your head. “No joke, baby. I bought this with you in mind, and I hope it makes you think of me.”

“I think of you all the time,” Seokmin chuckled, leaning in. “It doesn’t take much.”

“Good, my sunflower,” you nodded proudly. You spray his neck lightly, rubbing in the cologne with your fingers. “Now take me to bed.”

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

Seokmin jolts himself back to the present, clutching the gun hidden in the back of his waistband. He wasn’t expecting anyone over, and aside from Seungcheol and Wonwoo, no one knows where he lives. He stalks towards the door, his heart racing, wondering if all of the bloodshed is catching up to him. Slowly looking into the peephole, he lets out a small breath of relief, followed by an annoyed scoff.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”

Seokmin unlocks the door, swinging it widely, facing the unwanted visitor.

“Silas.”

“Seokmin.”

The older man lets himself in, brushing his shoulder against Seokmin as a silent test to see if Seokmin will bite. He knows this type of man, the kind who gets a rise out of pushing buttons; they snap, and then the victim becomes the villain, fitting their narrative. Seokmin was almost always one step ahead of him, and he’s sure it's one of the many reasons he hates him.

“Yes, come in.’ he says under his breath, shutting the door.

“Why are you bothering her at the club?” Silas gets right to the point.

Seokmin gives him a slow, unimpressed once-over. “Because she’s my fiancée,” he answers bluntly. “That’s never going to change, no matter how you try to spin it.”

Silas snorts, surveying the space. “I think you need to get your head checked, boy. My daughter doesn’t and will not have anything to do with you.”

“Yeah, we’ll see about that,” Seokmin scoffs, holding eye contact. “Did you come all this way to puff out your chest? Or are you going to finally be the father she needs?”

Silas’s eyes narrow into menacing slits as he steps toward him, his voice a low, dangerous growl. “You don’t know shit about what she needs.”

Seokmin lets out a short, dry laugh, feeling it deep in his gut. “Old man, I know way more than you think.” Stepping around him, he opens the door. “If that’s all you have to say.”

Silas does not invoke any fear in Seokmin’s heart. It doesn’t matter how many connections your father has; Seokmin will still find a way to take them down, and he’s doing alright so far.

Silas sneers, turning on his heel and storming down the hall. “You will regret this!” He barks over his shoulder.

“No, I won’t,” Seokmin yells back, slamming the door behind him.

The sound echoes through his apartment, and Seokmin lets out a long, drawn breath, relieving the tension in his abdomen. A visit from Silas is never a good thing, but it doesn’t deter him—it pushes him to dig even deeper to uncover the lies just beneath the surface. How did he know Seokmin was coming to the club? Aside from the obvious, why is Silas bothered by it?

A myriad of questions swirl in his head, his suspicions growing louder. Pulling out his phone, he presses the dial button and is immediately met with a voicemail. 

“Wonwoo. Look into Silas—yes, that Silas. I have a feeling this is bigger than we thought.”

I'm gonna tell you about love Let's forget your life Forget your problems Administration, bills and loads Come with me

You’re one with the rhythm, twirling in a sensual circle as you swing the mic in the air. There is a large attendance tonight, due to a convention in Neo City that brings nerds from all over the planet. You changed up your makeup at the last minute, going for a more divine look that brings out your eyes. Cado gave you shit for it, but you know what you’re doing, and it’s working; once again, everyone is at your mercy, their mouths partly open as you seduce the crowd with your voice.

Connect to the sky Future lovers ride their ambitions high, would you like to try? Let me be your guide, cut inside your pride Future lovers hide love inside their eyes

The red light sparkles on your dress, a tight, short number that accentuates your legs, paired with heels that are an accessory in their own right. Scanning the room, you let the vibrant energy take over, falling into a trance while you perform. Being on stage is truly your happy place, and there isn’t anywhere else you’d want to be.

As you sing, you’re drawn to a pair of warm brown eyes you could get lost in, a slow smile on his lips as he watches your every move. Excitement tingles through your body, and you keep your composure as you strut over to the man of your dreams.

Love controlled by time Future lovers shine for eternity in a world that's free Put away your past, love will never last If you're holding on to a dream that's gone I'm gonna tell you about love Would you like to try?

The final note lingers in the air, a shimmering vibration that seems to hold the entire room in an intoxicating suspension. As the crowd roars in applause, you wink at him, the shimmer of your makeup catching the strobe lights before you gracefully leave the stage.

Your heart is racing, but it’s not just because of the performance. Instead of heading to your dressing room, you detour to the floor, searching for him among all the bodies in colorful attire. You find your dream guy at the bar, ordering a drink with Chan. Despite the butterflies invading your stomach, you take a seat next to him.

“Hey, stranger,” you greet him with your signature low, sultry voice. “Thought I’d never see you again.”

“You did?” Seokmin responds, a gentle grin on his lips. “That just made my night.”

“I’m glad I could be of service.” You wink again. Feeling confident, you grab his hand, slide off your stool, and pull him along. “Walk with me?”

His hands feel the same as they did in your dream; warm, inviting, and safe. You notice the way his eyes dance as you lead him outside to your hideaway spot near the front entrance. You’re fully aware you’re acting recklessly, and you don’t really know Seokmin. For all you know, he could be a mass murderer. But despite all that, something in the back of your mind tells you it’s okay.

You stop in a tucked-away spot in the dimly lit alley, two patio chairs in front of an abandoned building. Streaks of magenta and cyan from the neon signs spread across the brick walls, alternating sides as the light adjusts according to its programming. No one else comes here, and you come here to think whenever the noise gets too loud. It’s your own little sanctuary, a small bit of peace that’s of your own making.

Seokmin digs into his jacket pocket, pulling out a pack of menthols and opening the carton toward you.

“Want one?”

You smile, taking one and slipping it between your lips. He lights it, his eyes not leaving yours, sending a jolt of sparks throughout your body.

“The man of my dreams,” you murmur as you exhale.

“Am I?” His eyes shift to something softer and unspoken, and you feel heat creep up on your neck.

“Figuratively speaking, of course,” you lie, inhaling deeply.

You exhale the smoke with a perfect ‘O’, watching it rise in the night air until it dissipates. You feel his eyes burning on you, and you don’t know what to say. You don’t know how to explain that you feel drawn to him, and it feels like you were meant to know him. You haven’t had another dream since then, and yet, Seokmin has been in the back of your mind with every thought. You tried shaking it away, meditating away, even sexing it away with someone you met at a bar that you knew you would never see again. Nothing has worked, and you are starting to feel you are truly fucked.

“So what do you do, Seokmin?” you ask, discarding the ash from the stick.

“I’m a private investigator,” he answers, taking a puff of his cigarette. “Been doing it for a while.”

“Yeah?” You say, amused. “So you probably have seen a lot of crazy things.”

“Something like that.”

A sly grin curves on his lips, making him more attractive. “I bet you handle yourself well.”

“I… do my best,” he alludes. “I’m still breathing.”

“You look good and alive to me,” you laugh, your nerves suddenly getting to you. Turning to the side, you slap your hand lightly on your head. This has never been you. You don’t tumble over your words or get tongue-tied over anything, especially men. And yet, Seokmin has you all over the place, stumbling over everything you thought you knew.

“So… what do you do when you’re not hypnotizing clubs or terrorizing your boss?”

You let out an embarrassing snicker, caught off guard by his statement. “What makes you think I terrorize my boss?”

Seokmin throws you a look, a twinkle in his eye as he raises a brow. “You perform like that on stage, and you tell me you aren’t driving your boss nuts?”

You almost choke on your cigarette, laughing. The nerves leave you as easy as they came. “Is it terrorizing or just knowing that I’m right?”

He shrugs with a smirk on his lips. “Touche.”

You shake your head playfully, putting out half of your cigarette. You aren’t really a smoker, but he offered, and you didn’t want to turn him down. Gazing at the sky, the two moons of the planet are full, in a shade of red that appears only once every millennium. How ironic that you are sharing it with the man of your dreams.

“I would ask if you come here often, but I think we know the answer to that,” you say, sauntering closer to him. “I never forget a face—brain injury aside.”

Seokmin bites his bottom lip, turning away slightly to hide a grin.

“It’s okay to laugh,” you encourage him. “My accident didn’t deprive me of my sense of humor, thank gods.”

He lets out a guffaw, his voice echoing off the walls of the alley. In the darkness, you see the light in his eyes, and it melts you. He's even more handsome than he was the first day you saw him.

“You… are funny,” Seokmin manages to say in between breaths. “Are you sure you don’t want to be a comedian?”

“Nah.” You scrunch your nose playfully. “I’d get bored.”

The time on the nearest building dings midnight, signaling your break being over. You don’t want to leave; you want to stay in this place and get to know him, figure out what makes him tick and why you can’t get him out of your head. Silence falls between you two, loud thoughts running through your mind, unsure of what to say next.

“So will you be coming back—”

“—Do you want to go out with me sometime?”

You stare at each other, the silence thick and charged with the kind of electricity that would raise your hair in the wind, followed by a lightning strike. A slow, playful smile curves on your lips as you lean in, the scent of his vanilla-and-spice cologne swirling around you, mixed with the sharp tang of menthols.

“You wanna go out with me?” you tease him. “How do you know I’m not a crazy person who takes their victims into dark alleys?”

Seokmin’s laugh is silvery, his foot itching closer to you, the warmth of his presence vibrating off you. “You’re a creative woman. I’m sure you could do better than that.”

You cock your head back in laughter, almost at a loss for words. “Touche.” Looking back towards the club, you turn to him again. “Walk me back?”

Seokmin holds out his arm to you, and you slip into it easily, like a fitted glove. The walk back is mostly quiet, aside from exchanging numbers and agreeing to see each other in two days. The neon lights dance on your skin, and the club's impending noise grows louder with each step. It’s like you're in your own bubble, existing with him with ease, feeling a sort of peace you didn’t know you needed.

When you reach the entrance, the bubble bursts as Cado leans against the doorframe, arms folded with irritation on his face. His eyes land on you two, his dark pupils narrowing into predatory splits.

“You’re late for your second set, Vixen,” Cado says with a smile that doesn’t match his eyes. “Let’s get you inside, gorgeous.”

He holds out his hand, but his gaze is on Seokmin, his poker face faltering with each second. You glance at Seokmin, who meets the gaze with an unimpressed stare, stepping back slightly to give you space.

“I’ll see you Friday, sunflower.”

You watch him walk away, disappearing into the night. Giddiness takes over; you wish you could leap forward two days. You feel Cado’s hands grip your upper arm, a tad too much pressure, making you wince. You’re ushered back inside, the thumping bass, the thick smoke, and expensive perfume irritating your nose.

“You don’t have to guide me to my dressing room,” you bite. “I’m not a child.”

“If only you knew the concept of time is money,” Cado snaps. “You have five minutes.”

You step into the dim light of your dressing room, the mirror reflecting your image in all of its glory. You quickly tousle your hair, adjust your dress and makeup, and touch your lips with a shade of red that would make the devil jealous. You were done in two minutes instead of five, rolling your eyes at Cado’s attitude earlier.

“I don’t know what his issue is,” you mutter to yourself. “I’m already done.”

Swinging the door open, you make your way to the stage, passing by the boss’s door, which is left slightly ajar.

“Yeah, she’s in the dressing room now… yes, I will keep an eye on her.”

You come to a halt, a chill coming down your spine. You may have lost part of your memory, but you aren’t naive—he is talking about you.

“Yeah… yeah… He was here again.”

Your heart starts to race, everything suddenly feeling heightened as you continue the conversation. Why is Cado so invested in you and who you keep your company with?

“Are you alright?”

You turn around suddenly, facing Chan, who is standing in the hallway, holding boxes of liquor, presumably to stock the bar. You blink, your ears burning from embarrassment and being caught red-handed.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” you croak, clearing your throat. “I just have a slight headache, that’s all.”

“Oh, if you want, I can give you coltis powder later; that’ll clear it up.”

You give him a weak smile. “I would appreciate it, Chan.”

He nods and walks around you, going back to the bar. You pinch your nose, shaking your head as you let out a loud sigh. Fuck, that was close. Turning around, you see Cado’s door is now closed, ending any chance you had to hear more of the conversation. Disappointment starts to seep in like a leak, but you push it aside, realizing your five minutes are up and it’s time to get on stage. You put on your best poker face, going on stage to applause and cheers, your hands resting on the microphone as you begin your next set.

“Who’s ready for more?”

The crowd cheers.

Turning to your right, you meet the eyes of Cado, who watches you intently with an all-knowing look you can’t understand. You wink at him and begin your set, seemingly showing everyone all is right in the world.

But that’s the opposite of the truth, and it’s far from over.

“Hey baby, you looking for a good time?” A sleazy voice called out when you walked past; the heavy unpleasant smell of booze, piss, old oil, and cigarette smoke heavily coming from that direction. It made your lips curl in disgust when the mixture met your nose and kept your eyes forward.

Pulling the large thick trench coat tighter around your body, you hoped that it would hide away the little outfit you wore to work and took the chance to inhale the comforting scent of your boyfriend that lingered on the fabric. Keeping you grounded and giving you the strength to bite your tongue.

You ignored the man and his friend yelling insults at your back as you continued your journey through the near empty streets of the Shadow District, back home. With one hand gripping the knife under the thick sleeves, one that Wonwoo had insisted you carry for protection. Luckily, you were able to go another day without having to use it, with the most those men could do was yell out names at your back as you disappear in the crowd.

Even with how early it was, or late depending on the person, the streets were still filled with people. Stores opening their doors to sell synthetically processed foods and supplements to help curve your hunger or thirst, groups of people still enjoying the night life despite the sky glowing grey with smog and sunrise, or those hiding in the shadows, waiting for someone to approach them for the drugs they had in their pockets.

Eagerly waiting for the next victim to get hooked and keep coming back for more.

That was life here in Huimang, named with the intentions of being a City of Hope, but hope was not even a luxury that many people could have. You being one of them, but this was still your home.

The apartment was quiet when you got in, with the grey morning light peeking through the blinds and violet lights that Wonwoo left for you. He was long asleep in your bedroom, greeted by golden eyes and soft meows from your shared cat instead. Her soft dark fur feeling comforting against your leg, and you were quick to shed the coat to pick her up.

“Hello to you too, Doodle Bug.” You cooed at the small feline, scratching the side of her head as you made your way into the small kitchen. Wiggling free, Doodle jumped from your arms to the floor, only to look back at you to meow and it brought a smile to your face, “Didn’t your dad feed you before he went to bed?”

This earned another meow from her, and you chuckled. “Alright, alright. You win. Early breakfast it is.”

After feeding the cat a can of her favorite food, you made sure her water bowl was full before making your way to the bathroom to clean up. The boots you switched to after work kicked off to a random corner of the small living room, the revealing top thrown over the back of the sofa, and your shorts that felt more like underwear left on the ground by the bathroom. You didn’t care that you would need to pick up everything later.

The shower felt amazing on your skin, the hot water washing away everything that had clung to you from working that night—sweat, spilled booze, tobacco smoke, the disgusting things that had been said to you, and the ghost of hands that tried to touch you as you tried to serve drinks.

It left the stripped away version of you. The real version of you, or what was left of it from years of running and trying to survive.

When you emerged from the steamy shower, the cold air of the apartment bit at your damp skin and a shiver ran through you. You were ready to slip into the warmth of your bed, into the warmth of Wonwoo. The shower may have washed everything away, but it also made you aware of how sore your muscles were, and how tired you were. Each day growing heavier on you, no matter how many hot showers you took.

You didn’t bother putting on any pajamas, just slipping onto the old worn bed, with your boyfriend sleeping on his side. His back faces you as you settled under the bedding and moved to mold your body against it, pressing your lips against his bare shoulder.

“How was work?” His voice was deeper than usual, rough with sleep, taking one of your hands that rested against his stomach. The sound and gesture making your lips upturn against his skin.

“The usual. Rich, drunk and high assholes that don’t know how to or even capable of keeping their hands too themselves. Thinking that flaunting their wealth, and expensive body mods will impress anyone enough to sleep with them.” You let out a soft sigh, eyes closed while you welcome the warmth of your boyfriend, feeling his thumb run over the back of your hand.

Wonwoo stopped before he shifted himself to sit up, causing you to lift your head in confusion. There was some dried drool at the corner of his mouth, his black hair a tangled mess from sleep, and a frown on his lips. He had taken his left eye out to sleep, so only his right one was opened and trained on you with concern.

Just looking at him made your heart flutter still after years together, still the most beautiful person you ever laid eyes on. You couldn’t stop from thinking of how lucky you were to have him love you and be in your corner. Your missing piece.

“They touched you?” He asked calmly, that sleepy rasp was now gone and something dangerous took center stage. “And Seungcheol did nothing about this?”

“Seungcheol wasn’t there tonight. You know if he was, or any of us said something, they would be out on their asses. Their credits aren’t any good there if they fuck with the servers, no matter how rich they claim to be.” You answer, rolling onto your back, trying to not giggle when his eye dropped to your bare breasts when they moved. You reached out to run your hand over his arm, giving him a reassuring smile. “It’s not anything I can’t handle, baby. They eventually get bored when they realized that I wouldn’t let them fuck me in the bathroom.”

“I should kill them for touching you.” His words sounded more like a growl while he leaned over you. His gaze slid over your frame before it returned to your face. “Only I can touch you.”

“As lovely as that sounds, I rather keep you next to me and not behind a glass window.” The hand that had been resting on his arm moved up to his neck so you could pull him into a kiss.

Wonwoo didn’t resist your pull, leaning down to find your lips, tasting the minty flavor of the teeth cleaning tablet still fresh on your tongue. The kiss was brief, but it still ignited a fire in you, your body warming, and it seeped to your core. You found yourself chasing his lips when he pulled back, the soft whine that left you earned a smirk from your boyfriend.

“Only I’m allowed to touch you.” He repeated, his mouth brushing against yours, slipping on top of you and his hips pushing your thighs open without any resistance from you. He didn’t wear clothes to bed, so when he pressed down, there was no barriers against his hardening cock and your own bare heat. Another moan escaped you, as your hips instinctually moved as if you would be able to catch the tip of his thick length just the right way. “Only I can fuck you in those bathrooms.”

“Is that so?” You teased, trying to not let your lashes flutter at the way Wonwoo’s strong hand grabbed your hips, holding it there with more pressure than needed, but you didn’t mind his possessiveness over you. He pulled his face back to give you a look, knowing that bratty but aroused smirk all too well, and had to hold back a very vocal groan feeling your cunt getting slicker against the underneath of his cock.

“Last I checked, I am in charge of who touches me, and where I get fucked.”

Wonwoo’s mouth latched onto yours, this time his kiss hungry to taste you again, relishing that you returned that same hunger. You were tired, your body desperate for sleep, but you could never pass up a moment like this; especially when you know letting him fuck you would help you sleep better.

His hands moved down your body, caressing your breasts and teased your hardened peaks, while his tongue took claim of yours. Teasing and sucking on it, each of you swallowing moans his hips moving against yours, his cock sliding through your slit teasingly. Letting himself be coated by your arousal, teasing you.

“You want to play a little, or just want me to fuck you?” Wonwoo asked, pulling from the kiss, his eye looking over your face, a lazy smirk playing over his lips. The question made you laugh because it didn’t sound the least bit romantic or intimate, but at the same time, neither of you were aiming for that. Except you weren’t going to miss a chance to pick on him. “What?”

“You sure know how to romance a…oooh.” The words were lost when he shifted his hips back so that he could slip a hand between your legs, slender fingertips slipping between your folds and found your clit with practiced ease. “Fuck… Wonwoo…”

“If you want me to be romantic…” His voice was soft, his touch matched it in movement. Slow, gentle circles around your sensitive bud, teasing and earned whimpers from you. He was doing this on purpose. His lips barely brushed against your as he spoke again. “Then you’re out of luck.” You went to roll your eyes, but instead they rolled back when two fingers pushed into you, a little gasp leaving you while a groan left him. “Always so wet for me. This is why only I can fuck you.”

“Then do it, you dick.” You snapped, though there was no punch behind it, only to earn a chuckle from him. His fingers were going at a slow agonizing pace, like he hadn’t just woken from a deep sleep, and you didn’t just spend all night working. Taking his time like it wasn’t early hours in the morning.

“You’re demanding.”

“But you love me and will listen anyways.” And he did listen, withdrawing his fingers so he could line himself up; the thick tip barely pressed into you making you groan in a mix of frustration and anticipation. He may have listened, but he sure as hell was going to torture you a bit and pulled back when you would try to roll your hips. “Wonwoo!”

He did this to you a few more times before finally sinking into you, earning a moan of pleasure and relief as he took a quick inhale of breath. Your inner walls squeezed and molding to him in such a delicious way that he had to clear his head or he was going to cum right then.

“Fuck baby…” He groaned, stilling after he filled you completely, his forehead pressed against yours and both eyes squeezed shut this time. Your own body was shaking, relishing in the feel of him on top of you and inside you, fitting together like missing pieces.

When he finally started to move, Wonwoo created a tantalizing pace with his thrusts, making sure not only you felt every inch of his length but for his own enjoyment as well. He wasn’t in a rush, but neither of you were going to last long.

“I love you.” You moaned out, clinging to him in need to feel him over every inch of your skin. You needed to feel the weight of him on you, to be grounded, to know he’s still real, that you were still alive. Wonwoo’s mouth was hot on your collarbone, one hand holding onto your hip using his strength to keep you where he wanted you while the other massaged one of your breasts, leaving marks where it would be hard to hide.

“I love you too, fuck. I love you so fucking much,” His words came out labored, the deep vibrations of his voice sending waves over you with his words, his thrusts started to get sloppy quickly. Too lost in the feeling of you and exhaustion that still clung to him.

He was getting close to his release; except he refused to let go first. He had to make you come undone around him before he could. Wonwoo was a lot of things in life, but he was never a selfish lover; at least he never was one with you.

The hand that was massaging the fatty flesh of your breast slipped between you to give you a bit of help to get to your release. He smirked against your skin, gently pressing his lips to a fresh mark, when you let out a small cry when he started to tease your clit. Your nails raked down his back and left red scratch marks down his back.

You weren’t sure if you were just sensitive from the hot shower, and exhaustion but the mixture of his cock plunging into your warmth and his quick finger movements was just enough to push you over the edge. Your body shaking as your release washed over you, any moans and gasps leaving you were now swallowed up by Wonwoo. His mouth was hot against your lips, tongue eagerly licking the inside of your mouth; his moans turning into soft whines.

You were already snug around him, but when you came it was like you were squeezing the life from him. Wonwoo tried to hold out a little longer, until your hands moved down his body to grab his ass, pushing his hips into you to grind and that was it for him. Letting himself go inside you, filling you until he couldn’t give any more.

Neither of you moved for a moment, his kiss now slowing to a gentle make out and a hand cupping your cheek. The room dim and quiet, letting you both forget that there was a dark world out the confides of your little apartment. When that moment passed, Wonwoo pulled himself out with a sensitive wince and rolled himself off you with a groan.

“You are going to be the death of me.” He muttered, now on his back and pulling you to his side. Giving you enough time to move so you were facing him before you were pressed against his slick skin.

“You’re the one who started it.” You mumbled, still attempting to catch your breath as your eyes closed. Your body is completely relaxed, and exhaustion had finally taken you under.

Barely awake, you said in a sleepy tone, “We need to clean up.”

“No we don’t.” Wonwoo grumbled, sleep taking back over him, turning his head to press a kiss to your hairline. “We need to sleep.”

The excessive knocking started to turn into pounding and finally ripped you from your deep sleep. An annoyed groan left your lips as you rolled onto Wonwoo’s side of the bed, empty and feeling cool against your skin. Showing he had been up and gone for a while.

“Fuck off…” You mumbled, but whoever was at your door was persistent, and you couldn’t ignore it any longer. Getting up, you stumbled through the room to find clothes since you weren’t going to answer naked. Luckily, you found a pair of shorts and a shirt of Wonwoo’s, and whoever it was now full on pounding at the door. Causing you to exhaustedly yell, “Fucking stop it! I’m coming!”

Padding through the small apartment, you were tempted to grab a knife from the kitchen once you realized who it was. Especially when the pounding turned into some kind of beat since this asshole thought he was clever.

Ripping the door open, you were met with the bane of your existence leaning against the door frame; acting like he didn’t just use your door as his personal beat box. His attention on his cybernetic hand that he currently had out as a claw. To the Shadow District, he was Hoshi, but to you and a small group of people, he was Kwon Soonyoung. Your best friend by force more times than choice at this point.

“Finally. Thought I was going to have to claw this door down.” He mused, turning his sharp eyes on you with his tongue pushed against the inside of his cheek.

“And if I don’t kill you for it, Wonwoo definitely will.” You snapped, turning from open door to walk to the kitchen. Pushing off the frame, Soonyoung grabbed a plastic bag that was resting at his feet before sauntering into the apartment and closed the door behind him. “It’s too early for this.”

“It’s almost two in the afternoon.” He pointed out, and you shot him a dirty look over your shoulder.

“I worked late last night, you idiot.” You grumbled, and this made him chuckle, retracting his tiger claws so it was normal metal hand. “What are you doing here anyways? Besides pissing me off while the sun is still out.”

“Was able to get my hands one some fresh fruits, like fresh from a farm type. Wanted to share them with one of my bestest friends.” Soonyoung watched as you froze, turning toward him slowly with interest. Your eyes dropped to the plastic bag in his hand filled with strawberries, oranges, and peaches dangling from his normal hand, only for you to look back up at his face. Seeing right through him, and from the look on his face, he knew it too. “Aaaannnddd maybe some credits.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” You no longer felt sleepy or even tired anymore, instead you felt a rush of anger through you. You knew that he was using the fruit to attempt to butter you up. “Why didn’t you use the credits you used on the fruit?”

“Didn’t pay for these. I actually called in a favor from a friend. Figured bring an offering to sweeten the passing of credits.”

You groaned in frustration as you snatched the bag from him. He didn’t put up a fight, instead diverting toward the sofa while you moved to the small kitchen to clean and have some of the fruit for breakfast. Frustrated that he’d known you would take the fruit, but he didn’t know you weren’t going to give him a single credit.

“Go away, Soonyoung. Come back around when you’re not wanting something from us.” You told him, waving your hand dismissively in the air. “I told you before, I am not supporting your addiction anymore. Me and Wonwoo are barely making ends meet as it is.”

The blond tsked before he said your name in a slow and condescending tone, one that made your stomach turn uncomfortably, his sharp eyes looking in your direction. Taking in that your hair was still sleep ridden, Wonwoo’s shirt was actually inside out, and your shorts peeking from under just enough to show you rushed to get dressed. Analyzing you and your blatant lie.

“See… you and I both know that is a lie.” He went to say more, but Doodle had distracted him by jumping onto the sofa, meowing, knowing perfectly well that Soonyoung would give her the attention that she was ‘desperate’ for. Reaching out to pet the feline, he finally continued. “If I’m not mistaken, but isn’t your mother still sending you your monthly allowance? With an extra two thousand credits to convince you to leave Wonwoo and come home.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” You huffed out, knowing that the only reason your friend was bringing that up was because he was fiending; needing another hit to numb himself like everyone else in this city.

Tears started to sting your eyes, because you hated this side of him. The Soonyoung you once knew wouldn’t do this to you, he would never resort to blackmail, but the fiend version of him would and does with no remorse.

“Oh, we both know you do.” He responded in a calm voice, a wide smile on Soonyoung’s face as he played with Doodle. “What better way to say, ‘fuck you Mom’ than letting me use the credits to buy drugs and you can continue to live with Wonwoo and he can stay blissfully unaware of that little account.”

“Fuck you, Soonyoung.” There was a silence between you, a tense one with the only sound was Doodle’s little chirps. “Get out.”

“I guess, you’re right.” He leaned forward to peck the top of your cat’s head, with her meeting his lips with a soft headbutt. Standing, Soonyoung adjusted his ridiculously baggy pants and his compression shirt. “Wonwoo should be at the docks, right? Him and Gyu doing some recon by helping unload some freight? Maybe I should pay him a bit of a visit, see how him and that deliciously muscular man are doing.” He started toward the door, stopping as he reached for the handle, “Would be such a shame if I happen to let it slip that you’ve been hiding who you were before coming to the Shadow District… or well… ran away to it. I am pretty sure he wouldn’t like knowing the person he loves and trusts isn’t who he thought she was and is hiding a dark secret.”

“You’re a real piece of fucking work, you know that right?”

“I know, one of a kind. No one else like me. So a thousand credits sound good?” Soonyoung then turned around, crossing his arms and leaned against the door. The triumphant smile that graced his lips made your nose scrunch in disgust.

“Not a chance.” You shook your head and the smirk he was wearing started to twitch. “I can give you fifty credits.”

“Now, that isn’t going to work, but I’ll bump it down.” Soonyoung scratched his chin like he was thinking of a new total, before snapping his fingers. “Seven hundred.”

“No. Fifty credits.”

“Listen, I brought you fresh fruit!” He dropped his arms to his sides and stomped his feet childishly, but you didn’t miss the way his cybernetic fingers started to lengthen in claws. “This shit is hard to get.”

“Hard to get fresh fruit, that you didn’t pay for.” You could see the way his eyes were darkening dangerously, but you couldn’t give him the amount he wanted. You didn’t have it, and that account he referenced was one you refused to touch or even acknowledge. “I can do seventy five right now if you leave my fucking apartment.”

“You know you drive a hard bargain.” That smirk was back, and he took a few steps toward you, flexing the now clawed adorned hand. “I’ll take that seventy five, and then I am going to stroll down to those docks.” He held it up when you went to speak, and you closed your mouth. “Now, if you don’t want that, then I will gladly take two hundred credits now and your secret stays safe with me.”

“You’re an asshole.” You answered in defeat, turning away from him to wipe away a stray tear from your cheek and went to find your phone to send the credits. You didn’t want him to see you cry, knowing that this Soonyoung wouldn’t feel an ounce of guilt for it, nor did you want to see the way he bounced excitedly. “Don’t come back around after this, because I’m not giving you another fucking thing. Just take the credits and leave me alone.”

“Yeah, sure.” He didn’t believe you when you said this, he never did. Hell, you didn’t even believe the words that came out of your mouth. “You and I both know that you can’t live without your best friend.”

“You’re not my best friend.” You told him, your stomach sick as you sent the credits through the thin device. Taking a deep breath, you closed your eyes to push back any more tears and attempted to calm yourself before you threw a knife at his head. With a slow breath out, you turned to look at the stranger where Soonyoung once stood. “My best friend died the moment he got hooked on that shit. You’re just the scum that came out of the ashes.”

“Ah, haven’t been referred to as a Phoenix before. I think I prefer tigers still.” He was able to hear the hurt in your voice, he was able to see the pain in your eyes, but he didn’t care. He was too excited that he was able to get high on your credits. “Pleasure doing business with you. Let me know how Wonwoo likes the strawberries. Made sure to grab those for him.”

“Just leave.” You looked away from him, your words felt more like a plea then a demand, one that he actually listened to. But only cause he had what he wanted.

You heard the door open, and his heavy boots walk through the threshold, but you didn’t hear the door close.

“Oh, I forgot to mention.” He spoke slowly, his voice still smug, but there was something softer to it. Like for a moment, your best friend was trying to push past the fiend. “Seokmin saw notices on Holiday. Eviction notices.” Your back stiffened at those words, that sick feeling in your stomach turned into acid in your throat, but you didn’t look back at him. Holiday was a street right before the Shadow District. “I think you and I both know what that means.”

You knew perfectly well what that meant.

“Guess you can’t run from your mom or Skyfall forever.” And with that, Soonyoung closed the door behind him. Leaving you to stand there, next to the counter filled with the fruits he brought.

Tainted with blackmail and betrayal, but that was nothing compared to the anger and fear that you were feeling by his parting words. You felt like you were thrown off kilter, your body no longer felt like yours but the intense emotions that coursed through you.

After all these years that you lied to yourself that the Shadow District wouldn’t be touched by the filthy hands of those rich bastards. Convincing yourself that the home you found here with Wonwoo, with your friends, didn’t always have a looming threat at your door. That you could go a lifetime without seeing her.

It had been years since you ran, but it was still not enough time. It was never enough time to stay away.

The frustrated scream that left you didn’t sound like you, it was raw and from somewhere deep inside you, as you angrily swiped the fruit off the counter and onto the ground. Forgetting that you had pulled out a knife to cut them up and sliced your hand.

“Fuck!” You grasped your wrist, blood starting to come out of the cut, more tears breaking through. Sinking to the ground, you let out a wail as your cried. You were in pain, you were hurting deeper than pain, you were scared.

You were naïve to think that anywhere was safe. Safe from her, safe from Skyfall Industries, safe from the suffocating feeling of greed that came to be a constant in this greedy city.

You lied to Wonwoo when he came home that day, told him that you cut yourself slicing up the fruit Soonyoung had dropped off. Worked it in a way that you wanted him to believe that you had bought them from him, refused to say what happened during your former best friend’s visit, but adamant that the cut happened after he left.

You tried not to look at him when his left eye lens flickered as he scanned your body but failed. Allowing him to read your vitals, take any changes in them, but he didn’t question you further despite of what he’d seen. He didn’t even need to scan you though, unable to hide your distress. That something had happened with Soonyoung, and something deadly started to stir.

He could’ve easily leave, find Soonyoung and put a knife to his throat for upsetting you, for making you feel like you needed to lie to him, but he didn’t. Wonwoo was the quick tempered type, and he had no problem punching or stabbing someone instead of talking it out or walk away, especially when it came to you. But Wonwoo also knew that there was some things that he couldn’t resolve with violence.

Soonyoung, unfortunately, was one of those some things. You were too protective over him, no matter how much the fiend hurt you, but he knew that there was more to it. And whatever that fiend had over you, it kept you from cutting him off. It kept you from telling him.

“Earth to Wonwoo,” Vernon spoke up, pulling the older man from his thoughts and turned his attention back to the conversation at hand. The younger man was sitting on a filing cabinet that was in the corner of Jihoon’s office, one arm resting on his knee while his head leaned back against the wall. “I know it sucks down here, but we are talking business.”

“Sorry.” Wonwoo answered with a sigh, his eyes moved toward the other two men in the room. Jihoon was sitting at his desk chair, his attention on the tablet in his hands and not on the rest on the room. Mingyu was leaning against the wall next to the door, and his attention on his best friend, sensing something was up the moment he saw him. “What was the question again?”

“What did you see in the boxes from the dock yesterday?” Jihoon repeated, and a scoff left Vernon when he did. “Mingyu said you saw something in some of the boxes.”

“It wasn’t what I saw, it was what I didn’t see.” Wonwoo could hear Mingyu murmuring an apology for getting it wrong and leaned forward to rest his chin on his hand. This made Jihoon finally look at him. “That and where they were going.”

“What you mean you couldn’t see?” It was Vernon who spoke, another scoff leaving him as he looked for a pack of cigarettes in the pockets of his jumpsuit, not caring that he received a dark look. “Thought that hacked ass eye of yours could see through shit. You know through thermal scans or some shit.”

“I am not above putting a knife through your own fucking eye. Make you just like me.” Wonwoo warned, which only earned another cocky laugh. The cybernetic-free punk ass knew that he wasn’t joking or bluffing, but they just didn’t give a shit, making his hand twitch toward the knife that he kept hidden away.

“Just get to it.” Jihoon snapped, shooting his own dark look toward both of them. “Why couldn’t you see?”

“Most the boxes, easy to scan and act like I am verifying cargo, but there was about three or four large ones. Couldn’t get a reading at all.” Adjusting in his seat, Wonwoo continued to speak. “Boxes came up empty, but they were definitely not.”

“Took ten of us just to move one onto the truck.” Mingyu grumbled, sounding annoyed that he had to be reminded of the labor he had to do. “No way we were going to be able to move those with the forklift.”

“Well, where are they taking them?” Vernon asked, while Jihoon looked between the two men before them.

“The Factory.” Mingyu answered. The Factory was a warehouse on the dock, typically a storage unit for parts until they are shipped to facilities to build or specialize in installing them on people.  

“Why is that so weird? Everything goes there.” Jihoon sat the tablet down onto his desk to stand, a low grimace sketched over his face, his hand reaching down to massage his leg only to be met with metal. The rest of the group watched in silence as Jihoon schooled his expression and cautiously took steps away from his desk.

“That’s their first stop. The next stop is an address on Holiday. Skyfall Cybernetics Shop, but the address is a set of apartments right now.” This brought an uncomfortable silence over them, one that even Vernon was part of. This was too close to home, and none of them wanted to actually say what it could mean. After a heartbeat of silence, Wonwoo was the one to say it, “This is becoming more than stealing parts.”

“You’re right.” Jihoon nodded, not looking toward anyone as he tried to pace but only manage an awkward limp. Without thinking, Wonwoo’s left eye flickered behind his glasses, scanning his friend and boss to analyze him. Checked for anything different in his vitals.

Jihoon may have been good at keeping himself levelheaded in front of his crew, he never liked showing his worry nor when he was in pain, but he couldn’t hide it away from Wonwoo. And it wasn’t like it was something he typically did, he wouldn’t just scan his friends unless he felt like he needed to, but something told him to do it, and he was right to. Not only was his friend in pain, but he could tell by the increased vitals that there was more than that.

This was more than a simple heist job, this was more than stealing a few parts for a few thousand credits to split. They could easily still go on with the job, focus on the parts on the list and ignore the large boxes since they weren’t what they were looking for. But if Skyfall Industries took the steps to make it where not even scanners could penetrate the boxes, then that possibly meant more security so their usual ways weren’t going to cut it.

It caused the unspoken question hang heavy among the four of them. Was taking this job a good idea after all?

A familiar rhythmic knock broke through the silence that had followed Jihoon’s words, causing the four of them to look toward the opening door. It was Soonyoung, practically skipping into the room with wide eyes, pupils completely blown out, and his skin had a glow to it. His blond hair spiked up, and it was a surprise that the corner of his lips weren’t splitting from the size of his shit eating grin he wore.

The fucking fiend was on a high, and it was obvious to the rest of the people in the room. No scan was needed for this.

“Why hello there gentlemen. Lovely day isn’t it?” He said with a chirpy voice, shooting a smug look toward Wonwoo as he went to close the door. Like he was rubbing something into his face without saying what it was, and that deadly feeling started to stir inside again.

His thoughts went back to when he had come home to you, your hand wrapped in gauze and a few droplets of blood that you missed on the floor. He thought back to how you wouldn’t look at him when you told him that you did it while cutting fruit, the fruit that you ‘bought’ off Soonyoung, and the way your voice was raspy but still full of tears. You made him promise to not go and off the fiend, that he had nothing to do with your hand or your state.

And Wonwoo tried to keep his promise to you, even though he didn’t believe you, because you were so protective over Soonyoung. But that smug look on that mother fucker’s face, while your teary and sad look was burned into his brain, snapped something in him. He was out of his seat before he could stop himself.

A hiss of pain left Soonyoung when Wonwoo slammed him against the door, the doorknob jabbing into his back while a knife was pressed to his throat. Pinning him to the office door and made the three other men yell in surprise.

“You got some fucking nerve showing your face around me right now.” Wonwoo hissed, pressing his sharp knife to Soonyoung’s jugular, more than willing to slice his neck open. “Not after how you left my girl yesterday.”

“Oh that…” Soonyoung sighed dramatically, his cybernetic hand resting on Wonwoo’s arm with the tips of the metal fingers lengthened to sharp claws. A warning from the fiend, but Wonwoo didn’t care. He was seeing so much red that it triggered his fake eye to turn the bright color behind his glasses, and Soonyoung’s smug look turned sadistic. Wonwoo wanted to end him right then and there, ready to watch him bleed out on Jihoon’s office floor. “You’re being so dramatic, all I did was sell her some fruit.”

“You drugged up mother fucker.” The words came out like venom which switched something in Soonyoung, because his blown out eyes flashed and the claws of his hand started to rip the sleeves of his coat. His unserious warning now turning deadly in its own right. Either of them could kill the other right then and there easily.

Neither man would do it though. Wonwoo wouldn’t because he would lose you for good if he did, while there was still shards of the old Soonyoung inside the fiend somewhere that stopped him. Except it didn’t stop them from wanting to, and that was enough to have the other men on them quickly.

Mingyu’s tight grip on Soonyoung’s metal wrist, attempting to loosen his hold on him while Vernon and Jihoon attempted to pull Wonwoo away. Especially the hand that held the knife to the fiend’s throat.

“Let go of him.” Jihoon commanded, while the three men struggled to pull them apart. “Do you think she would be happy with you if you killed him?”

“Yeah, Wonwoo baby.” That smug look was back, but this time there was something sinister and wild to it. He was getting off on this, and it only made Wonwoo’s grip tighten on his knife. “Be a good boy and listen to Jihoonie. Don’t want your princess unhappy with you, do you?”

“Soonyoung shut up, or we will let him kill you and help him lie about what happened to you.” Jihoon scowled, then leaned closer toward Wonwoo. His voice softer in hopes that will help defuse the situation. “Come on, he’s trying to get you to do something stupid. He’s not worth it.”

“Wonwoo…” Mingyu also tried to reason with him, his dark eyes on the older man and were filled with concern.

After a moment, Wonwoo finally pulled the knife away and stepping back while Soonyoung released his grip. The metal claws retracting back to fingers, while his human hand went to his neck to run over the skin where the knife was pressed into him, checking to see if blood was drawn. Only to be disappointed to find that Wonwoo didn’t leave any nicks on him, unable to find a reason to villainize him.

“You should thank her.” Wonwoo told the fiend flatly, more distance created as the two youngest of the group stepped between them. Vernon’s eyes on Soonyoung and Mingyu’s on Wonwoo, both wearing unsure looks on their faces. Neither trusted the fiend or Wonwoo to go back after each other. “If it wasn’t for her, I would have killed you long ago.”

“How generous of you.” Soonyoung was dry with his words, smoothing out the wrinkles of his shirt. The claws were completely put away, but his sharp eyes were still wild and shining with dare. Daring Wonwoo to come at him again.

“Enough.” Jihoon demanded, a hiss of pain followed when he took unsteady steps back from the situation. With a hand planted on the desk, the shorter man shifted on his feet to take pressure of his cybernetic leg. “What are you doing here, Soonyoung? We’re not interested in your bullshit today.”

“Jihoonie. My baby, the love of my life, the sparkle to my eye…”

“I am none of those things to you.” Jihoon sneered while Soonyoung clutched his chest as he changed the sweet talk to hurt.

“…You wound my heart. You wound my soul.” Soonyoung let out an over exaggerated wail, and the rest of the men in the room rolled their eyes. When he wasn’t going to get any other reaction out of them, Soonyoung just sighed and crossed his arms. “I came by just to see my favorite boytoy…”

“Not your boytoy.”

“…But I couldn’t help but overhear when opening the door that you guys were talking about Holiday.” The way the fiend’s lip twitched into a smirk, and it was clear that he found a way to take advantage for his own gain. “I think I may have some information that may benefit you.”

“I’m not paying you shit for whatever you have.” Jihoon saw right through him, just like the rest did. Wonwoo found his place back in his chair, more slouched as he glared at the fiend while the two younger went back to their places in the office. Though Mingyu was standing closer toward Soonyoung, ready to grab him if needed. “I don’t have some promise to not kill you going, so you can either tell me, or I’ll shoot you in the shin.”

“That’s one way to get me on my knees for you baby, but for a few credits, I’ll do it without the bullet.” He went to take a step further into the office, but with a sharp nod from Jihoon, he was stopped by Mingyu. Keeping him by the door and acted as the line in the sand.

“Just get with it.” It was Vernon who spoke, perched back on the filing cabinet, and sounding just as fed up the rest of them. “You’re not going to extort us like you do others. With us, aside from wiped boy over here,” He smirked when he earned a dirty look and a finger from Wonwoo, “you’ll either tell us, you keep your mouth shut, or the next parts you get will not be cosmetic.”

“Whatever you say, pretty boy.” Soonyoung scoffed, crossing his arms and rolled his eyes. “Fine…I’ll tell you…”

Growing up, you’d always heard about the Shadow District from the people around you. To the adults in your life, it was seen as a cesspool of filth and crime. They viewed the people who resided there as criminals and low life individuals with no hope or place in their future society. The area was supposedly so bad that not even your mother or the rest of the elites at Skyfall wanted to set foot in or even want to touch.

They viewed it as a lost cause and ordered others around your age to stay away.

To your peers, they had shared the same view as the adults, that only criminals and low lives lived there but that didn’t stop many of them from venturing over. Mostly to buy the drugs that were offer, addicting and fun party favors to take to the parties they would throw in their empty penthouse apartments, try to sneak into the roughest bars and clubs, or whatever else teens did to cause problems. They saw going into the district as a challenge, when really all it was were cries of attention that their parents would never give.

To Soonyoung, the boy whose mom raised you more than your own mother did, it was home. He was the only person you knew that would talk about the Shadow District in a positive light, making sure you knew that was still beauty beyond the stories that others would tell you. That deep past the crime and poverty, it had a community stronger than anywhere else in the city.

People weren’t fake as the ones in West Hills Parkway where you grew up, or any other rich area in Huimang. Good but guarded people, even if many lost their way in their fight to survive because of the elites running the rest of the city. They were all more than just stolen cybernetics, drugs that would numb them enough to live another day or had to break laws to make ends meet.

He would always talk about taking you there, so he could show you that beauty behind the ugly. Even joking that he was sure you would find a sense of belonging there instead of the world you grew up in and was expected to assimilate to what everyone else expected you to be.

Because in the Shadow District, no one expected you to behave a certain way, no one expected you to be perfect there. No one cared enough, because they all had their own shit to worry about. There you could be anyone you wanted, disappear and become a completely different person than who you were. It was a reality you dreamt to be in, no matter how dark it was, and at one point those jokes stopped being just jokes.

So, the first time Soonyoung took you there, you had finally ran away from your old life and a version of you that wasn’t real. You ran away from the expectations that were laid before you, the evils that were behind the closed doors of Skyfall, left behind a last name that never felt was yours, and changing yourself to someone different.

You became someone else, just another soul trying to survive like everyone else around you.

It hadn’t been easy by any means. You weren’t proud of some of the things that you did along the way, having to adapt and change to survive, but you were happier. Eventually you met Wonwoo, someone who wasn’t meant to be anything more than a dick to ride and a bed to sleep in for the night and fell in love. It was still hard, but together you made it work with him giving you love and shelter while you returned that love and made that shelter a place you both could call home.

You lost a lot over the years for your choices, family and friends, but you also gained just as many. You were free to be who you were and free from your mother’s control, her demands. You were struggling, but you were happy.

But that all came crashing down after Soonyoung’s recent visit, pulling out that flicker of fear you hid away by everything else. The fear that Skyfall would decide that the Shadow District and its real estate was worth their attention. Now, you had to face the reality.

The reality that your past is catching up to you, the reality that Wonwoo will learn of the who you used to be and ran from. Find out that you’ve lied to him for so long. It distracted you, it clouded your thoughts, made you keep looking over your shoulder as you walked to work and was late. The night didn’t get any better either.

Chan snapped his fingers to bring you out of your thoughts, bringing back to Cherries’ busy bar and the full tray of drinks waiting for one of your tables. He raised his brow to you, silently questioning where your head was that night, and all you could do was force a smile at him. It was meant to be your way of telling him you were fine, but your lips felt tight over your teeth. You could only hope that he bought it or didn’t care enough to believe it.

The only response you got from Chan was a shrug, moving away from you to tend to the other customers and servers waiting for their drinks. You picked up the full tray of drinks and carefully balanced them as you made your way through the crowded club. Easily maneuvering through the groups of people standing together, too focused on not bumping into anyone and get to the table with their order, so you weren’t paying attention to the faces of the people around you.

So when a hand reached out and caught you by the hip, it startled you and nearly caused you to drop the tray. Rebalancing yourself, you twisted your head where the hand that held onto you came from, a frown playing over your features. The owner was a smug business type at one of the booths, sleek expensive clothes, hair styled back that people like to see as ‘professional’, and the cybernetics weren’t for because he needed it. They purely for aesthetic and status purposes.

Especially with the type of metal that was used, the highest of qualities that was buffed to shine. It would have looked nice with the flashing lights hitting it, had it been on anyone else and they didn’t touch you like you were a toy to grab. With a jerk of your hips, you pulled yourself away from his touch as a sickening feeling crept up you from where his hand was. Like you just touched poison.

“I will be right back with you.” You yelled over the music, taking a step away from the table to your destination when they spoke your name. You froze on the spot.

It wasn’t because he called you by your first name, most of the patrons here knew it. It was the last name. Your old last name. Your mother’s last name.

“It’s you isn’t it?” He had stood from his seat, you felt him take a step toward you and reach for you again.

“No.” You responded, shooting him a dirty look and pushed forward through the crowd. Blood rushed through your ears, not liking that he still had that smug look on his face, a mixture of anger and panic coursing through you.

You don’t recognize him, it had been so long since you’d seen anyone from your past that they all became nothing but blur of faces and metals, so you couldn’t think of his name or what family he was from. Except he recognized you. You were cybernetic free and looked nearly the same as you did when you ran, just older, more mature, and signs of you learning to survive. He recognized you and called you out by your old name.

As you got closer to the table you were serving, you decided that you were going to circle back to the bar from the other side of the club and get one of the other girls to help him and his table. Maybe even avoid this side for the rest of the night.

It all happened quickly after that. You were so lost in your plans that you missed a girl taking a step back, and you collided right into her. The tray full of drinks flew through the air, splashing the people sitting at the table and everyone standing around them while you landed on the ground with a thud.

The girl who had tripped you was quick to help you up, apologizing to you as you apologized profusely to the people at the table. Your hands moved quickly to grab all the spilled glasses and rush to the bar to get towels from Chan; who was already had a stack of small of them on the bar to help clean up. His expression unreadable, with a new set of glasses already out so he could remake their drinks.

You cleaned up the mess the best you could and was able to get the new drinks to them, while Seungkwan, your manager, tried to placate one of the girls in the group. She was the only one who didn’t get hit with alcohol, but she made a fuss and complained to him about you. Not giving a single damn if she was being truthful or that you were still standing there.

“Go get some air,” Seungkwan spoke to you at one point, cutting off the girl to do so and she looked like she was ready to explode. “I will talk to you when I am done here.”

With a solemn nod, you turned to head to the back of the club. With a glance toward the bar, you saw Chan give you a sympathetic look but was quick to return back to his job, so he wasn’t joining you in getting yelled at. You couldn’t blame him for that, because you didn’t want to be in this position either.

The back of the club was a private alley, one that was fenced off by Cherries’ owner Seungcheol so that not only was there no issues with inventory deliveries, but so his staff had somewhere to hide away. It stopped them from being harassed when they would go smoke or be able to take a breather away from a busy night. It was the only club in the area that did this, and you were grateful that you worked there and not anywhere else.

The cool night air felt like a relief to your hot and sweat covered skin, instantly relaxing you as you breathed in the smell of rain and a permanent smell of oil. It grounded you, giving you the chance to center yourself and remind yourself that you were better than this.

The sound of the back door opening caused you to twist around as Seungkwan walked out with a cigarette in his hand. Leaning against the wall, he took his time lighting the wrapped tobacco and let the heavy door shut before speaking.

“You going to tell me what happened in there?” He asked, blowing a cloud of smoke in the air before his tongue pressed against his cheek, and the brief respite you had was taken away. “I had to comp two rounds of drinks just now, and not to mention, Chan has been saying you been acting strange all night.” He took another drag of his cigarette, his eyes narrowed. “Are you on something?”

“What? No, of course not.” You answered tensely, not liking that he accused you of that. “I just have a lot on my mind. I wasn’t paying attention as well as I should have.” Looking down at your hands, purposely leaving out your encounter with the nameless guy. No one here knew you by that name, and you couldn’t afford it getting out. “I’m sorry. I will do better.”

There was a beat of silence, and you cast your gaze nervously up toward Seungkwan, only to see his eyes were on his cigarette and not you, his expression hard to read. Which made your stomach churn uncomfortably since your manager was an expressive man, always wearing his heart on his sleeve. He made sure that he said what was on his mind, even if it got him in trouble or hurt someone’s feelings.

“Listen…” He finally spoke as he blew out another cloud of smoke then licked his lips. “The first rule at Cherries is plain and simple, whatever shit you have going on in your life is left at the door. You’re here to work, not fucking worry about shit that has nothing to do with this place.”

“I know, Kwan. I am…”

“Sorry. Yeah, I know. You guys always are.” A scoff left him as he said this, taking a final drag of his cigarette then dropped it into a small rain puddle next to him. “You’re paying for all the drinks I had to comp tonight, Chan's tallying it all up now and will be taking it from your tips and earnings tonight.”

Hearing these words made you feel sick, that churning turned sour and felt like bile was already creeping up. After Soonyoung’s blackmail, you couldn’t have this happen since those credits you just lost was needed to recover that loss and for rent. You couldn’t afford to lose another credit, not when you weren’t sure what the payoff was for the job Jihoon had Wonwoo doing.

And you refused to touch that account your mother had for you.

“Understood.” You told him after a long moment of silence on your part, forced to accept this fate of yours. There was no point in arguing with Seungkwan without giving too much away, without giving yourself away. You were in a lose/lose situation here.

“I know that it seems unfair, but you got lucky here since we have fired others for less.” Seungkwan went to grab the door handle to go back inside, before stopping and looking at you with a resigned expression. “Guess is pays that Cheol has a soft spot for Wonwoo, or you wouldn’t just be paying for those drinks, you’d be looking for another job. Take a few minutes to get your head right and then get back in here. We need you tonight, or I would’ve sent your ass home.”

With that, he disappeared through the large metal door. His words echoed through your brain, the contempt he had when he mentioned your boyfriend’s name and his pull with the Cherries’ owner. And by proxy you as well.

You took that few minutes before returning to your job and managed to finish the night with no further mistakes, but you were not able to push your thoughts away. After what happened that night, that nameless guy who knew you by your old name, and Skyfall Industries finally deciding that the Shadow District was worthy for their development, you couldn’t ignore the crushing realization that the two worlds you knew were colliding.

It was early in the morning when you got home and was surprised to see Wonwoo already up and in the kitchen making coffee. With his hair sticking up in different directions, one eye barely open while the other stayed shut, his face still had the indents of his pillow, and sleep still heavy on him. He wasn't in anything more than a pair of dark grey boxers, giving you a perfect view of the rest of his body.

A lean muscular frame with naturally broad shoulders, long legs, and strong arms that was normally hidden away by dark heavy clothes due to the scars that littered on different places on his body. Old wounds from fights he got into over the years, from the accident that caused him to lose his left eye, and from other stupid shit he did. You were seeing one of the barest version of him, a version that only you see, and it was your favorite.

When he looked at you, it made your heart squeeze when a sleepy smile broke across his lips, and a hand reach out to you. One that you reached for without hesitation, your body moving without needing to think too much about it, just ready to be in his presence.

"Hey baby." His voice was rough, his fingers interlocking with yours to pull you into him, before his lips found the top of your head. Pressing them against your hair, before breathing you in. "You smell good."

"I smell gross." You giggle softly, tilting your head so that his lips could find yours. The soft press of his lips helped loosen some of the tension that was clinging to you, but not enough to help you forget. You still had to tell him about that you lose money instead of bringing any home.

"I don't think so." He shook his head, before pressed another kiss to your lips. When he pulled away, his brows then furrowed when he saw your face. "What's wrong? Did something happen at work?"

"Just had a shitty night. Spilled a tray of alcohol all over a table full of people, and Seungkwan was not happy because he had to comp two rounds of drinks." You answered with a small voice and attempted to turn away from him but one of his hands grasped your face to stop you. It hurt to see that smile gone, and concern shine through his eye. "I ended up having to pay for the drinks that we lost today and was told I am lucky that I wasn’t fired." You let out a shaky sigh, "We needed those credits."

You earned silence from your boyfriend, the frown deepened and his eye stayed on you. The sleep that was still clinging to him when you walked in gone, with only the physical signs left. The arm that was wrapped possessively around your waist had tightened, pressing you more against his near bare frame, while the hand on your face held you there. His expression was dark, and it made you slightly nervous.

"I'm sorry…" Your voice sounded small, and this earned a dark laugh from Wonwoo, his thumb brushing against your cheek affectionately. "I'll talk to Seungcheol when he's in next and see if I can get an extra shift to make up for what I lost today."

"Don't worry about it. Shit happens." Wonwoo shook his head, though his expression didn’t changed and his tone was sharper. You knew that he was pissed with you, it wasn't hard to read him when he was like this, but he was holding himself back.

A fight wasn’t something either of you needed, and it left a heavy tension between you both. You avoided his gaze that was searching your face, threatening to pull your secrets that now lingered under the surface than buried deep without the help of his eye. With one look, he would know everything you hid from him, and you would lose everything. You couldn’t have that.

“I love you.” You finally said after a long beat of silence, your fingers brushing against the back of the hand that held your face as you pressed yourself against him. Your eyes flicked up toward his, wanting to be sure that he saw the tip of your tongue run over your bottom lip before you leaned forward to kiss the curve of his collarbone.

“I love you too, but what’s going on? You haven’t—fuck.” A soft groan left him when your mouth moved to his neck, kissing the kiss as your free hand moved down between you. Your hand slid over the fabric of his underwear, cupping his hardened cock through the thin material.

You weren't proud of what you were doing, but it was the only way to distract him. You weren't ready for it all to come out. You weren't ready for him to walk away and hate you.

"Everything is fine, don’t worry." You lied, grateful that he didn't have his left eye in, or he would’ve seen right through you, and used it to your advantage, pulling from his hold to move your mouth over his chest. You earned a moan from him when your teeth grazed his skin, massaging the twitching bulge with your hand, and gave the thick member a gentle squeeze.

"Don't… ah… think I don't know what you're doing." Wonwoo managed to get out with effort, his right eye watching as you slipped down onto your knees. Not caring that you were still in the deep red dress that you had worn that night for work, because you were on a mission. You left a reminder of yourself on his hip, fingers hooking the band of his underwear to pull down. Freeing his cock from its confides.

You chose to not respond, your thighs pressed together at the sight of him, so easily ready for you. His fingers brushed against your hairline, and you looked up to him while your own wrapped around his length, catching the way his face contorted in pleasure when you tentatively stroked him. Mouth slightly opened, with breathy moans escaped while he tried to keep his one eye open to take in the way you looked for him.

Wonwoo went to speak you name in a stern voice, but it was lost when your mouth brushed the tip of his cock before planting an open mouth kiss on it. Pulling back, you gathered some spit in your mouth to dribble it onto his length, coating it with your hand so it easier to stroke what you couldn't fit into your mouth.

The hand that had been brushing your hairline now was going to grip at your hair when you finally took him between your lips, taking nearly half of him in one go and ignored the need to gag when it hit the back of your throat. Wonwoo's head dropped back, no longer concerned over anything exchanged between the two of you, already lost in you. Too lost in the wet heat of your mouth and your tongue pressed against his underneath.

Your hand moved in sync of your mouth, at a pace that he liked, and took him as far down your throat as you could go. It left your boyfriend a mess before you, his grip on your hair tightened but wouldn't take control. The sight of him from this angle made you clench around nothing, your already wet underwear stick to your cunt uncomfortably. To relief the feeling, you slipped a free hand between your thighs.

The feeling of your touch over the covered heat caused you do a quick inhale through your nose that was followed by a whimper. The sound made Wonwoo's head to snap forward, prying open his eye to take in the sight of you. Your mouth stretched over his cock, lips red, and eyes glossed over. Your red dress pushed up your hips and giving him view of one of your hands between your legs, touching yourself while you pleasured him.

The sight made him twitch in your mouth, and found himself quickly near the edge, but Wonwoo was a greedy man. He wanted his as well as yours and watching as you touched yourself as you worked to give him his own was not enough. He needed to feel it himself, he felt like a fiend needing their fix.

With a firm tug of your hair, Wonwoo pulled you off his cock, a groan left his lips when he saw a string of spit trail from your mouth to his cock.

"Get up." He commanded, releasing your hair to help you stand. His own hands rough as he moved you how he wanted you, and you let him. Loving the way he would handle you and took control.

The smell of coffee and sex filled the small apartment as you rested your arms onto the kitchen counter while Wonwoo took his place behind you. He pushed the dress up so that it was now at your waist, and your ruined underwear pulled down. The cook air of the apartment had sent shivers through you when it meat your wet head, leaving you to be the one whimpering.

"Wonwoo…" You weren't sure what you were going to say after this, his name felt right on your tongue in that moment. Especially when you felt the thick head of his cock tease your wet slit, catching your opening just right and you attempted to push your hips back. "Please."

"You know, I have to leave soon…" The words were slightly muffled, Wonwoo's mouth pressed against your shoulder. He continued to tease you, knowing that it would make you lose your mind. "I am supposed to meet Vernon out on the dock today." You found it funny that he said this while he took his time, wording it like it's your fault. It was, but you only intended to suck him off. "Good thing that fucking prick is always late."

You went to respond, only for your mouth to drop when he sunk his teeth into your shoulder and filled you completely in one thrust. It made your eyes roll, the stretch was enough to numb your own mind of everything that was playing in it. This may have started to distract him, but the way he filled you and the way his body enveloped you, maybe you needed this yourself.

Wonwoo didn't stay still too long, pulling back until he was only half out, before snapping his hips forward. The force of the thrust jerked you into the counter, causing your grip to tighten on the counter’s edge to steady yourself. A soft cry left you as you attempted to meet his thrusts but his grip on your hips stopped you. It left you to take what he gave you.

His breath hot against your shoulder as he fucked you in the middle of your shared kitchen, each thrust felt rougher than the last. Filling the apartment with the sounds of skin slapping, the moans that left you both, and the slick sounds of his cock plunging into your cunt. Every time you squeezed around him a string of curses left him, loosening his grip on your hips enough to adjust and pulled you to an upright position.

Your back pressed against his chest, while his mouth was on your neck, running his tongue over the sweat that was starting to collect from your activities. His hands roamed your body as one of your own reached back to grab his hair, trying to find an anchor at the new angle of his thrusts. No longer was he the only mess in this, you were too.

"Wonwoo." You whimpered out his name, with tears pricking at your eyes at the feeling your release almost within reach. Slipping a hand between your legs, you started to desperately rubbing your clit to help him push you over.

Your release hit you harder than you expected, your knees nearly buckled and was more than grateful that you were being held up in that moment. Wonwoo's release quickly followed with a low groan in your ear, and kept you anchored against him. Your breathing labored as you came down from your highs.

Dropping your head back against his shoulder, your boyfriend pressed a kiss to your temple.

"Don't worry too much about the money right now," He murmured against your skin, pulling out of you after a few moments and turned you to face him. Skin flushed, sweat falling from his brow, breathing came out in slight pants, as he looked at you with one eye. "This job that Jihoon is having us do will bring in a decent amount of credits each and bring more parts to the district." He smiled softly. "It'll be enough to keep us comfortable for a while, and maybe even enough to get you, me, and Doodle out of the city. Start over somewhere new."

It was something he always said when Jihoon had him do a job, it was a promise that he kept trying to speak into fruition. It would bring you hope every time he would say it, but this time, it only brought back that uncomfortable twist in your stomach.

“I don’t see why we’re still trying to do this job.” Vernon muttered, blowing smoke from his cigarette, and looked like he wanted to be anywhere but at the dock with Wonwoo. The two had been tasked to stake out the Factory and report back to Jihoon, “Look at the fucking place. Covered in guards that look more like cyborgs than human. What the fuck do they have that needs that much security?”

“Whatever was in those boxes.” Wonwoo answered, declining the pack of cigarettes the younger had offered him. He was tempted, but he didn’t want to pull his mask down as his eyes stayed trained on the building. His eye flickered every so often as he took photos of the large warehouse and the guards that patrolled it, while making sure to notes any patterns he caught. “Jihoon wants us to get photos and videos of everything.”

“Better be so that he can demand more credits if they really want us to do this.” Vernon scoffed as a set of cars pulled up to the Factory’s entrance. Sleek vehicles that screamed status and money. “Hazard pay or whatever the fuck it’s called.”

“That and he’s brought the Angel in to help. If these guards are more parts than human, then we’ll need his help and insight on this.”

“We’re definitely fucked if he had to bring that asshole in.” Vernon grumbled as he pulled his beanie further onto his head and Wonwoo let out a huff of a laugh. They watched one of the car doors open so a woman could get out.

She was older, dark red suit, hair perfectly styled, and a heavy aura of power that clung to her like a second skin. It was clear she was someone important as she was greeted by one of the guards, something that he made sure to note. Then she briefly looked in their direction, and Wonwoo felt a sudden familiarity to her.

The woman was then joined by two more men from the other car, all talking with the guard before making their way into the building. Not before Wonwoo’s eye was able to zoom in and get some photos of all of them. Included in them was a good shot of the woman’s face, and it was then he started to realize that she looked like you, but an older version. There was subtle differences, but it was like he was seeing you over twenty years in the future.

“That woman looks like Y/N.” Vernon pointed out, not looking in Wonwoo’s direction to see that he was having a moment himself. “But like older, richer, and probably a bigger bitch.” The older man shot him a look that Vernon caught. “What? I ain’t saying she’s a bitch all the time, but the girl bites.”

“Don’t I know it.” Wonwoo answered, the photo of the woman still on the screen of his eye. Analyzing her features and matching them to  you with something unsettling in his stomach. He had known you weren’t a native to the Shadow District when he met you, but he remembered you  telling him that you had no family and the closest to family you had was Soonyoung.

He didn’t have a reason to not believe you, it was just sex. It wasn’t important at the time, and the subject of your family had been a sore spot for you. Now looking at this woman, her likeness to you, it made him wonder if you had lied to him.

“How much longer do we have to be here?” Vernon’s bored tone tore Wonwoo from his thoughts, as well as his attention from the building to look in his direction to see he had lit another cigarette.

“I’m sorry, but do you have some other plans that you need to get to?” The words came out harsher than he intended, which earned a sneer from Vernon. “You haven’t shut the fuck up since we got here.”

“Well seeing as this shit keeps getting more complicated, not to mention the looming reality that Skyfall is kicking people out of their homes for whatever ‘redevelopment’ bullshit they have going on. I would say that my bitching and lack of wanting to be on a fucking suicide mission is reasonable.” Vernon waved his hand toward Wonwoo. “I honestly don’t see what this is supposed to accomplish having us fucking sit here? This place fucking stinks of fish and oil, and all that’s going on is you’re taking pictures with that fuck ass eye of yours.” The laugh that left him was bitter. “This surveillance we are doing isn’t going to do shit for us when those fucking things are guarding this shit.”

“Jihoon isn’t holding a gun to your head to do this, you know that right? You don’t have to be part of this.”

“Nah, I rather get the credits.” This answer made Wonwoo roll his eyes, before shaking his head. “I am going to take off though. This shit doesn’t need both of us.” Vernon then pushed off the set of boxes they’d been perched on since early that morning and gave him a nod. “I’d say it was a pleasure, but you annoy the shit out of me, so bye.”

“Yeah, go fuck yourself.” Despite the harsh words, the two did a weird handshake before Vernon was gone. Leaving Wonwoo to finish getting a few more shots and videos, and when he looked back to the building, he caught the woman had excited to go back to her car. As if she was able to feel his eyes on her, she looked in his direction and made eye contact with him.

Wonwoo had his face hidden pretty well, with a mask covering most of his face and his glasses covering the other half. His beanie and thick hood covered his hair, so she had no idea what he looked like, but it didn’t feel that way with the way she looked at him. Like she knew exactly who he was.

He didn’t look away either, taking several more photos of her with his eyes; ones of her head on. No longer caring what he was there for as the realization that she was someone to you, and from the similarities, family, hit him hard.

She then smirked at him before she slipped into the back of the car, letting the driver close the door behind her. Wonwoo didn’t move, catching images of the plates of as the vehicle left the docks.

 Several blocks from the docks, you couldn’t sleep no matter how hard you tried. After sex with Wonwoo didn’t work, you tried to take a hot shower, drank some tea that you were saving, read, laid in silence, laid with a window open so you could hear the street below, but sleep still didn’t happen. You ended up giving up and found yourself on the sofa, wrapped up in your boyfriend’s clothes that smelled like him, and Doodle laid on your lap purring softly.

The comforting feeling of his Wonwoo’s clothes, his smell, and the soft purrs of your pet grounded you, but it didn’t settle anything. You weren’t sure if you wanted to scream and cry in despair and worry or throw and punch things in anger and rage. Nor were you sure where to direct it all.

At life. At your mother and Skyfall Industries. Or at yourself for making this worse by keeping this secret from Wonwoo as long as you did.

The knock at the door and Doodle rushing off the sofa in a panic startled you. The feline stopped once one the floor to look at the door, her eyes wide and pupils dilated in fear before disappearing when another knock came. Her reaction was unusual and didn’t sit right with you as you slipped off the sofa.

When you reached the door, you cautiously looked through the peephole to see who was there, and your mouth went dry. Standing there was a woman with an annoyed and mildly disgusted look on her face and looked like she would rather be anywhere else. The sight of her stirred emotions that you remembered feeling every day growing up.

“I would recommend opening up.” She sighed as she adjusted her expensive designer bag onto her other arm. “I know you are there, and this is no way to treat your mother after all these years.” You didn’t move, or say anything in response, that earned another sigh from her as she spoke your name. “I think it would be wise to open this door, or I will have my men pick up that boyfriend of yours for sniffing around the Factory.”

She knew that would get what she wanted when you ripped open the door with a snarl to your lips.

“You touch him, and I will kill you without a second though.” You seethed to your uncaring mother, who just laughed and shook her head. “What do you want?”

“I wasn’t going to be in the area and pass up a chance to see my daughter.” She pushed past you, her shoulder bumping against yours while she took in the sight of the small apartment. Her eyes moved from the old furniture to the run down cat tree in one corner of the living room, then to the small kitchen that had a few dishes in the sink before they landed on you. The look on her face the same judgmental one that you knew all too well. “I can see that you are putting your monthly allowance to good use.”

“We both know I don’t touch those credits. I don’t need them.”

“Oh, I am aware and sure you don’t.” She waved you off, stopping herself from setting her bag down at the sight of Doodle’s cat hair. “This place screams it.”

“You’re not welcomed here.” You crossed your arms as you said this to her, trying to not visibly flinch when her sharp gaze turned on you. A look that reduced you back to that child she never thought was good enough. “Not in the Shadow District, and sure as hell not in my apartment.”

“Skyfall Industries owns the entire city, foolish girl. And as a member of the board of directors, I am welcome wherever I so please. And that includes…” Your mother then gestured toward the apartment, gold cybernetic metal shining in the low light of your apartment. “…your apartment.”

“Get the fuck out.” You snapped right before her hand connected with your cheek and your head jerked to the side. The metal on her hand sliced your cheek deep, drawing blood and a bruise was quick to follow.

“Don’t you dare talk to me like that.” The older woman hissed, her anger turning palatable when you didn’t move for a moment. Your eyes closed as you slowly breathed through your nose, trying to control the familiar shake that would come with this. That anger and fear toward this woman mixing inside you.

Fear tried to reduce you back to that girl that she once controlled near perfectly, and the anger reminded you of the person you had to become because of that control.

“Why are you even here?” You asked coldly. The question was simple as you turned to look at her again, your hand slow to pull the hair that was stuck to the blood on your face. “Thought no one wanted to touch the Shadow District. It didn’t fit your project model for a perfect city. Needing a place to house the lower classes that would bring you your precious cybernetics.”

“You are such a stupid child.” She didn’t seem to care that your expression was dark and cold, or that you refused to wipe away the blood from your cut cheek. A dark bruise quickly formed around it from the force of the slap. Your fists clenched, with your anger started to take over and you had to fight to contain it. “It was always in the plan, it was always going to be redeveloped, but considering that I’m a generous mother…”

“To who?” You asked, your words venom, but she ignored you.

“I managed to keep the project at bay so you could have your little rebellious phase, let you playhouse with this one eye criminal before you finally came home and this place is bulldozed to the ground.” It was then that she reached out and cupped the cheek that she didn’t strike, a soft smile playing over her lips. It was meant to be loving, and if you were still that little girl, you’d be tricked by it like always. “I held it off as long as I could but not only is this disgusting stain on the city getting the makeover it desperately needs. I finally can bring you back home.”

“Had it ever occurred to you that I don’t want to go back? That my real phase was trying to be that perfect model child for you all those years, willing to do anything to earn your love, or your approval.” Your words caused that fake smile to crack, her hand dropping when you recoiled from her touch. “I am home, mom. This is my home, and that one eyed criminal is my family and have been for years. We actually love each other.”

“He loves the lie that you fed him.” She responded, making you look at her in shock and confusion. “You think I don’t know? You don’t think that I don’t know that you been lying to him about who you are and where you came from? Buried me with your father.”

“Don’t you dare bring Dad into this.”

“You don’t get to talk to me like that, or act like this life is so much better when it’s built on a lie.” Your mother smile then turned dangerous, and that left you rooted to the spot. “I thought I taught you better than this and actually feel bad for the pathetic fool.”

You watched as she opened a purse and pulled out an envelope. You knew what was inside it, an eviction notice.

“It’s time to end this foolishness and come back home. Your position is still waiting for you at Skyfall, and I have a lovely gentleman who is willing to look passed the… things you did while out here.” Her voice was smug as you took the envelope from her and she gestured to the apartment then to your appearance. Wonwoo’s clothes, hair a mess, dark circles under your eyes, and the bruise she gave you. Your hand was still wrapped from when you cut it and trembled holding the envelope. “I mean, it’ll be the only place you will have to go in thirty days. Which is more than what the rest of these people are being given.”

“You’re not getting the Shadow District.” You told her with confidence. The laugh that left her would have left you terrified years ago, but now it only fueled the anger inside you. “We won’t let you.”

“Who is this we? You? Your boyfriend and that little gang he’s part of? That fiend that fed your head with all that nonsense?” Smoothing out her suit, your mother regarded you. “You don’t have a choice in this matter. It’s time to wake up and face reality, stupid girl. Your time for fun is up.”

“We aren’t going down without a fight.”

“Of course you will.” Her shoulder hit yours as she passed and made her way toward the apartment door. “It’s evitable. Just like your place at Skyfall with me.”

“I rather die than go back to any kind of life with you.” You yelled as your turned toward her and the door, only for your whole body to freeze. Because standing at the doorway was Wonwoo. His face was still covered so you could not see his expression, but by his posture, he had heard it all.

“Looks like I should be expecting you back sooner.” Her satisfactory tone in her voice made you feel sick and that anger building turned to deep rage.

You lunged toward her, a high pitch angry cry ripping through you, but Wonwoo was already there to pull you back. Holding you to him as you thrashed in his arms, wanting to wrap your hands around your mother’s throat.

With a final look of satisfaction, your mother clothes the door behind her. Leaving you to continue to struggle to free yourself from your boyfriend’s arms, the tears that had been burning behind your eyes finally broke through.

Your mother was sorely mistaken if she thought she could snap her fingers and you would fall in line easily. You weren’t the same person as you were all those years ago, and you weren’t going to leave Wonwoo or the life you had.

And you sure as hell won’t let them take the Shadow District.

Ooh, fall and free, fall and free Fall and free, fall and free Fall and free

Your accident made news all over the city, the scandal of a promising club singer robbed of her memories overshadowing the ongoing murders haunting the darkest corners. As far as you know, you slipped and fell during a robbery gone wrong, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. You woke up at Neo City Memorial Hospital with your head wrapped in bandages and swollen, black eyes. Your mother prayed in front of a holographic Bible, clutching her Rosary tightly, while your father stared blankly out the window, lost in thought. It was the worst day of your life that you can remember, and it lingers in your mind.

So it’s no surprise that people from all over would come to see this mysterious person with a great voice and missing patches of her life put on a performance, because that’s what this city lives and breathes on. Scandals, violence, and sex mixed in between. You’ve figured out your role, and you play it well—it’s the only way you can survive.

I feel love I feel love I feel love

The beat fades out as you’re back on stage, the purple lights shifting slightly and shining on you, the enigma. Claps and cheers erupt in the club, and you let yourself bask in it all as the velvet curtains close. Buzzing from the energy of the crowd, you stand there rooted in place, your eyes closed as you hear them chant ENCORE! ENCORE! ENCORE! The buzz you get from this can never be replicated, no matter how much kosmi dust you snort. 

“Well done, gorgeous.”

Turning around, you face your boss, Cado, who walks towards you, clapping his hands. Your buzz drops like a free fall.

“Just doing my job, boss,” you sarcastically salute, the energy in the room shifting to something colder. It’s no surprise your boss is attracted to you, and you don’t miss the way he gazes over your body as something to possess rather than something to behold. He’s offered many times to get you to do “work” on the side for him, but you never budged. Maybe it’s worked on others, but not you. You don’t shit where you eat.

He’s unfortunately a conventionally attractive man, with a jawline sculpted by a god and dark, seductive brown eyes you can get trapped in. Cado takes good care of his body, bragging about how much he works out and sometimes flexing his arms or flashing his abs. All he talks about is himself and his money; it doesn’t impress you.

“You know my offer still stands, if you are looking for extra work,” Cado offers, a glint of mischievousness in his eyes.

Giving him a slow once-over, you snort. “I don’t need the extra money. You know that,” you scoff. “I’m sure one of the waitresses might.”

You walk away before he can say another word, exiting the side stage and heading to the bar. The need for a stiff drink is strong as ever, craving a shot of Sunshine Mist that’ll burn your throat and numb you in the best way. You only put up with Cado’s advances because this club feels familiar to you, even though you don't remember working here before. The nice guy facade he tried to put on at first, you saw through that early on. You see him for who he is, and you’ve made it clear every chance you get.

Holding your fingers up towards the bartender, Chan, you take a seat on the stool as the lively chatter and studio music fade into the background. Your head bobs lightly, your fingers drumming on the counter as you wait for your drink.

“Rough night?” Chan asks, twirling the cocktail shaker.

“Eh, just Cado being Cado,” you quip.

“My condolences,” he chuckles, sliding the shot towards you.

You snort, grabbing the glass and throwing it back. It gives you an almost therapeutic burn, instantly putting you at ease. Sunshine Mist is one of the strongest drinks concocted, and while not everyone can stand its aftereffects, it’s your preferred drink here, especially when dealing with the likes of Cado. For a moment, everything softens, and your buzz has returned, leaving your skin tingling all over.

“Mind if I join you?”

You turn towards an unfairly attractive stranger standing beside you, staring at him blankly before realizing you were. His dark hair falls across his forehead, his smile bright enough to rival the neon lights flooding the club. He definitely doesn’t fit this crowd, and you don’t recall ever seeing him, but you are not a stranger to unusual occurrences.

You gesture towards the stool next to you, and he follows your lead, scooting his seat closer to you.

Chan gives him a measured look. “What can I get you?”

“I’ll have the same thing she’s having,” the stranger responds, tapping his watch and revealing a digicard. “And put hers on my tab.”

“Thank you,” you say, the curves of your mouth twitching.

“You’re welcome, gorgeous.”

Your eyebrows lift, followed by a silvery laugh. Studying him more carefully, you can’t help but notice the shape of his eyes, the curve of his smile, the timbre of his voice. A flutter of butterflies invades your stomach; you shake your head as the heat creeps up your neck.

“So, what’s the catch?”

It’s his turn to lift his brow. “Catch?”

Sitting up straighter, you throw him a look. “You bought me a drink, which is greatly appreciated, but I have the feeling that you didn’t come over here to take a shot with me.”

You can’t help but notice the way his eyes twinkle when he laughs. “Okay, you caught me,” he says, raising his hands. “I just wanted to tell you I liked your performance.”

You stare at him blankly, and then you laugh. “That’s it?” You flash him a smile. “I’m almost disappointed.”

“Give me time.”

Chan slides the drink over to the stranger, who catches the rim with the tips of his fingers. The veins on his hands pop suddenly, and you shake away the thoughts that are creeping into your head. He thanks Chan as he takes his shot, shooting it back in the same manner you did. The burning liquor doesn't faze him at all, and you sit there impressed.

“Seokmin.”

Your brows knit together. “Excuse me?”

He pulls out his hand to shake. “My name is Seokmin.”

You giggle, realizing he was introducing himself. “Nice to meet you,” you say, shaking his hand in return. “My name is—”

“I know who you are,” he says smoothly. His hand is warm and soft, and you can’t shake this sensation in your chest. You gaze at each other, your body feeling drawn to him, as if magnetism is pushing you together. Your hand is still in his, and you are in no hurry to let it go.

“I’m sorry, I have to ask,” you say suddenly. “But have we met before?”

Seokmin falters slightly before regaining his composure, slowly taking his hand from yours. “I—”

“Hey, boss wants us to go over the set list for tomorrow night.”

Your manager, nicknamed Snake-Eyes, appears from behind, holding a holographic tablet with a floating stylus. Looking past your manager, you eye Cado towards the back, watching you intently with a cigarette in his mouth. Of course, he wants to talk about it now, of all the times.

Glancing back at Seokmin, you let out a small sigh, your mood soured once again thanks to your boss. “I’m sorry we have to cut this short,” you say. “Maybe I’ll see you again?”

“Maybe,” Seokmin smiles softly, sending more butterflies to your stomach.

He gives you a hand to slide off the stool, his cologne appealing to your nose. It smells familiar, and you can’t pinpoint where it’s from. Maybe it’s something you came across in the years you can’t remember. Lucky you.

You start to walk away, but something tells you to turn around, and you find him still standing in place, watching you walk away. “Don’t be a stranger?”

He smiles. “Don’t worry, love. You’ll be seeing more of me.”

For some reason, those words resonate with you for the rest of the night.

Seokmin steps out into the wet night, lighting a cigarette from the corner of his mouth. The petrichor is fresh and calming as he deeply inhales, letting the enhanced tobacco burn his throat. It’s past two a.m., and the city is still alive, with no sign of slowing down. Neon lights and advertisements are shoved in his face at every corner, drug paraphernalia in the streets, and people coming from all directions looking for adventure. He remembers when he was that carefree and full of life, looking forward to the next day and many after. But so much has changed, and it feels like a distant memory, a whole lifetime ago.

Seokmin takes another puff as he watches on, lost in the thoughts that have been tormenting him for the past two years. He came to the club to find peace, to get answers to the darkness in his soul and the mystery that refuses to rest in his mind. Seokmin sought a reprieve that can only be cured by one, and when he watched you perform for the crowd, with the light shining on you like the star you are, it made him sadder. You don’t remember him, or your past life together, and every day it gets harder to bear. You are the light of his life, the one thing that has kept him alive, and he is determined to help you remember him, or at least, know the truth.

The authorities say it was an accident. Sure, like he will believe a fall like that will leave you on the brink of death with black eyes, broken ribs, and needing surgery. Seokmin has been a private investigator for many years and has seen a lot of shit, and the insult to his intelligence is laughable. He’s mentioned it to your parents, but they practically threatened to call the police if he came on their property again. The reaction didn’t surprise him much—your parents never thought he was good enough for you anyway.

They never told you about Seokmin and your life together. Your father is a very powerful man, and he had every trace of you and him wiped out of digital existence. It’s almost amusing the lengths he went through to erase Seokmin from your life. But what’s cruelly ironic is that he cannot take Seokmin’s memories away from him. It’s what helps Seokmin sleep at night.

There were many times he sat in the dark, in the apartment that you shared, and thought about barging into the hospital room or the club and telling you the full truth, hoping it would trigger something. But he can’t tell you anything he doesn’t know himself. How were you hurt? Who would do this to you? Why were you targeted? These are questions that have been wrestling in his mind with little to no answers, and forcing the truth on you wouldn’t serve you any better.

But being in your orbit again, hearing your voice and seeing the warmth in your eyes, renewed something in Seokmin’s spirit. He’s more determined than ever to uncover the truth and secure the justice you deserve. To bring you home.

God help anyone who tries to get in Seokmin’s way.

“Hi, baby.”

The voice is a low, honeyed murmur that makes you smile. A kiss is planted on your shoulder in a haze, and your body automatically eases. You reach back, blindly massaging the head of the hidden person as you watch the sun rise in an apartment. He feels familiar, as if you’ve known him for some time, even though you can't see his face.

“Have you been to sleep yet?”

You shake your head, a peaceful smile on your lips as sunlight rises over the horizon. It’s the first time you have seen the sun in days because of the rain, and you're too wired to sleep, thanks to the cup of coffee you had when you came home. “I just wanted to see this—the sun rise,” you explain. “There aren’t enough artificial sun rooms that can compare to the real thing.”

“Mmm,” he hums in agreement. “You are right about that, baby.”

He shifts, placing a lingering kiss beneath your earlobe. A moan escapes your lips as tingles spread throughout your body. His hands are warm, comforting as they grab your waist, pulling you closer to him. His cologne is pleasing, its scent unlike any of the synthetic materials made in factories throughout the city. It’s fresh and comforting, like vanilla, with a hint of aromatic spice. More kisses trail down your neck, his soft lips each imprinting electric and hard to ignore. Your nipples harden at his sensuality, your skin suddenly feeling hot and in need of more touch.

“I’m supposed to be watching the sunrise.” Your protest is weak with little effort. The hidden figure smirks against your skin, a low chuckle booming through his throat. “Not funny,” you sigh.

You turn to face him, kissing him with your eyes closed, allowing your body and mind to give yourself to him completely. His hands roam your body as if they know you, and your spirit isn’t disturbed—instead, your intuition tells you it’s okay, and he’s yours. Your shirt rises over your head, and you lean back into your pillows. Your blanket is caught in between your fingers, a tug of something metal caught in its snag. Raising your hand in the light reveals a ruby ring on a silver band, sitting perfectly on your ring finger.

“I fall in love with this ring every time I see it,” you sigh, the words flowing from your heart. “Good job, lover.”

You look up at him properly, trying to catch the shape of your stranger’s face. But it keeps slipping at the edges, the rays of light refusing to let you focus too hard. His presence, however, feels steady, familiar in a way your thoughts don’t know how to argue with.

“I missed you, you know,” he says, his hands cupping your face. He kisses you deeply, and you lose all feeling in your legs. “I could do this all day.”

You raise a brow, a smirk on your lips. “Technically, you can.”

“I could.” He lets out a silvery laugh. “But Seungcheol wouldn’t like that.”

You don’t know who he is, but somehow the name doesn’t seem foreign to you. Sitting up slightly, you cock your head to the side. “Well, tell Seungcheol you have plans and will be busy all day.”

“And what are those plans?” He asks, trailing his fingers along your shorts.

Despite his face being covered in a shroud of light, you know he’s staring at your body, ogling your breasts that were made just for him. Lifting slightly, you help yourself out of your shorts, revealing your bare center, and part your legs slightly, just for his view.

“Tell him you will be busy eating out your fiancé,” you half-joke, placing your foot on his shoulder.

He guffaws as he lays his head on your foot, massaging it. You don’t know why the words ‘fiancé’ came out of your mouth. You don’t even know who you are in bed with. It like deja vu, and you can’t explain it, but it feels right. This is where you are supposed to be.

“I don’t think I can tell him that, baby,” he breathes in between laughs. “I’ll think of something.”

His free hand spreads your legs apart further, dipping his fingers into your wet heat. You hiss at the contact, every nerve in your body on alert.

“You're soaked, baby,” he coos, his thumb rubbing against your clit. “Maybe I’ll tell Seungcheol there was a leak that needs fixing.”

You're buzzing, unfocused, enthralled with the pleasure he is giving you. “Mmhmm, sure.”

The stranger shuffles, spreading your legs wider as he lowers himself to your center. His tongue takes a long swipe without warning, leaving you clutching your sheets. He moans and grunts in your pussy, tasting and sucking you as you squirm in his hands, the haze you are in multiplying by the second. Lip smacking, slurping, and lewd moans fill the room, lifting you further on cloud nine.

“Fuck, I—” you sound pathetic, but the incessant need to cum in his mouth is greater. You try to pull yourself together, but the pleasure is too great, and you succumb to him completely. Tugging his hair, you ride the wave of his tongue, chasing your release until it washes over you suddenly, leaving you with a vision of white and shaky breath.

“I got you, baby,” he says smoothly. “Give me all of it.”

You let out a guttural moan that ripples through you, gushing in his mouth unabashedly. He doesn’t let up, licking you until there is nothing left, leaving a kiss on your pulsing clit that makes you shudder. You dissolve into the blanket, slowly coming down from your high. Lying there with half-sleepy eyes and a smile on your face, the sunlight shifting as it rises in the sky. You turn your head as your lover lifts his face, the sunlight no longer protecting him, revealing him at least.

“I love you.”

You jolt upright, your heart beating heavily, your vision blurry, beads of sweat forming on your forehead. He disappears, and you’re no longer in the dreamy haze of light; instead, the softness shifts cruelly into a large room of unnatural darkness. Your alarm clock is blaring on the walls, the constant chirping grating on your nerves.

“Maxima, I’m awake,” you croak to the virtual assistant.

It takes a moment for your vision to fully come back, replaying what just happened in your bed. You dismiss it as a dream, but it feels so real, like an unlocked memory calling to you. You glance down at your crotch, noticing the obvious wetness between your legs. Letting out a loud groan, you scoot to the edge of the bed, your head in your hands, trying to make sense of it all.

Seokmin.

He was the man of your dreams. You were in love, you were happy, and seemingly engaged. Your parents never mentioned you to him, and maybe it is all just a dream, but you still remember how your body reacted when you were near him, as if he were a familiar instead of a stranger. Or maybe it is all in your head—a fantasy constructed by a lonely brain.

But something tells you there is more to the story, and if you want your mind to rest, you will need answers.

Aug 02 2061. 

That was the day Seokmin’s life changed forever.

He remembers the day like it was yesterday. You two watched the sun rise together, made love, and he watched you fall asleep before he left for the day. He did not, in fact, tell Seungcheol you had a leak that needed fixing, but Seokmin promised he would spend the next day with you. He had it all worked out with Seungcheol, and he was so excited to come home to you that night, to tell you the good news and plan the day together, or do nothing at all. It didn’t matter as long as he was with you.

But when you didn’t come home, and the minutes turned into hours, he knew something was wrong. Seokmin checked your location and noticed it was headed towards the opposite end of the city. He rushed out of the apartment like a bat out of hell, following your signal until it came to an abrupt stop at Neo City Memorial. Seokmin pushed on the gas pedal as hard as he could, running every traffic light and evading law enforcement to get to you. Every fear he had came true that night—you were hurt almost beyond repair, and there was nothing he could do about it.

Bzzt! Bzzt! Bzzt!

Seokmin shakes his head slowly, taking himself out of that day and back to reality, in an apartment where the sun no longer shines, barren of the life and love you brought into it. His phone buzzes again, and he sighs, grabbing the phone and swiping the screen up. His colleague and friend, Wonwoo, has been helping him with his investigation, digging into records that are behind red tape and out of his reach. A large file was sent to Seokmin’s email, encrypted with a password that only he knows.

Vulpes.

Entering his password, he connects his phone to a projector as the files load, filled with contacts of people who were at the club the night you were hurt. Scrolling through the list, he recognizes some of the names: bigwigs, politicians, and gang leaders who contribute to the corruption of Neo City. Nothing out of the ordinary. His attention turns to the file that holds the video footage, the icon blinking in sequences of threes. Tapping on his screen, he sees the video display on his wall, the frame still focused on a back entrance. 

“Let’s do this,” Seokmin sighs before pressing play. 

The video is audioless, with heavy rain pouring from the sky, slightly obscuring the street camera's lens. Seokmin watches intently, his fingers drumming on his leg in anticipation, not wanting to miss anything amiss. Growing impatient, he fast-forwards the video, the minutes dragging on with little to no movement to the back entrance. Did Wonwoo make a mistake? Seokmin thinks to himself. Maybe this is the wrong vid—

At 2:03 am, the back entrance door swings open, with two large men carrying what appears to be a woman, who is twisting and turning wildly, trying to get loose. A light flashed on the figure, briefly but clearly enough, which gave Seokmin pause. The blue dress, one he has seen too many times, is on display, and a chill shoots up his spine. Rewinding slowly, he stops at the frame, his chest tightening at the frozen image before him.

It’s you.

Seokmin stares for far too long, almost unable to believe what he is seeing. You were being carried out and manhandled like you didn’t matter, as if there wasn’t anyone out there who loved you and wouldn’t care if you disappeared. His blood boils with anger as he hastily taps the screen to let the video continue. One of the guards made the mistake of letting go of one of your legs, and you used it to your advantage, kicking him in the chest. He fell back, losing his step and falling ass-first onto the wet pavement. The other guard had your arms pinned behind your back, and as hard as you wrangled, you couldn’t get out of his lock. Even without audio, Seokmin knows you were giving them a good verbal lashing, a look of rage on your delicate face that Seokmin has never seen.

“Atta’ girl,” Seokmin says out loud. At least you still fought back.

Seokmin’s smile vanishes quickly when the fallen guard rose from the ground, stumbling towards you furiously. His fist connected with your left cheek, stunning you into shock. Blow after blow, the man assaulted you, hitting every exposed area he could. Seokmin watched your body go limp, the glee in the guard’s eyes embedded in his head. The guard holding you said something to your assaulter, who stopped his onslaught with a look of satisfaction on his face. Seokmin watches on, his stomach in knots, the anger burning deeper in his gut. These men will never see the light of fucking day again.

You're dragged to a waiting vehicle, set aside the passenger door like some sort of rag doll, your chest rising and falling slowly, your face swollen and bloodied. A figure stepped out of the back entrance, the light catching him, and Seokmin recognized him: Cado. Seokmin always sensed he didn’t like him much, and it’s not lost on him how Cado looked like you with carnality in his eyes. Cado knew better than to try anything in front of him, though.

Cado hustled over to the car, raising his hands angrily and slapping the backs of the heads of the guards. Opening the back door, he motioned for your assaulter to put you in the car. As he grabbed your arms, it is as if you were brought to life, and as an act of defiance, you spat in his face. The light goes out suddenly, just for a few seconds, but when it comes back on, you are on the wet ground, rain pouring on your face, with blood pooling from your head. Cado was enraged, picking you up and shoving you unceremoniously in the car, shouting and pointing in the north direction. Both guards entered the car, driving off suddenly, and Cado re-enters the club, the door shutting swiftly behind him.

The video stops playing, and Seokmin stands there, rooted in place and stewing in rage. He couldn’t be there to protect you, and he had to watch you experience the worst day of your life, and indirectly his too. You were supposed to be married now and living happy lives, but instead, you are apart, and you don’t remember a any of it.

Swiping to a different screen, he presses Wonwoo’s contact, the phone ringing once before he answers.

“You saw the video?”

“No shit,” Seokmin scoffs. “I want those guards found—”

“I’m already ahead of you, Seokmin,” Wonwoo answers. “I’m going to send you this address for the one who did the most damage.”

“Do that, and tell Seungcheol to meet me there,” Seokmin instructs. “Things will get extremely messy.”

“Well. You weren’t exaggerating about the mess.”

Seungcheol walks into the blood-splattered small apartment, slapping on a pair of black gloves made of matte obsidian and seamless synthetic polymer that clings like a second skin. Built with tech that alters fingerprint texture, it makes the person who uses it basically untraceable.

“I take it they are still alive?” Seungcheol surmises, stepping over broken glass.

“Barely,” Seokmin mumbles. Kneeling, he turns the head of one of the guards, the assaulter, Scion, lifting a finger under his nose.

As soon as Seokmin retrieved the address from Wonwoo, he was there in no time. He could’ve waited for Seungcheol to do things the ‘right way’, but all Seokmin could see was you being beaten and thrown around. He could have granted them mercy, but why should he? They gave you less than that, and now you’re both paying the price.

Seokmin hears shuffling behind him, and he turns, watching Seungcheol drag the other guard, Brucus, into the bathroom. He quickly learned their life story from the information Wonwoo sent over. Brucus’s family all died in the war in the neighboring desert, Dismiscus, a decade ago, and Scion comes from a family of lowlifes who are either dead, in jail, or walking the streets.

Basically, nobody would miss them when Seokmin wipes them off the face of the planet.

The bathroom door opens, and Seunghcheol comes out, his nose crinkling at the protruding smell that is starting to fill the space. “I’m pretty sure that guy took his last breath in the tub,” Seungcheol comments, surveying the living room. “I didn’t see any stab wounds or gunshots. What did you use?”

Seokmin holds up his left hand, showing off a glove made of synthetic chromium. “My goal was to make sure he stopped breathing.”

“Goal met,” Seungcheol quips.

Seokmin turns his attention back to Scion, tapping his cheek with two slaps. “Wake up.”

Scion doesn’t stir, his chest rising and falling as if he is in a deep coma. Without a second thought, Seokmin lowers a fist to his ribs, hearing a bone-shattering crack that satisfies him. Scion’s eyes almost bulge out of his sockets, followed by a piercing howl that is quickly covered by Seokmin’s fist.

“This pain is nothing compared to what you gave her,” Seokmin grits his teeth. “Tighten the fuck up.” Crimson slowly coats Scion’s lips. Seokmin stands straight, observing the weak man in this state. “I’m going to ask you some questions, and you are going to tell me everything I need to know.”

Scion slowly raises his head, meeting your gaze for the first time. “I’ve…seen…you…club.” His mouth twitches, a slight smirk on his lips. “You come to see our Vixen.”

Seokmin clenches his jaw, anger stirring in his stomach and hardening from within. He referred to you by your stage name, a nickname Seokmin gave you, and it makes him want to wring Scion's neck. Seungcheol appears to his left, adjusting his gloves. “So you know why he’s here then.”

Letting out a weak scoff, he attempts to sit up but winces, sliding further down the carpet. “Let’s…not play games.”

Seokmin couldn’t agree more. “Aug 02 2061,” he began. “Why was she being carried out of the club?”

Scion attempts to sit up again, lifting off the ground until he is comfortable. He doesn’t answer, instead pulling a cigarette from his front pocket and slipping it into his mouth.

“You got a light?”

Seokmin and Seungcheol exchange annoyed looks, shaking their heads in unison. Seungcheol digs into his pocket, pulls out a lighter, and flicks the switch to ignite the flame. Seokmin is in his right mind to take that cigarette and shove it down his throat while it’s still lit.

Scion looks at you carefully, inhales deeply, and lets out a wet cough. “It was on the boss’s orders.”

Seokmin stares, his jaw ticking in annoyance. “Cado?”

He nods, taking another puff. “That’s the one.” Wiping his nose with his sleeve, he closes his eyes and leans his head back against the wall. “She saw something she wasn’t supposed to see.”

That catches Seokmin’s attention. “What wasn’t she supposed to see?”

A slow, evil grin is on his lips, followed by a chuckle. “Business. Stuff way above my pay grade.”

“Care to elaborate on that?” Seokmin grits his teeth.

Scion doesn’t answer, instead burning out the cigarette in his hand. Seokmin takes a good look at him, watching the color slowly drain from his face. A long white scar trails from his sea-green, baggy eye to the corner of his mouth, and he looked rugged, rough around the edges, with tattoos and more scars riddling his arms. It would scare the average person walking down the street, but one thing Seokmin has learned in life is that it doesn’t matter how tough you look if you can’t back it up.

“You still want to protect your boss in death? That’s almost admirable.” Seokmin reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a 9 mm silencer. Taking a deep breath, he points the gun at his head, his index finger steady on the trigger. “I suggest you think long and hard about your answer.”

Flashes of your face and your smile flood his mind. The woman he knows, the person he wants to spend the rest of his life with, was taken away from him cruelly. He will work day and night to get you back, and if a few brains have to be splattered on some walls, so be it.

“I’m not telling you shit—”

The gun goes off before Scion could finish his sentence, blood splattering on his face. Seokmin is numb, not bothered by the violence he had to inflict. He could do it ten times over and still wouldn’t satisfy him.

“Go, Seok,” Seungcheol commands, taking the weapon out of his hands. “I’ll clean up here.”

Seokmin nods, leaving without saying a word. He wasn’t concerned about the noise, since the apartment is in a shitty part of the city and everyone minds their own business. The rain starts to fall heavily from the sky, washing the blood off his face and his leather jacket. Seokmin stands there for a moment, soaking it all in, letting the memories of you dancing in the rain fill his mind. You were always carefree, a pretty bird in a city of terror, and he would give anything to have that back.

Climbing onto his motorcycle, he loads “I Feel Love” into his headphones and roars out of sight, the venom of vengeance consuming him whole.

You can’t stop thinking about Seokmin.

He encompasses every corner of your mind, the montage of your moment together fresh in your head. You seemed to be a couple in love, a familiarity that you somehow feel in your heart, and it bothers you. You don’t know who Seokmin is; you met him for the first time last week at the club. Why does it feel like you were meant to know him?

You gaze at your bare ring finger, rubbing it with your index finger as you're lost in thought. For the past few days, it has felt weird not having a ring there, and if you stare long enough, you imagine seeing an imprint of something that might have been there at one point. You don’t know.

“Is everything alright?”

Slowly coming out of your reverie, you glance at your mother, whose eyes mirror yours in color. “I’m fine,” you clear your throat, shaking your head. “Just a bit tired.”

You stab your fork lazily into your seared lemon trout, taking a small bite to appease your mother. You aren’t sure what your relationship was like during the years you were gone, but before then, she was barely a parent. You were raised by the various nannies that were employed in your home; your mother spent her time playing the perfect wife, and your father was hardly around. You were merely an afterthought unless there was an event that required the whole family to be together. Chin up and smile wide, your mother would dutifully remind you. You don’t want to embarrass your father or the company. Your name carries weight in Neo City, and your parents will protect it by all means, even making you a pawn whether you like it or not.

“Are you still working at that club?” Your mother grimaces. “I don’t know why you bother setting foot in that soiled establishment.”

“Because I like to sing, Mom, and being there lets me do that,” you respond, feeling slightly irritated. You glance at your father, who watches you carefully, his silence louder than anything your mother could say. Crossing your arms, you feel the erratic thump of your heart. “I know you guys are worried about me, but aside from a weird dream, I’m fine—”

“What dream?”

Your father’s voice is soft yet commanding, catching you off guard. He hasn’t talked much since you arrived, barely shown any interest in the daughter walking around with partial amnesia.

“It’s nothing really, Dad,” you dismiss it, shaking your head. “I doubt it means anything.”

“Tell me.”

Your eyes drift from your father to your plate, and you let out a quiet breath. Your finger taps on your leg, unease settling on your chest. If you say it out loud, it becomes real, this dream, that moment with Seokmin. You don’t know what to make of it, and it scares you, experiencing a level of intimacy with a stranger you only met once. But knowing your parents, they will not let it go, and you might as well rip the Band-Aid off now.

“I had a dream about someone who came into the club,” you start, running your fingers through your hair. “I don’t think I know him, but in the dream, it felt like I did. Like maybe I knew him before.”

“Oh?” Your mother’s eyes light up as she wipes her mouth with a napkin. “And you’re sure you don’t know him?”

“Yeah,” you shake your head. “This guy, Seokmin, I have never met him before—”

“Wait,” your father cuts in, raising his hand. “What did you say his name was again?”

‘Seokmin,” you confirm. Grabbing your glass of white wine, you take a sip, noticing his brow furrow with annoyance. “Do you know him, Dad?”

‘What?” Your dad slurs before shaking his head. “No, I don’t know him. I am just concerned about you having dreams about a stranger.” He smiles reassuringly, though it doesn’t match his eyes. “You are still taking your medication, right?”

You throw him an incredulous look and scoff. “Yes, I’m taking my medication!” you spit, rising from your seat. “How could you think that?”

“Well, hold on,” your mother leaps out of her seat, raising her hands. “Your father and I just want what’s best for you.” Her voice cracks at the end, tears welling in her eyes. “We almost lost you.”

You stare at your mother and father, the burning ember of anger brewing in your stomach slowly cooling off. There is something indescribable in your father’s eyes that leaves you uneasy, an ice-cold shiver spreading down your spine.

“It was just a dream,” your mother says. “I wouldn’t worry about it, okay?”

“Your mother is right,” your father agrees. “Sit down and finish dinner.”

It wasn’t a suggestion, but you don’t have any more will to fight with your family tonight. You do as you're told, slowly putting on your poker face as you finish your meal in silence. But something your gut tells you is more than just a dream, and even more sinister, your father might know something about it.

Two weeks. It’s been two weeks since Seokmin has seen you, and the distance physically aches. Not that he hasn’t wanted to, but he’s been busy, cracking heads and taking names—so to speak.

He’s gone through the list of names that were there the night you were hurt, and showed up to a few of those places, gathering all of the information he could get. Some gave it to him willingly; others were harder to convince. It didn’t matter how he got it done, as long as he got what he was looking for. Some survived to see another day; others weren’t so lucky.

Seokmin stares at his hands in the bathroom, his hands covered with dirt and dried-up blood, bruised knuckles that are turning into a nasty shade of purple. Turning on the warm water, he washes the blood away with a fluxus genorum soap he acquired from the Neo City black market, which specializes in rapidly healing most injuries. It was created by a scientist who wanted to cure humanity of their ailments, but the government had other plans. It’s said that the scientist refused, and the scientist suddenly went missing, presumed to be killed by the others of your very own Senator. Yet somehow, his creation can be accessed by certain means. Seokmin always found that interesting.

He unbuttons his shirt, revealing fading bruises he didn’t care to heal. In a way, Seokmin is addicted to the pain. It’s one of the few things that’s real to him; the feeling of a fist trying to crush his abdomen or a pole that swings wildly on his arm. It’s an adrenaline high that he is not trying to be cured from. It keeps him focused and guarded on his investigation to reveal the truth and set you free.

And bring you back to him.

Seokmin strips off the rest of his clothes, washes up quickly, and changes into jeans and a white long-sleeved shirt, then pairs them with his leather motorcycle jacket. He puts on the cologne you like, hoping it will stir your memory in some way. He reminisces about the first time you brought the bottle home and sprayed it on him without warning.

“Whoa there, baby. What did you put on me?”

“Your good luck charm,” you said cheekily, holding up a small yellow bottle.

“My good luck charm is standing in front of me,” Seokmin flirted, pulling you by your waist.

“Well, yes,” you agreed, pressing the bottle onto his chest. “But this will give you an extra boost. It smells good.”

Seokmin squinted, trying to detect any deceit. You loved to prank him, and even though he knew what you were doing before it happened, he let you do it anyway. Seeing the joy in your eyes, the warm laugh that bubbled from your throat gave him endorphins no one else could replicate.

"This isn’t some sort of joke, is it?” Seokmin murmured, his hand drifting lower to squeeze your derriere.

“Mm mm,” you shook your head. “No joke, baby. I bought this with you in mind, and I hope it makes you think of me.”

“I think of you all the time,” Seokmin chuckled, leaning in. “It doesn’t take much.”

“Good, my sunflower,” you nodded proudly. You spray his neck lightly, rubbing in the cologne with your fingers. “Now take me to bed.”

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

Seokmin jolts himself back to the present, clutching the gun hidden in the back of his waistband. He wasn’t expecting anyone over, and aside from Seungcheol and Wonwoo, no one knows where he lives. He stalks towards the door, his heart racing, wondering if all of the bloodshed is catching up to him. Slowly looking into the peephole, he lets out a small breath of relief, followed by an annoyed scoff.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”

Seokmin unlocks the door, swinging it widely, facing the unwanted visitor.

“Silas.”

“Seokmin.”

The older man lets himself in, brushing his shoulder against Seokmin as a silent test to see if Seokmin will bite. He knows this type of man, the kind who gets a rise out of pushing buttons; they snap, and then the victim becomes the villain, fitting their narrative. Seokmin was almost always one step ahead of him, and he’s sure it's one of the many reasons he hates him.

“Yes, come in.’ he says under his breath, shutting the door.

“Why are you bothering her at the club?” Silas gets right to the point.

Seokmin gives him a slow, unimpressed once-over. “Because she’s my fiancée,” he answers bluntly. “That’s never going to change, no matter how you try to spin it.”

Silas snorts, surveying the space. “I think you need to get your head checked, boy. My daughter doesn’t and will not have anything to do with you.”

“Yeah, we’ll see about that,” Seokmin scoffs, holding eye contact. “Did you come all this way to puff out your chest? Or are you going to finally be the father she needs?”

Silas’s eyes narrow into menacing slits as he steps toward him, his voice a low, dangerous growl. “You don’t know shit about what she needs.”

Seokmin lets out a short, dry laugh, feeling it deep in his gut. “Old man, I know way more than you think.” Stepping around him, he opens the door. “If that’s all you have to say.”

Silas does not invoke any fear in Seokmin’s heart. It doesn’t matter how many connections your father has; Seokmin will still find a way to take them down, and he’s doing alright so far.

Silas sneers, turning on his heel and storming down the hall. “You will regret this!” He barks over his shoulder.

“No, I won’t,” Seokmin yells back, slamming the door behind him.

The sound echoes through his apartment, and Seokmin lets out a long, drawn breath, relieving the tension in his abdomen. A visit from Silas is never a good thing, but it doesn’t deter him—it pushes him to dig even deeper to uncover the lies just beneath the surface. How did he know Seokmin was coming to the club? Aside from the obvious, why is Silas bothered by it?

A myriad of questions swirl in his head, his suspicions growing louder. Pulling out his phone, he presses the dial button and is immediately met with a voicemail. 

“Wonwoo. Look into Silas—yes, that Silas. I have a feeling this is bigger than we thought.”

I'm gonna tell you about love Let's forget your life Forget your problems Administration, bills and loads Come with me

You’re one with the rhythm, twirling in a sensual circle as you swing the mic in the air. There is a large attendance tonight, due to a convention in Neo City that brings nerds from all over the planet. You changed up your makeup at the last minute, going for a more divine look that brings out your eyes. Cado gave you shit for it, but you know what you’re doing, and it’s working; once again, everyone is at your mercy, their mouths partly open as you seduce the crowd with your voice.

Connect to the sky Future lovers ride their ambitions high, would you like to try? Let me be your guide, cut inside your pride Future lovers hide love inside their eyes

The red light sparkles on your dress, a tight, short number that accentuates your legs, paired with heels that are an accessory in their own right. Scanning the room, you let the vibrant energy take over, falling into a trance while you perform. Being on stage is truly your happy place, and there isn’t anywhere else you’d want to be.

As you sing, you’re drawn to a pair of warm brown eyes you could get lost in, a slow smile on his lips as he watches your every move. Excitement tingles through your body, and you keep your composure as you strut over to the man of your dreams.

Love controlled by time Future lovers shine for eternity in a world that's free Put away your past, love will never last If you're holding on to a dream that's gone I'm gonna tell you about love Would you like to try?

The final note lingers in the air, a shimmering vibration that seems to hold the entire room in an intoxicating suspension. As the crowd roars in applause, you wink at him, the shimmer of your makeup catching the strobe lights before you gracefully leave the stage.

Your heart is racing, but it’s not just because of the performance. Instead of heading to your dressing room, you detour to the floor, searching for him among all the bodies in colorful attire. You find your dream guy at the bar, ordering a drink with Chan. Despite the butterflies invading your stomach, you take a seat next to him.

“Hey, stranger,” you greet him with your signature low, sultry voice. “Thought I’d never see you again.”

“You did?” Seokmin responds, a gentle grin on his lips. “That just made my night.”

“I’m glad I could be of service.” You wink again. Feeling confident, you grab his hand, slide off your stool, and pull him along. “Walk with me?”

His hands feel the same as they did in your dream; warm, inviting, and safe. You notice the way his eyes dance as you lead him outside to your hideaway spot near the front entrance. You’re fully aware you’re acting recklessly, and you don’t really know Seokmin. For all you know, he could be a mass murderer. But despite all that, something in the back of your mind tells you it’s okay.

You stop in a tucked-away spot in the dimly lit alley, two patio chairs in front of an abandoned building. Streaks of magenta and cyan from the neon signs spread across the brick walls, alternating sides as the light adjusts according to its programming. No one else comes here, and you come here to think whenever the noise gets too loud. It’s your own little sanctuary, a small bit of peace that’s of your own making.

Seokmin digs into his jacket pocket, pulling out a pack of menthols and opening the carton toward you.

“Want one?”

You smile, taking one and slipping it between your lips. He lights it, his eyes not leaving yours, sending a jolt of sparks throughout your body.

“The man of my dreams,” you murmur as you exhale.

“Am I?” His eyes shift to something softer and unspoken, and you feel heat creep up on your neck.

“Figuratively speaking, of course,” you lie, inhaling deeply.

You exhale the smoke with a perfect ‘O’, watching it rise in the night air until it dissipates. You feel his eyes burning on you, and you don’t know what to say. You don’t know how to explain that you feel drawn to him, and it feels like you were meant to know him. You haven’t had another dream since then, and yet, Seokmin has been in the back of your mind with every thought. You tried shaking it away, meditating away, even sexing it away with someone you met at a bar that you knew you would never see again. Nothing has worked, and you are starting to feel you are truly fucked.

“So what do you do, Seokmin?” you ask, discarding the ash from the stick.

“I’m a private investigator,” he answers, taking a puff of his cigarette. “Been doing it for a while.”

“Yeah?” You say, amused. “So you probably have seen a lot of crazy things.”

“Something like that.”

A sly grin curves on his lips, making him more attractive. “I bet you handle yourself well.”

“I… do my best,” he alludes. “I’m still breathing.”

“You look good and alive to me,” you laugh, your nerves suddenly getting to you. Turning to the side, you slap your hand lightly on your head. This has never been you. You don’t tumble over your words or get tongue-tied over anything, especially men. And yet, Seokmin has you all over the place, stumbling over everything you thought you knew.

“So… what do you do when you’re not hypnotizing clubs or terrorizing your boss?”

You let out an embarrassing snicker, caught off guard by his statement. “What makes you think I terrorize my boss?”

Seokmin throws you a look, a twinkle in his eye as he raises a brow. “You perform like that on stage, and you tell me you aren’t driving your boss nuts?”

You almost choke on your cigarette, laughing. The nerves leave you as easy as they came. “Is it terrorizing or just knowing that I’m right?”

He shrugs with a smirk on his lips. “Touche.”

You shake your head playfully, putting out half of your cigarette. You aren’t really a smoker, but he offered, and you didn’t want to turn him down. Gazing at the sky, the two moons of the planet are full, in a shade of red that appears only once every millennium. How ironic that you are sharing it with the man of your dreams.

“I would ask if you come here often, but I think we know the answer to that,” you say, sauntering closer to him. “I never forget a face—brain injury aside.”

Seokmin bites his bottom lip, turning away slightly to hide a grin.

“It’s okay to laugh,” you encourage him. “My accident didn’t deprive me of my sense of humor, thank gods.”

He lets out a guffaw, his voice echoing off the walls of the alley. In the darkness, you see the light in his eyes, and it melts you. He's even more handsome than he was the first day you saw him.

“You… are funny,” Seokmin manages to say in between breaths. “Are you sure you don’t want to be a comedian?”

“Nah.” You scrunch your nose playfully. “I’d get bored.”

The time on the nearest building dings midnight, signaling your break being over. You don’t want to leave; you want to stay in this place and get to know him, figure out what makes him tick and why you can’t get him out of your head. Silence falls between you two, loud thoughts running through your mind, unsure of what to say next.

“So will you be coming back—”

“—Do you want to go out with me sometime?”

You stare at each other, the silence thick and charged with the kind of electricity that would raise your hair in the wind, followed by a lightning strike. A slow, playful smile curves on your lips as you lean in, the scent of his vanilla-and-spice cologne swirling around you, mixed with the sharp tang of menthols.

“You wanna go out with me?” you tease him. “How do you know I’m not a crazy person who takes their victims into dark alleys?”

Seokmin’s laugh is silvery, his foot itching closer to you, the warmth of his presence vibrating off you. “You’re a creative woman. I’m sure you could do better than that.”

You cock your head back in laughter, almost at a loss for words. “Touche.” Looking back towards the club, you turn to him again. “Walk me back?”

Seokmin holds out his arm to you, and you slip into it easily, like a fitted glove. The walk back is mostly quiet, aside from exchanging numbers and agreeing to see each other in two days. The neon lights dance on your skin, and the club's impending noise grows louder with each step. It’s like you're in your own bubble, existing with him with ease, feeling a sort of peace you didn’t know you needed.

When you reach the entrance, the bubble bursts as Cado leans against the doorframe, arms folded with irritation on his face. His eyes land on you two, his dark pupils narrowing into predatory splits.

“You’re late for your second set, Vixen,” Cado says with a smile that doesn’t match his eyes. “Let’s get you inside, gorgeous.”

He holds out his hand, but his gaze is on Seokmin, his poker face faltering with each second. You glance at Seokmin, who meets the gaze with an unimpressed stare, stepping back slightly to give you space.

“I’ll see you Friday, sunflower.”

You watch him walk away, disappearing into the night. Giddiness takes over; you wish you could leap forward two days. You feel Cado’s hands grip your upper arm, a tad too much pressure, making you wince. You’re ushered back inside, the thumping bass, the thick smoke, and expensive perfume irritating your nose.

“You don’t have to guide me to my dressing room,” you bite. “I’m not a child.”

“If only you knew the concept of time is money,” Cado snaps. “You have five minutes.”

You step into the dim light of your dressing room, the mirror reflecting your image in all of its glory. You quickly tousle your hair, adjust your dress and makeup, and touch your lips with a shade of red that would make the devil jealous. You were done in two minutes instead of five, rolling your eyes at Cado’s attitude earlier.

“I don’t know what his issue is,” you mutter to yourself. “I’m already done.”

Swinging the door open, you make your way to the stage, passing by the boss’s door, which is left slightly ajar.

“Yeah, she’s in the dressing room now… yes, I will keep an eye on her.”

You come to a halt, a chill coming down your spine. You may have lost part of your memory, but you aren’t naive—he is talking about you.

“Yeah… yeah… He was here again.”

Your heart starts to race, everything suddenly feeling heightened as you continue the conversation. Why is Cado so invested in you and who you keep your company with?

“Are you alright?”

You turn around suddenly, facing Chan, who is standing in the hallway, holding boxes of liquor, presumably to stock the bar. You blink, your ears burning from embarrassment and being caught red-handed.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” you croak, clearing your throat. “I just have a slight headache, that’s all.”

“Oh, if you want, I can give you coltis powder later; that’ll clear it up.”

You give him a weak smile. “I would appreciate it, Chan.”

He nods and walks around you, going back to the bar. You pinch your nose, shaking your head as you let out a loud sigh. Fuck, that was close. Turning around, you see Cado’s door is now closed, ending any chance you had to hear more of the conversation. Disappointment starts to seep in like a leak, but you push it aside, realizing your five minutes are up and it’s time to get on stage. You put on your best poker face, going on stage to applause and cheers, your hands resting on the microphone as you begin your next set.

“Who’s ready for more?”

The crowd cheers.

Turning to your right, you meet the eyes of Cado, who watches you intently with an all-knowing look you can’t understand. You wink at him and begin your set, seemingly showing everyone all is right in the world.

But that’s the opposite of the truth, and it’s far from over.

You sat up, running a hand through your tangled hair, your fingers catching on the memory of his touch from two nights ago reminding you how he is torturing you.

Nothing had happened.

Not even when the space between you two had been now too close and your heart was pounding against your ribs and your body was screaming for you to surrender to the warmth of him, to this need that you have had all this time. Nothing happened.

Seungcheol had stopped. He had pressed a slow, agonizingly gentle kiss to your forehead, he was fighting his own desire and you could see it through his hands slightly shaking and his ears red as blood, breathing uneven and his eyes as dark and dilated as yours.

“I want to do this right, sweetheart,” he had whispered, his voice thick with such a restraint that took everything in him not tobreak. You did not help cause even in this situation, you looked like a goddess. “No masks, no blood on your hands, I’m going to earn you back properly this time.”

It was a noble, classic gesture—the act of a man who wanted to court you properly, the way he used to before the world went to hell.— It would’ve been such a romantic gesture, one surely to swoop you off your feet, but as you swung your legs out of the massive bed, the lighting, the smell, your bare feet sinking into a plush perfectly clean rug, a cold wave of cruel reality washed over you.

This sweet romantic illusion was fading slowly and being replaced by the heavy, stubborn weight of your own annoyance towards him. Some might call it resentment.

It was infurating because he wanted to play the gentleman now. The knight in shining armor, he’d looked delicious, but that’s not the point.

This man wanted to build a gold bridge over an almost two-year dramatic silence, and he foolishly was expecting you to just walk across it with a wide smile and jumb into his arms.

But the reality is that he still left. He let you bury your parents alone, let you become a masked woman in your own life, all under the arrogant stupid assumption that his absence was to keep you safe. Fucking hell, you were not going to fall back into his arms that easily.

You couldn’t and you wont. The woman you are now, the one that often has to clean fresh blood from your arms and find a way to take off the stain on your clothes, that woman so fiercely had protected herself from mafia wannabes trying to take her, that damn woman will not let herself be soft again for him just because he looked at her with puppy-dog eyes.

Or look at that woman with nothing but lust, with this need to touch you, have you and claim you, with that conviction that your body needs him and his own wants you badly. Either way that woman—you, won’t soften for him, you won’t give in that easily. He need to learn a lesson that surely no one taught him.

By the second day, the luxury of the Choi mansion had officially turned into a fancy cage.

Your lives were tied now and there was no way of preventing that given your situation, and frankly what they needed from Miss Cherry. You needed the resources of Sector 17 to take ATZ by force, and Seungcheol needed your detailed maps of their supply lines to do everything without further complications.

So, it had been more than forty-eight hours where you had practically lived in his dark, tobacco scented and expensive wooden furniture office. You already had your specific spot at the massive table.

You had proven your worth beautifully, Wonwoo had been forced to re-evaluate his entire ledger after you pointed out how ATZ was using different methods in their distribution that he did not see.

Jihoon had stopped glaring at you entirely once you laid out the exact guard rotations for the warehouses near the Han river—details you had casually and effortlessly extracted from a drunk retired officer that worked for them, let’s not mention the way you had to pray, meditate, and do every other ritual to control your need to put a bullet on that man’s head. He was an officer, and worked willingly for the mafia, it was sickening. For men like him, your father didn’t get the justice he deserved.

That day for that specific companion, you had given him a very strong laxative disguised as a glass of whisky. Damn, even Minghao had given you a silent, respectful nod when you corrected his tactical approach at one sketchy alley near the river.

But every time the meetings ended, the reality of your confinement disguised as new safe home slapped you in the face annoyingly. And it has just been a day.

“I need my things, Seungcheol,” you said, leaning against his desk as the clock ticked past noon on the third day. The boys had left the room, leaving just the two of you in this heavy silence. A restain from him due to you being there looking too good, and yours because you were bored out of your mind and you wanted him. “I hate not being in my own clothes. I’m not spending another night wearing your shirts and pacing around this office, honey you need to open these windows.”

Seungcheol didn’t look up from his paperwork immediately. His tailored jacket hanging perfectly off his broad shoulders, he fixed his tie before he finally set the pen down and met your gaze. Rubbing his chin made yhe heavy ring on his finger caught your eye.

“No,” he said flatly.

“Excuse me?” You arched an eyebrow, your voice dangerously calm trying to process what he’s saying no to.

“You are not going back to that apartment, y/n. And you are certainly not going back to the streets alone,” he said, his tone steady, holding the authority of a man used to give orders left and right. “ATZ is practically on a hunting spree around Manhattan looking for the doll face who put two bullets into Yeosang’s right hand. If you walk out of this place you’re a walking target sweetheart. Everything you need can be bought and brought here.” He thought it was over letting out an exhausting breath. As if this conversation was too tiring, that made your own blood heat up dangerously.

“I do not want anything bought. What I want Choi is my belongings, my place. I feel in a goddamn cage Choi Seungcheol!” you snapped, stepping closer, your fingers digging into the edge of his desk. “I don’t think you understand that I am a partner in this operation, I am not your houseguest, not a damsel in distress, already told you I’ve been around this fucked up world, around ATZ for a year without a bodyguard or a huge mansion to hide in. Certainly I did not had a knight in shining armor keeping me safe, that man left without a word, you left, so do not start pretending you can control me now.”  

Seungcheol sighed, a flash of frustration and exhaustion breaking through his rigid “Boss” mask. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes softening as he looked at you, taking in the defiant stare, it was hot if he dared to think further about it. So hot to be challenged.

But right now he could see it, and he did not like to be the cause of your frustration, he does not want you to feel like that with him, he wants to make you feel comfortable, safe and yes, protected. Is that wrong?

“I’m not trying to control you, sweetheart” he said softly, his voice dropping to that intimate tone that seemed to kick down all your defenses and will power. “But right now, things got more complicated, and you know it. You’re in this world, yes but I— look just let me keep you safe here while we plan the next move. Please.” It was like a plea. Yeah it definitely was.

It was annoying, him pleading for something that he originally thought knew best, now he is asking?

“Safe,” you repeated, letting out a short, bitter chuckle as you turned on your heel and walked toward the tall closed curtains, the window had a beautiful garden view. “That's your favorite word, it is your specialty isn’t it? You keep me ‘safe’ by keeping me away. Right now Choi, you’re far from saving me. You’re leaving me out of this shit show MY shit show. Choi, the people who actually pulled the trigger on my father walk around free and you expect me to stay here? I didn’t agree to come here, to work with Sector 17 to end up sitting on a velvet sofa and wait for an update in my own plan! I joined this, I am helping because I want to watch them burn. I am the one burning them.”

You stared at him a few seconds longer before turning around once again, looking out at the garden, full of flowers in their blooming season. You were trying you really were, but you couldn’t understand. To you, he wanted you as her own personal doll, like if you couldn’t handle yourself and that made your chest tighten with a deep sense of irritation. You felt—no, you were trapped.

“You’ll watch them burn,” Seungcheol matched your firm stare, he was as stubburn as you were that was either exciting on extremely infuriating. “But I need to to listen to me sweetheart. You’re feeling like this and I get it, I really do. What I need you to understand is that I can’t let you go out like nothing is happening. I am still carrying the weight for taking that decision of leaving every second that passes and it kills me to think of what you went through, but this is the present and I am here so please work with me here.”

“Work with me too Choi, I’m feeling useless once again! Trapped here because men can’t handle a woman doing a better job at sabotaging a mafia gang, a really sexist move—”

“You think this is because you’re a woman?” Seungcheol scoffed raising slightly his voice, he was now annoyed at her own assumption. Yes it was part true, but mostly because his instinct made him like this, it is not an excuse, but definitely not doing it condescendingly. “God, you’ve proved to be a smart fearless woman Y/n, you’ve done so much damage alone with just a sultry smile. But you know, you fucking know how dangerous that is, you’ve been in danger for it! You actually think I’ll let you do that again?”

“You are not—and I repeat Choi— you are not the boss of me. You have no right to tell me what I can or can not do, so get that on your fucking head”

“It’s not about that, fucking hell” he groaned, running his hand through his hair. “I can’t lose you twice! You’re mad at me I get it, I made a mistake. But I am here and I can’t do this, I can’t let you go now that I know what’s going on! And before you open that sassy mouth of yours, I was in the dark before. I didn’t know what was going on, if I did I would’ve stopped you, I would’ve done the dirty job so you wouldn’t have to move a single finger. But I didn’t I wasn’t there but right now I’m here and I want to do everything to protect you, fuck I’m scare I could lose you!”

There was evident frustration and anger towards himself, you could see that. You hated how he still had that power over you, that he still has that effect of making you soft for him.

“I get it too, you’re here and I appreciate it… a little” you sighed and sat down leaning into his desk “but I’m not the same soft woman, I am now someone that is willing to kill people, I am determined to kill the people who took my family away from me.”

“You’re so stubborn.” Seungcheol groaned, he knew this was going to be difficult, but he did not knew keeping you safe would be like this “I don’t want you to be where the real danger is.”

“Oh, and the danger I’ve been through is not real?” you snapped at him, once again, let’s minimize everything. “I was this damn close to being raped, I have been assaulted, the men going to that speakeasy bar are disgusting, you think being there didn’t earned me a few ass grabbing without my consent? Why do you think I’ve killed people? Those dumb ass fuckers tried to take advantage of me, of a woman. Isn’t that dangerous enough for you?”

“Please, stop” Seungcheol winced, like the way you mentioned everything hurt him

“Why? Are you uncomfortable? This is the truth Seungcheol, this is me. A woman that went through all this uncomfortable disgusting shit. I am this woman ready to kill and I do not need a gun, I will do it with no goddamn remorse.” Your tone firm and steady cause you were already irritated. “This is what is going to happen next darling, You’re going to let me get my stuff or bring them to be I’ll be flexible with that. But I won’t stay behind these fucking doors. So, you either count me in your next move or I’m out. And trust me on this. You’ll never see me again.”

“Y/n—”

“No I don’t give a shit who’s mafia you are the boss of I will leave. I already lived almost two years without you, I can do it again.” The finality of your words struck something inside Seungcheol, the simple idea of you leaving and not needing him was crushing him.

He’s The Choi Seungcheol, Sector17 Mafia Boss, a terrifiying threat to others, hearless with others. But you, he’s not Choi Seungcheol, he’s Cheol. The man who fell in love with your eyes, the one oddly captivated by this new you.

Because of course, while you were ranting, he’d be thinking on how hot you sounded, how fierce and daring you are. That did something to him, dangerously sexy, weirdly endearing. Making him fall in love with you more, oh yes definitely.

Still, the fear lingers, because what you’ve told him makes him see red, wanting to kill those fuckers

But you already did that so…

“You leave me speechless sweetheart.” Seungcheol leaned back on his chair. That starteled you. With your smart mouth you’d think he would be mad, screaming back at you. Being as stubborn as you are and order you threatening you even. But there he is, a smirk showing on his face, ears red and you know they’re not angry red.

“What?”

“I’m impressed and gotta admit—” He licked his lips tilting his head “I’m a little turned on right now.”

You chocked on your own saliva, did he really just said that? “Choi Seungcheol!”

“I’m not going to go into details about that. Yet.” He chuckled at your own expression “let’s make two deals.”

“This should be interesting. Go on” you raised an eyebrow, ready to listen but also ready to say no. “I’ll send someone to get all your belongings from your apartment, everything and I’ll buy whatever else you need. But you stay with me here. Live here in this mansion. As my love or not, it is up to you. Just, I want you to live here in a comfortable more sanitary space.”

“Choi Seungcheol,” your warning tone made him wince but he ignored it

“At least until we tear ATZ apart and I am 100 percent sure no one wants to rip your head off.” He pleaded making you roll your eyes, he lifted his hand the second he saw you were ready to respond “I’m giving you space too sweetheart. I want you, all of you. I also want you to be safe and living properly like you should live. You’ll get your stuff and more, just stay here until everything get’s dealt with. Which leads me to the next deal.”

With a sigh, the offer was tempting enough to make you consider. You liked the idea of having a bath without hearing your neighbor at the apartment next to yours flush their toilet with a grunt.

“Go on.”

“Stay by my side. Plan everything, give my men orders if you might. Get information at the bar when things calm down a little more, be Miss Cherry again if you need to, but with my supervision,” you blinked. Supervision? “I mean, having someone undercover with you too. I know and you’ve made very clear that you can do this alone but just humor me with that will you. You’d be part of everything, but with someone next to you. With me next to you.”

You were torn.

You wanted to deny his request and be as stubborn as you can be, a nightmare because you had your pride. But you also wanted to rest, this has been exhausting and you will be honest, staying back and enjoy the life he’s proposing is very much tempting.

Thinking about it for a second, the answer was there.

“Alright.” You cleared your throat, “First deal, done. But I am going to chose the new stuff, I do not trust your men’s taste. Maybe Jeonghan’s cause he’s really pretty.” Seugncheol chuckled and raised an eyebrow, it was funny that you thought he was pretty, considering he’s the most lethal, hearless and the team’s biggest manipulator.

“You got it.”

“The second deal is… interesting.” straightening your back you tilted your head “Okay, let’s work together. You will not shut down my approaches, I will have my gun with me at all times, I will go back as Miss Cherry” you watched his expression tighten at the mention of Miss Cherry “I will not deal privately with men like before. I know that’s upsetting you, so no I will not be as flirty as I used to be. One last thing, Cheolie please do not make one of your gorillas work with me. I can’t disguise them as ladies.”

“As interesting as it could be, no they won’t be the ones going with you. I have the perfect barman, waiter whatever. He’s one of the best at hiding in plain sight and excellent hand to hand fighting.” He grinned, thinking about it. “His name is Lee Chan.”

“Alright then, deal.”

For a second you considered how this would turn out. You had him as your ally.

Change of plans

Inside The Diamond, the jazz music was so loud you could feel it, the dance floor packed with flappers in shining dresses and men in sharp suits dancing like there was nothing to worry about.

You’re back as Miss Cherry, it had been a “quiet” day so far. You’d been on the look out for any member or close tail to ATZ but has been boring. Behind the bar, Chan was already in character, wearing a white apron with his sleeves rolled up, with too much ease he was making and sliding glasses of bootleg gin across the wood like it was second nature.

“Wow, you look like you’re a professional at this, does Seungcheol know you drink kid?” you murmured, leaning against the bar with a chuckle at Chan’s rolling eyes, you adjusted the red mask. “Are you even legal?”

“I am, and this is not that difficult you know. I’m a fast learner” Chan replied smoothly, not breaking his rhythm as he wiped down the counter. His eyes flicked subtly toward the entrance. “Looks like we’ve got company.”

You didn’t turn around immediately. Instead, you picked up your glass, catching the reflection in the mirror behind the bar. A man in a sharp but too plain suit, with a distinct too aggressive posture, a familiar one that many ATZ soldiers had.

He was looking for someone, for you specifically.

“Keep your distance, but stay sharp,” you whispered to Chan.

“Copy that, boss.” Chan said with a quick, easy grin before moving down the bar to ‘serve’ another customer.

You rolled your eyes trying to hide a smile at the charm Chan has even in tense situations. Difficult to believe he’s a professional streetfighter.

Putting on your best Miss Cherry smile— flirty, alluring, and entirely unbothered by this man’s “scary” appearance—you waited for him. The man stopped right in front of you, his eyes locking onto your mask. He’s tall, you could tell he had the job to be the intimidating one. His eyes were filled with annoyance and a sharp condescending stare bore into your own eyes. His deep voice a contrast to what he wanted to say, what he might want to prove.

“Miss Cherry,” his voice low and with that edge trying to intimidate you “The boss has been looking for you. You’ve been making a lot of noise in this city lately.”

“Well, what can I say darling, a lady likes to make an entrance,” you purred, tilting your head. “And who exactly is your boss? I talk with so many gentlemen darling, I lose track when they’re not interesting.”

The man took a step closer, his eyes scanning the bar, remaining a second too long on Chan before snapping back to you. “You know exactly who. I wanted to make sure you were still taking care of your playground and the kids. We’ll talk soon again.”

Without another word, he looked up and down at you with disdain and just spun on his heel and walked out the heavy front doors.

This is not right.

A cold realization made your stomach drop. “Chan,” you called out quietly, walking behind the bar as calm as ever, your voice dropping its playful edge. “Something’s wrong, that was an AZT rat, you need to clear the area and try to get the rest here, just don’t be too obvious, okay?”

“Right,” Chan’s posture is instantly stiffening. “Sora said that guy came here like three times yesterday and waited almost till they closed. She’s now in the back office, don’t worry. I’ll check outside, please Noona do not go outside, you got your gun right?”

“Of course,” you smiled fondly. You could see it, behind that whole tough streetfighter kid, he was just trying to look out for everyone. “Now go.”

Nodding he walked to the front of the bar, the noise people chatting and dancing, disguised Chan’s worry and intent on checking if there’s more men to be cautious about. He needed to get the guys that had been on the other side of the street back here.

No, Seungcheol did not feel comfortable with just Chan around, he gives him credit for his street fight skills and he is perfectly capable of taking care of you and all, but this isn’t just a little fight, and it is not a one on one fight, a whole mafia is looking a way to get their hands on you, you’ve murdered and messed with their “team” so one man won’t be enough.

Chan knew this, so he’d been also in charge of planning everything with his brothers, Soonyoung and Jun had been disguised right across the street, chatting at a local restaurant.

Inside the bar, you were already on edge, adjusting your gun on your thigh, and ears perked up aware of every little sound, the words and abrupt leave of that man were bad news, and you knew it. Which is why the small but sharp, muffled gasp cut through the jazz music making you turn towards the entrance of the private rooms, it was loud enough for you to hear, but not enough to make others turn.

Through the dim lighting, you saw a figure dressed entirely in black. He wasn't exceptionally tall, but he was broad and heavy enough to completely pin Haewon against the wood paneled wall. To the drunken crowd on the dance floor, it looked like a couple having a private moment, but you saw the truth immediately and you felt your blood run cold.

The man shifted, and the glint of a silver blade now very visible to you. He had a knife pressed firmly against the soft skin of Haewon’s throat. A single thin line of red was already forming where the metal was pressed firmly on her skin.

“Don’t scream, sweetheart,” the man hissed, his eyes then tracking you as you stepped closer. “Ah, Miss Cherry. Pleasure to meet you. Walk closer. Quietly. If you reach down for that gun, I’ll open her up right here.” The man nodded towards your leg with a smug smirk, he was already lusting over your body and as always, you felt the need to puke.

You were trapped. The distance was too far for you to get your gun out fast, and even if you did, the knife would cut her before your bullet could hit his brain. You can not afford risking Haewoon’s life.

“Let her go,” you said, your voice remarkably steady, though your heart was pounding. You took a slow, deliberate step toward him. “You want me, right darlin’? Mhm, the guy I put down a few days ago—what, was he your boyfriend? You boys take things so personally. It’s adorable.”

The man’s face contorted in rage. “Shut your mouth bitch! Take your gun and knife out, I know you have one. Don’t you dare try something or I swear to god I’ll cut her head off.”

To prove his point, his hand moved too fast. Haewon let out a strangled sob as the man sliced the knife into her forearm, blood quickly soaking through her pale lace sleeve.

“Stop, stop!” you commanded, raising your hands in the air, your sarcastic mask completely dropping. “Alright look, look! I’m taking it out. Don’t touch her.”

With two fingers, you carefully reached into your skirt, pulled out the small pistol and  the knife letting it fall to the ground with a soft thud. “Just, take me instead. I’m the one you and your damn boss want. She’s a nobody, Let her go, and I’ll walk out that door with you right now.”

“A nobody you apparently care about, sweetheart” The man grinned, a nasty. Creepy disgusting smile.

“Come on now, don’t waste your time on her, unless you want to face your boss on how you lost me because you had a good time with a waitress.” You taunted him, “I mean, she is beautiful but she’s not what Hongjoong wants.” The man looked at you with pure hatred. He shoved Haewon hard against the wall, causing her to slide to the floor, clutching her bleeding arm. He grabbed your wrist with a strong grip already causing a bruise as he now twisted your arm behind your back shoving you toward the heavy wooden exit at the back towards the alley.

“Enough, move bitch,” he growled forcing you to walk.

As he pushed you outside, you could see someone come around the corner of the alley, it was Chan, he quickly lifted his gun pointing at the man behind you.

“Let her go, now!” Chan shouted, but before he could even take one more step a second man approached from behind a car

Bang! Bang!

The man fired and Chan followed instantly, he fired twice not able to hit him but then, with terrifying precision and before the man holding you could even fire, Chan shoot two times. The bullets tore into the man’s right shoulder, a few inches and he would’ve shot through his heart. This allowed the man by the car to shoot back, the bullets still missed Chan, smashing into the brick wall behind him, but right at that exact second, the back door flew open again. Haewon stumbled out into the alley, pale, bleeding, and screaming your name, both men took it as a chance to get in the car. The first one holding his shoulder tightly and in visible pain, he had long forgotten his gun, the second one had thrown you inside like if you were a trash bag.

“Haewon, get back inside!” Chan yelled. His instinct to protect the civilian made Chan jump in front of Haewon to push her back into the safety of the building.

The man turned on the car and quickly stepped on the gas pedal, the tires screeching against the wet gravel of the alley taking off towards the main avenue.

Chan ran after the car for half a block, his face twisted in pure, unadulterated fury and terror, a little too late, his backup ran towards him cursing and throwing hands already.

“Damn it!” he screamed, slamming his fist against an iron lamp post.

“What the hell happened Chan!” Jun exclaimed a little out of breath catching up to him “Fuck.”

“Chan, we have to go back to the mansion” Soonyoung said a little to calm, but Chan knew it was to not alarm him, he knew what this meant. ATZ had you now, and Seungcheol was going to burn the entire city to the ground when he finds out and Chan feared he’d be the first to be burned.

New Strategy

The interior of the old car smelled awfully cheap, you couldn’t even hide the disgust on your face. In a very messy way, the men had managed to tie your wrists with a very used rope, questionable dirty. You didn’t say anything, didn’t make a sound. You kept your chin high, staring straight at the back of the driver’s head already plotting if he’d take the honors when you put a bullet there.

Even with that confidence you always carry or with this wish to shoot the men who had taken you, a part of you—a big part of you— was terrified, nervous wreck and wanted to cry.

You couldn’t show that.

Calm the fuck down. You told yourself, your heart was beating too fast, palms were already starting to sweat and you were shaking probably.

But you can’t show that. Not yet. Being weak and with fear is just a death sentence with bastards like them. Though this could go two ways, you could play the damsel in distress, beg for forgiveness and protection. OR you could have fun with them, even if it is your last day in this world because of it.

You chose to have fun, they do deserve it.

To them, this was a kidnapping of the Choi’s canary, his little love. To you it wasn’t exactly that, you took this as an invitation to a house party, and you are the VIP guest.

How will this party go? Well, you had every intention of tearing them apart from the inside. What’s that saying? Keep your friends close but your enemies closer?

Also, you’re now a drop of poison, one that spreads quietly and no one will notice until is too late. You’re planning on taking down the entire foundation a family built. If you can call it a family…

The moment the car finally stopped in front of a modest, two-floors brick house tucked away in a quiet corner you bit your lip trying not to laugh.

This was ATZ’s low-profile Manhattan safehouse, it surprised you but also didn’t. ATZ were known to be chaotic at investing, even though their Boss had the charm to “take” cargo and manage “good business” (not mentioning the fuck up they did to your father’s business) you would’ve imagined a better safehouse. Better car, men dressed better and not a car that smells way too cheap to being a mafia car.

This house was a joke, but you can work with this.

“Get out, bimbo.” The man that was bleeding opened the door, he didn’t even wait for you to step out, he dragged you with his good hand “Jongho, drive the car to Yeosang’s house.” At that you snorted causing the man to hold your arm tighter “Quiet bitch,”

“Wooyoung, let Hyung deal with her first.” Wooyoung hissed once he tried to move you again, his shoulder was still slowly bleeding from the two holes Chan had put in his shoulder.

“Wooyoung, pretty name darling.” You spoke with that soft alluring tone you’d always use with men. He only made a noise close to a growl holding you way too tightly by your elbow and you could see it. He was sweating, his face now a little pale with pain and maybe panic. Well he was losing blood, certainly panic is the feeling you should have.

“In. Move, damn it.” he hissed, shoving you through a heavy oak door.

The moment the door slammed shut, you didn’t look for an exit. You examined the house, every detail would work if you wanted to hit the nail. You let out a soft, mocking sigh, inspecting everything. “A bit small for mafia headquarters, isn’t it?” you hummed when he simply shoved you to a small room, he was still holding his shoulder and you could tell he was in severe pain. “So, Wooyoung—it is Wooyoung, right?— Darling you need to get that checked. Does Hongjoong actually pay you enough to take two bullets for him, or are you just fond of losing blood?”

Wooyoung froze, but his annoyance showed, followed by the pain. “You should shut up if you want to stay alive.”

“I’m just saying. I mean, come on darling am I worth two bullets—by the way millimeters to the right and you’re gone— your safety should be a priority you know. What kind of family does this?”

“You don’t know anything about us” his voice was low, intended to scare you. “Talk about family, where’s your dear love? He let you out without much of a short ass fella as back up. Good aim, I give him that.”

“At least he did shot something, bubbles over there didn’t even land one.” You rolled your eyes tilting your head you looked at his shoulder “Your boss should really help you, if he cared enough he should be here with you by now. You need to get that checked darling.” Your voice was soft, like you cared. Which certainly you don’t, but that he shouldn’t know.

Wooyoung coughed, causing a sharp pain go through his shoulder. “Fuck,”

“Darling, seriously get that checked. Look I’m obviously not going anywhere, but if you don’t get that—” you sighed in disapproval “it’s going to get worse. Your leader should be here, taking care of you, where’s the medic? Where is he? Most importantly, why is he not worried one of his men has been shot? I mean word goes fast. I’m wondering if Jongho is with him already telling him how he captured Miss Cherry.”

You could see the exact moment doubt, anger and not so surprisingly jealousy, was inviding his thoughts. The seed had been planted, now it’s time to carefully keep it growing.

His jaw twitched, his eyes flicking toward the closed doors. He was anxious, irritated, and entirely in pain.

“Darling, I might’ve been a menace and a bitch at first. But god that looks nasty—”

Before you could say more and he could answer, the doors swung open, Yeosang was there. His face was a mask of coldness and the moment his eyes dropped to your unmasked face, fury was rising. He then looked at Wooyoung’s bloody arm.

“Well, least you brought her.” Yeosang said, his voice flat. He walked right to you, he was squaring up, as if he wanted to strike you across the face. All for the man you had killed two nights ago, you were curious now. Really, were they secret lovers? Cause that man certainly was not gay. Maybe he’s into both, whatever it is, Yeosang’s blood was boiling at the mere sight of you “You’re as cheap as I imagined.” He spat with so much hatred that you fought your need to mock him.

“I got shot, where’s Hongjoong, I need a medic.” Wooyoung interrupted your stare battle with Yeosang, causing him to roll his eyes.

“He’s going to be back in 20 min.”

“20 min— What the fuck I don’t have 20 minutes!” Wooyoung was on the edge of freaking out properly.

“You’re going to be fine, keep pressure on it. I’ll tell Jongho to bring something to clean that up in the meantime” he dismissed so beautifully Wooyoung’s pain, a fresh nerve to hit next.

You tilted your head as a small, very audible scoff left your lips. “Well, first the risk at the bar and then the health? Your leader does not care about his own family.” your voice dropping to a dangerously soft whisper. “You’re angry at me cause I killed your friend, but come on darling, who let him in that bar without backup? I mean, Hongjoong let him go alone. I honestly think that was careless. I mean, one more man one less man, it does not make a difference in this team. Does it?”

Yeosang’s heart was pounding, his breathing uneaven as he stared at you, fists ready to strike a hit and his anger was building but also colliding with the uncomfortable truth your words had. Hongjoong didn’t care.

Yeosang knew it, he simply tried to not acknowledge it and fully blame you cause it was the best and most logical thing, you were the one who pulled the trigger. Hongjoong was at fault too, he knew the feud, the family was going through a rough patch, he should’t have been left alone, San shouldn’t have been left alone.

You were tearing them down, brick by brick, soft words to make them doubt, make them feel this unsettling truth. It is a shame the poisonous seed has grown too fast. God, it already stuck two nerves and all of it before you even reached the main room.

Back at the Choi mansion, the atmosphere was thick enough to choke.

The heavy doors of the study opened with a harsh thud as Chan burst inside, his white apron covered in Haewon’s blood, The girls followed Soonyoung as he led them to the side. Sora was pale from head to toe and a bandaged, sobbing Haewon followed close behind.

“Boss,” Chan choked out, his face a pale and with guilt and adrenaline Seungcheol looked at him and knew something was wrong. Seriously wrong. Chan rarely called him boss, anyone really, but specially him. Chan also rarely had come with bad news and when he did his face would be entirely filled with frustration and disgust. Right now, Chan looked seconds away from fainting.

“They took her. ATZ. I hit one of them twice, but...” he looked back at Haewon who looked at Seungcheol and lowered her head “The girls were also in danger, everything happened too fast, I had to cover Haewoon but then I lost— I’m so sorry, they got Y/n. I’m sorry. I’m so damn sorry.” With that, Chan’s legs completely gave up and fell to his knees.

The silence that followed was terrifying.

Seungcheol didn’t move for a whole minute that felt like hours. He sat behind his desk, his arms crossed over his chest. His dark eyes locked onto Chan, a trembling war could be seen. So many emotions fighting to make an appareace. Anger, pure rage, fear and dreadful scenarios of you somewhere alone or de…

Seungcheol shook his head gently, he was too calm. For a split second, everyone in the room was expecting the Boss to pull his gun and paint the wall with Chan’s blood.

Seungcheol took a slow, heavy breath, regulating the explosive, terrifying rage vibrating in his chest that he would’ve let out in no time.

But when he looked at Haewon’s bandaged arm, Sora’s pale face scared out of her mind and then Chan on his knees trembling with fear and guilt. He just couldn’t.

Seungcheol could be many things, he’s a killer with no hesitation. He is merciless boss, he does not care who ends up hurt in the process of doing business, he can and is deathly.

There’s something else.

Seungcheol is a family man

He can be a danger in the streets, business, illegal shipments and fights. But he still has a duty to help his family, and his family comes first every time.

He believes in Chan, and despite his heart being torn in every painful way because you’re now in danger, he knows Chan did what he could. But he also knows something else is there.

“Stand up, Chan,” Seungcheol said, his voice low and terrifyingly calm “You protected the girls. Y/n will be relieved and thankful for that. And that’s why I know this is not entirely your fault Chan, Y/n complied with them because she wanted the girls safe. We all know what she’s capable of, she is not a helpless girl. I know for sure she let them take her, she knew exactly what she was doing. She just changed the damn plan.”

Chan stood up, still fearing Seungcheol would hit him or kill him in the spot “Still, I should’ve stayed, aimed better and kill those bastards—”

“Enough, what’s done is done, we can’t change that. We have to focus on this situation now. Chan, we’ll talk about this later. Stop worrying I’m not going to kill you.” Seungcheol spoke while walking over to the massive wall map of Manhattan.

He knew you. He knew that even if you didn’t have your gun, you would’ve break free from them.

He also knew what the plan would be now. You’re not only a great shooter, you had your sharp tongue and reckless courage. So, he knew that was your weapon. He knew you were doing your own damage now, he just had to follow that plan on the outside.

Seungcheol figured how you had taken this opportunity to be closer and do your own damage. His heart aching with a terrifying mixture of pride and pure panic.

You’re playing mind games with them, aren’t you, sweetheart?

“Cheol, I have a new plan.” Seungcheol hummed, his eyes burning into the map. Jeonghan adjusted his own tie. He was also annoyed, mostly because he hated seeing his brother like this. “If my predictions are correct, they are going to send some kind of message, threats using her as the bait.”

“If they are smart enough to dig about it.” Jihoon mumbled.

“They will. It is not normal for a Choi member to defend a woman working as a Hostess.” Wonwoo answered, he shook his head and with a long sigh.

In that moment, like a prediction Seungcheol did not want, an ATZ member had been sent to give information about you. How they had been tracking you as Y/n and Miss Cherry, Hongjoong had found how it did tied you up with Seungcheol.

“So, they do think she is my weakness.”

“And we’re going to let them believe it.” Jeonghan replied “They are reckless, Hongjoong just sent one of his men to us like he’s disposable. We need to let him think he’s got the upper hand, let him think he’s gaining power.”

“If he thinks he’s got you cornered, they’ll get sloppy,” Wonwoo advised, taking off his glasses as he leaned over the desk. “While Hongjoong is busy gloating and staring at you thinking he’s got you, he won’t be looking anywhere else.”

“Interesting,” Seungcheol caught up to what he was implying, “We’ll be a distraction.”

“Yes.”

Seungcheol’s dark smirk was growing, and that only meant one thing. He was already planning the next move. There will be a backup team, they will stay hidden, in the shadows, practically invisible. The rest of the members will take advantage of this breech and take every shipment and business, burn their warehouses and take down their entire operation down by the river. While they’re holding you down and making a show for Seungcheol. All their worth will be taken down.

Jeonghan is right, ATZ had gone mad and their greed made everything worse.

Mind Games Before Showtime

You don’t know exactly how long you’ve been here, but God you are bored, it’s starting to be annoying.

Hongjoong had been delaying meeting you simply to play a game. He sat behind a small mahogany desk, at a very small office. He had a glass of whiskey next to his cheap ashtray.

This place was suffocating you.

Finally, Wooyoung was instructed to take you to Hongjoong, so he tried his best to “drag” you into the small office, with his good arm.

The moment you entered the ‘office’ your presence completely changed the mood. You were unbothered by everything and Hongjoong was eager to meet you thinking this would be fun.

You stood with your shoulders squared, not daring to show how anxious you were. You kept looking at Hongjoong with an expression that showed absolute boredom.

“So, you’re the boss? Mr.— whatever.” you rolled your eyes, a mocking tilt to your lips as you glanced around the modest room. “I must say, I expected more… class from the man trying to start a war in Manhattan. This looks like my late grandmother’s house”

“You’ve got a lot of nerve. Miss Cherry.” Hongjoong leaned forward, his eyes scanning you. “But, you certainly are a beauty Miss Y/n, I can see why Seungcheol is so into you and why he’s weak for you. I have his beautiful possession.”

You let out a soft, mocking laugh, stepping closer to the desk without hesitation. He wasn’t going to objectify you nor make fun of you. “Possession? Oh, darling, you really don’t understand how this world works, do you?” You turned around to look at the man who was standing too stiff at the door looking at you as if he was planning your murder. You looked at the other man who still looked in pain.

 “Let me tell you a secret about your sweet Hongjoong boys, he thinks everyone is an object to be traded. He thinks you are objects too. I mean, he let your friend die at The Diamond, and he’s going to use you as target practice while he tries to trade his way without even talking to you. Do you even care about them boss?”

“Shut her up, Wooyoung.” Hongjoong snapped, his face darkening as he saw Wooyoung shift uncomfortably on his feet. The man was clutching his poorly bandaged shoulder, his brow furrowed as your words were hitting bulls’ eye on his doubts as a family.

“Why? Afraid they’ll realize you don’t actually have a plan for them?” you taunted, leaning your palms flat against the chair in front of his desk staring him dead in the eye. “You think you’re going to get Seungcheol but oh boy, you’re in for a surprise”

“The one that should be prepared is you darling. I’m not going to let you go so easily.” He leaned back, he still felt in charge which made it hard for you to contain your laughter “I know who you are Lee y/n, you’re just as nosy as your father.”

That hit a nerve in you, but right now you need to stay strong and not give in. Just like you did minutes ago, he’s trying to rage bait you. He can’t and you won’t give him that.

“Am I? Well, I certainly am a curious person.”

“Just like he was and look where he is now. Dead, stiff and buried and well deserved. That old man was giving me a headache, he was sick and useless either way. Better dead than getting in my way.” Hongjoong smirked, every second that passes you tried to calm yourself and not react. “If you don’t shut up and behave, you’d be meeting him soon.”

“Well, either way I am not the one to be afraid of dying. You however, have no way of wining if you kill me. You and your boys are in for a treat if you do. You guys know right? Just like his pretty head is looking for a trade, if things go south you’ll be the first to go down. Think your pretty boss will protect you? He’d throw you to the lions first.”

“You certainly do not know when to shut up.” Hongjoong stood up as he walked around his desk to stand next to you he roughly grabbed your face holding your chin up. “Mmhm, I’m starting to consider keeping you baby. Are you this fierce in bed? If so, we’re going to have so much fun.”

The mere thought was disgusting to you, he’s young and stupid. “Oh I am, but you’ll be dead if you try, so I strongly advise you not to try any funny business with me darling.” You swatted his hand away, pure hatred ran through your veins now.

“Who decides what happens is me. For now, consider yourself lucky, bimbo. We’re going to meet your prince later if I feel like it. Take this whore away.” Hongjoong spat as he walked back to his chair, he raised an eyebrow when he saw Wooyoung not moving like Yeosang who instantly grabbed your arm with a grip that will definitely leave another bruise. “What?”

“My arm is killing me, I need a doctor, Hong—”

“Tell Jongho about that, and fix it yourself, it doesn’t look that bad so stop whining” you had to do everything in your power to stop yourself from smirking. Unknowingly he was destroying his team. You just needed another ten minutes with Wooyoung and this will go down perfectly.

As you expected, you were placed in a crappy room with an old couch and very dirty curtains covering the small windows. The walls were a hideous yellow color only making your head hurt. The smell, god you can’t even begin to explain how old and how much of humidity filled the room.

True to your own prediction, Wooyoung walked in after a few minutes followed by Yeosang.

“Are you here to keep me company? I thought you hated me dear.”

“Shut up bitch, you’re lucky he ordered us not to touch you. Fuck, you’d be death if it was up to me.”

“I know, you’re so angry because I killed your buddy.” You smiled, softly now changing your voice “I am actually sorry. Sorry that it had to be your friend. Honestly I didn’t killed him if I didn’t had a reason. Sorry to inform that your buddy was a very naughty man who didn’t take no for an answer.”

“You think I believe you? San would never pay attention at a cheap whore like you. God knows how many used your pussy.” He spat full of venom and hatred in his eyes.

“Hey, be respectful.” You pointed at him. Many thought that way of you and what you did, but you were not going to take it from him. “Let’s not go that way, cause the way you’re reacting only confirms my thoughts, you’re so fucking Gay. It’s not a bad thing. Just careful, Hongjoong doesn’t seem the man who wants someone like that on his oh so called team.”

“I am not a faggot you bitch!” Yeosang was ready to put a hand on you, so far to keep your plan going you were not going to fight back, but this time you need to defend yourself.

That was long forgotten when Wooyoung stopped him. With a loud hiss due to his bloody arm he stood in front of Yeosang.

“Don’t. Hongjoong is going to take care of that slut.”

“Look, I’m sorry okay? But you started it.” You rolled your eyes sitting on the awkward old bed. “I don’t judge, I have customers at the bar going there for a free time with their own partners, so it’s okay. I am sorry I killed your friend. ButI mean it though, be careful.”

“With what, whores like yourself?”

“No, with a boss like yours.” You scoffed “you guys seriously are working for the worst boss I’ve ever known. Look at you! Wooyoung your arm keeps bleeding, you got a bullet in there and he did not care, if Sector 17 doesn’t kill you that bullet will. And you, if he finds that you like men, damn… are you hundred percent sure he’d be okay with that? How are you safe with him? All I see is a man who wants power and does not care who gets hurt in the process, not even the men who take a bullet for him.”

Seungcheol is getting impatient.

Hongjoong has been taking his fucked time to indeed torture him, more like pissing him off each minute that passes.

After a few hours of you missing, a man that reached Sector17, gave the location for this reunion. Seungcheol had done everything, secured the place, the shadows and the team is already taking one by one the docks and more. The only thing left is meeting him.

Jeonghan had predicted this, Hongjoong’s idea of taking you as a bait, as an exchange for power.

Hongjoong wasn’t entirely stupid, he put two and two together, did his own research when he realized someone was messing with his ports and sabotaging his cargo, he had spent days trying to find who you were. It took him a little longer than Seungcheol, but he found you and connected the dots. Seungcheol’s sweetheart, had been left alone to survive this world, after her father died thanks to him, her mother committed suicide and her sister leaving, you were all alone.

Seungcheol’s sweetheart might be worth something. If not, he could always keep her or kill her. A win win somehow.

“Please calm down and stop moving,” Jeonghan groaned from the passenger seat, Seungcheol had parked a few feet away from the abandoned warehouse Hongjoong had claimed to meet. Convenient for what is going to happen. No noise, no cops no nothing.

“My woman is inside that fucking warehouse without a weapon and you expect me to be calm?” Seungcheol growled almost hitting Jeonghan.

“Alright. Man, you’re so lovesick Cheol.”

“I’m not… lovesick”

“You are! Cheol, you’re a mafia boss ready to kill a bastard just because he took your woman.” Jeonghan chuckled and tilted his head at the memory of you by Seungcheol’s side at his office “I don’t blame you, she’s wonderful.”

“I know she is.”

“And she’s smart Cheol. She’s doing her own thing in there, if she wasn’t they would have delivered her body to your feet already” Jeonghan scoffed, he didn’t know you entirely, but he saw that fire, that sassy mouth of yours. And he knows you’re smarter than they give you credit.

“I know she is. I know that, but I still worry. For fuck sakes I know she’s capable, fearless but she’s still a woman. One woman against at least five men, I love her I know she’s smart but still, they are stronger than her they could—”

“Let’s not think about that.” Jeonghan interrupted him before he could spiral any further.

Knowing how this world works, it’s so easy to predict what is going on there, to make their guesses on what he could be doing to you, it is easy to know that you indeed are weak against a mafia in any sort of physical fight. You might’ve taken down four men alone, but it was one by one.

Mingyu had already given the signal of everything being ready. Jun and Minghao were hidden waiting for the opportunity. Soonyoung was alert and Mingyu was watching the perimeter. It was time for Seungcheol and Jeonghan to get there.

“Wooyoung, hey look at me.” You said softly, a clear worry in your voice throwing him off guard “Please, let me look at that wound. I promise I’ll behave.”

“No.” Wooyoung hissed as he put more pressure on that poorly bandaged arm. He was now considering her help. It’s been two hours and the adrenaline had rushed down already and the pain was starting to be too much for him.

“I’m surprisingly worried about you. That wound does not look good. Seriously, is Hongjoong not going to do anything to help you?”

“I’m getting tired of you .” Yeosang spat crossing his arms “If you don’t shut up, I’m going to kill you with my bare hands” his voice lower than you’ve heard so far. But no ounce of authority or threat made its way to you.

“I’m simply stating the facts Yeosang.” You tucked a lose hair behind your ear “He’s there back in his office with the other… men who funny enough know more about this marvelous plan. All calm, maybe even having a drink. While Wooyoung here is in agonizing pain and you’re watching the woman who killed your… friend. Honestly fellas, this has to be the worst leader.”

It was starting to work. The more you expressed the things Hongjoong did, the more they started to believe them. These two were vulnerable, and you had that in your favor. A man can be lethal with force, their bodies. But a woman can be lethal with words.

That is exactly what you were doing, being this poisonous woman, with sweet voice, with such ‘care’. You were now making them feel like they’re more valuable than their boss give them credit for.

Cause, what kind of leader lets their men, their family, die for a woman? For power in this reckless way? Where’s the loyalty, the brotherhood?

The door of the room opened with force, such a dramatic entrance.

“We’re going to see your boyfriend. Let’s see how brave you are when he’s on his knees next to you. I’m going to enjoy watching him beg me to not kill this pretty whore.”

“If I were you, I’d worry less about him on his knees, Hongjoong.” you whispered, your voice dropping into a sinister calm register. “You should focus more about saving your own neck.”

“I might actually miss this sassy mouth,” he said in a voice that for once send a sickening feeling “I am seriously considering not giving you up. You are beautiful, tempting.” He was looking at you differently now. Why now?

“You should be careful, i strongly advice you to stop.”

“And I strongly do not give a fuck, bitch. I gotta admit, you do smell good” He groaned. Walking too close to you he grabbed your face squeezing your cheeks, he got closer and took a deep breath, he was taking in your scent like if you were a drug “but you need to learn that your place is to obey. Fuck, you do look like a slut, I wonder if he’d still want you if I get my sweet time with you.”

“You are disgusting,” now you were slightly shaking. Behind this persona, behind the mask of you being a sassy bitch taunting them, you were a little scared.

“Careful, I might change my mind and actually keep you.” He growled and grabbed your arm forcefully “let’s go bitch.”

You knew that no matter where you were, Seungcheol had a plan, you already knew Sector17 was hidden, near and ready to shoot. If one thing you admire from Seungcheol is the way he handles things, he’s obvious for the mafia world but very cautious with the rest of the world, the good authorities and civilians.

Hongjoong stood in the center of the empty room, and you dare to say he looked anxious. He had Wooyoung by his side, though the man looked incredibly unstable. Not only because his wound was still untreated properly, because he was hyper aware of the surroundings.

You did not only plant hatred you also threw the reality of it all to them, fear of what’s going to happen, what you know and they don’t. Though it could be like giving them a heads up, you were careful enough to say it in a way that as much as they wanted to ignore, made them second guess stability, money, security and just about everything out of fear.

Yeosang stood just a pace behind them, holding you by the arm with a sweaty hand. You could feel the way he was alert of everything, like you told them, there’s always something they’ll miss.

 You were unmasked, and even if you had lost all glamour, you stayed composed, with poise like you were a queen waiting for her king to get her home.

You had faked a yawn, your eyes tracking the tremor in Wooyoung’s hands. “You know, Wooyoung” you murmured, your voice carrying effortless fake concern mixed with a taunting tone “A real leader wuld’ve had a doctor look at that shoulder by now. But I suppose Hongjoong thinks a bit of gauze and a prayer is enough for you. I guess he likes his men to bleed for him.”

“Shut your mouth, bitch.” Yeosang hissed, giving your arm a warning shake.

“Both of you shut up” Wooyoung suddenly snapped, his voice cracking under the weight of pure exhaustion and pain. He spun toward Hongjoong, his brow furrowed in deep concern about this. “Hongjoong, seriously. What good is this meeting? We’re standing in a stupid warehouse with a whore, for what? What is the actual pay here?”

Hongjoong waved a dismissive, impatient hand, a smug, smile. “Calm the fuck down, we’re trading her. Seungcheol is going to hand over the distribution lines, the property deeds, and all the territory we need. We trade the whore, we get the power. It’s a simple transaction.”

“What is she made of gold? Fucking hell this is just a woman” Wooyoung was looking at you with disgust but you could see the fear and doubt about this ‘perfect’ plan. “It does not make sense. Why would-”

“Are you questioning me?” Hongjoong turned to him with annoyance at his assumption "This is going to be a trade. Seungcheol is going to do whatever i say or else, i'll kill her, worst case scenario we keep her and have our way with her."

“Good luck with that.” letting out a sharp, mocking laugh that cut through the small silence. “He’s lying to all of you and he’s incredibly inconsiderate. I bet he’s going to use this trade to line his own pockets and leave you two to take the fight when the Choi family comes back for blood. But I’m sure this is going to end badly for you. Very badly.”

Before Hongjoong could tell you anything else, the heavy wooden doors at the far end clicked open.

Slow, deliberate footsteps echoed against the concrete. Seungcheol stepped into the pale light, his long overcoat brushing against his boots, his expression entirely deathly. This was not Cheol you knew, this was Choi Seungcheol, the one ready to kill the goddamn parasite that has been bothering him since day one.

Beside him, Jeonghan walked with his hands tucked casually into his trousers, a sharp smirk playing on his lips. You found it funny, it didn’t even look like they were meeting with a mafia to rescue a hostage.

The tension in the room instantly spiked, it felt thick enough to almost be suffocating. Hongjoong immediately shifted, trying to project absolute control while his own men were still openly questioning his authority behind him.

Seungcheol’s eyes swept the room, and automatically found you. A sigh of relief left his chest after seeing you breathing and unharmed, but his dark brows immediately furrowed in a fierce, protective scowl. Your dark velvet dress was a little revealing—not too much, but enough to expose the skin of your collarbone and shoulders to the damp cold of the river air. You could see the way his jaw locked, he was furious that you were cold, he was furious you were in this shit hole and he wanted to end this clown immediately.

“You’re late, Choi,” Hongjoong called out, trying to mask his own nervousness with some sort of sarcastic confidence.

“I don’t like rushing into bad business, Hongjoong”  Seungcheol replied, his voice a low, terrifying threat. It was a tone you’ve never heard him talk with, and it was very distracting, cause your body was reacting to it. Fortunately, no one would notice it.

But in other circumstances, you’d probably be on your knees.

Jeonghan tilted his head, his eyes sparkling with pure, malicious amusement as he picked up the word play. “Oh, look at that, Cheol,” Jeonghan chuckled, a smooth, poisonous mocking tone “The big, bad ATZ mafia, wants to take control but they can’t even afford to treat a small bullet wound for one of his best soldiers. They really think they can manage the northern territories? It’s hilarious, really funny.” he added, looking directly at Hongjoong, “delusion is a very unflattering treat on you.”

“I see we got another talker.” Hongjoong growled, his face was slowly turning crimson as the insults poked at his fragile ego. He moved slightly towards you and grabbed your face, a smirk appeared through his frustration. He turned to look at Seungcheol and the grin grew bigger when he saw the way his jaw tightened at his movement. “You think you’re in a position to mock me? I’ll take her away right now. I’ll keep her locked up in my safehouse, have my fun with her, and maybe let my boys use her until she understands her place and stops talking back at a man. Gotta tell you, I am loving the idea of it. Put her mouth to good use and relax.”

Seungcheol took an aggressive step forward, his knuckles turning white as he nearly fell for the infuriating bait. Jeonghan placed a hand in Seungcheol’s shoulder and just laughed, louder this time, his voice cutting through his bluff. “Honestly, I’d love to see you try but I have say, you are in no place to relax when you’re flat broke with no properties.”

Hongjoong blinked, his grip tightening on your arm. “What the hell are you talking about faggot?”

“Whoa, faggot? I mean I can take it as a compliment,” he looked amused by everything happening, he locked eyes with you and you raised an eyebrow then turning to Yeosang, a knowing click happened in Jeonghan’s brain “I mean, that’s how you talk to your brother over there? Dude, that’s messed up, you should respect. Love is love right? Let him be.”

“What? No one in my damn family is a faggot like you,” you scoffed and give Yeosang a knowing smile, Hongjoong turned to him ar that moment, he was now a pretty deep shade of red, you don’t know if it is embarrassing red or furious red. “I’ll deal with you later. Right now, you should pay for your sweetheart.” he turned to look back at Seungcheol

“You definitely are more stupid than I thought.” Seungcheol snarled, doing his best to control his temper, his eyes burning into him. “While you gathered your strongest men here to play a trade game, you left your cargo and business on the hands of weak idiots. My brothers have already burned your warehouses, your liquor cargo are in my trucks, and your financial ledgers are on my desk by now. Sector 17 has officially taken everything you’re worth.”

Wooyoung and Yeosang both froze, the color now draining from their facesv as they tried to make sense of what Seungcheol just revealed.

It was impossible, the member dealing with all financial shit was the best they knew, they trusted him completely he was enough to hold his own.

“Is that true?” Yeosang barked, completely abandoning his posture and even forgetting the exposure Jeonghan did, he confronted his boss. “You said we had this secured!”

“They’re lying you fucking idiot!” Hongjoong screamed, his voice cracking in utter panic. Throwing you towards Yeosang with a deathly look “Take her away—”

Suddenly, the side doors flew open, and two more ATZ men busted into the warehouse, their faces pale and covered in sweat. “Boss!” one of them shouted, his chest heaving. “We’re being hit, The perimeter outside is completely locked down by Sector 17— Kim and Kwon are tearing our guys apart!”

“What the fuck is happening Hongjoong!"

Seungcheol let out a cold, humorless chuckle. “It’s already over”

“No.” Hongjoong growled, completely losing his mind to a psychotic rage. He spun around, pointing wildly at you. “Take her away! You two idiots, kill them right now!” he screamed at the men his attempt to take control was amusing to you.

Seungcheol and Jeonghan both exhaled a breath, collectively trying not to laugh at the ridiculousness of the order. But before anyone could pull a trigger, a crash from the docks outside echoed outside the warehouse caused a small distraction.

Small, but enough for you to finally do something. In that split second, you moved.

You violently twisted your arm, freeing yourself from Yeosang’s loosened grip. Without missing a beat, you slammed your fist directly into Wooyoung’s bleeding shoulder injury before he could move to try and stop you. He screamed in absolute agony stumbling backwards, and you took the chance to swiftly take his own revolver straight out of his hand. You held it and pointed at them in a fraction of a second.

Bang! Bang!

You shot Yeosang directly on each thigh and Wooyoung in the knee, completely immobilizing them both as they crashed to the concrete, groaning in pain.

At the same time Seungcheol and Jeonghan had moved like one, their guns already shooting as they dealt with the two other men before they could even level their guns.

Hongjoong panicked, but before he could take his own gun out or even take a step towards the exit, a shadow dropped silently, Minghao landed gracefully in his path, his hand striking Hongjoong’s chest with enough force to choke him to take advantage and slam his fist on his face followed by his foot on his stomach throwing him backward onto the hard concrete. Minghao raised his foot, ready to beat him once again.

“Minghao, Stop!” you commanded, your voice loud and with enough force that echoed through the entire warehouse.

Minghao froze, his foot hovering inches from Hongjoong’s face

“Bring him to me,” you ordered, your voice dropping into a terrifying, sinister tone.

You were gone the second you took the gun from Wooyoung, you knew this was it. This was the moment you were so eagerly waiting for.

Hongjoong was on the floor, helpless and you were standing with a gun in your hand ready to make him pay for your own pain.

Minghao quietly obeyed, not even looking at Seungcheol. Somehow, you were looking more terrifying than him right now.

He was slightly concerned, just like Seungcheol was, but he did what you asked, grabbing Hongjoong by his collar and dragging him across the floor, Minghao threw him down at your feet like a piece of meat.

You stood over him, the revolver heavy in your hand, the pure, cold vengeance anger were visible in your eyes.

Everyone saw the way you were no longer Miss Cherry, god you were no longer Y/n, you were a woman with hatred in her blood ready to end the worthless man that lays by her feet.

“Well, well. Look at you darling. It suits you, on the floor on your knees in front of a woman.” The venom in your voice was overwhelming “You said you remember my father. You really thought you’ll get away with killing him and that I wouldn’t do something about it.”

The memories about that day, the ovewhelming feelings of loss, sadness, frustration, anger, all of it coming back at once. Having the man responsible for your father's death right there defensless useless and just there boils your blood.

Hongjoong spat a mouthful of blood onto your shoes, glaring up at you with wild, pathetic defiance. “You’re just a cheap, masked whore, nothing more.” he wheezed, insulting you through his teeth. “Useless like your stupid father—”

Bang!

A deafening crack echoed through the warehouse. You shot him directly in the groin, the bullet ripping straight through his dick.

Hongjoong let out an ear wrecking scream of pure agony, curling into a tight, trembling ball as blood pooled rapidly beneath his trousers. Every man in the room winced at the scene, you were not bothered by it in the slightest. Not even his whining and painful cries stopped this feeling of pure disgust towards him.

You slowly knelt down to his level, your face a mask of cold, psychotic malice. You reached out, your fingers wrapping forcefully around his jaw, twisting his face upward so he was forced to look into your merciless eyes. “You messed with the wrong family, with the wrong woman. I’m going to enjoy this.” You smiled, but there was nothing sweet about it. No, this was the smile of a deadly, mad woman toying with her prey.

“You are a pathetic piece of trash,” you whispered venomously still holding his face too tight. “The most stupid man I’ve met. You disgust me, a said mafia boss who claimed to have the power to take down the Choi family, the boss who killed just because a man was doing his job, the boss who threatened to abuse me. Pathetic, now look at you, bleeding on your knees with no gang to help your pathetic ass.”

Bang!

“Ops, there goes your ball sack” you laughed, a sinister tone that brought a chill down Seungcheol’s spine, a very confusing feeling.

Hongjoong choked on his own breath, pain was all he could feel now, slowly losing conscience because of all the blood he was losing.

“I’m no whore,” you pressed now the gun to his forehead “Let’s take that filthy tongue of yours out, I’m not done with you. You’re going to beg me to kill you.” You wanted him to suffer, to feel so much pain that he begs for mercy and you'll deny him that.

This moment you thought about for so many nights, so many times you wondered how you'd do this, how much fun will it be, how long will you play with your toy. It was almost turning into a fantasy of some sort.

Now that he's here, it is more exciting. Slowly might be your best option, hurting their manhood your signature, hearing his pathetic cries was music to your ears.

You wanted more, maybe after him you'd go for Wooyoung and Yeosang, you have one or two things planned to say to them. You were savoring this so badly, having too much fun.

This was a sight to see for everyone else, the beautiful woman torturing a supposed mafia boss. Your own presence was slightly captivating, and very unsettling.

It wasn't common for a woman to be like this, to enjoy this too much, to be so unbothered by the sight of so much blood, such a precise aim with a gun, such hunger in your eyes for more.

Seungcheol stepped up quietly to your side, his large hand coming to rest flat softly against your shoulder blade. As you look up, he saw the pure hatred vibrating through every fiber of your being. But his own eyes grounded you, bringing you slowly back to this present.

“Sweetheart.” his sweet but firm voice and the hand on your shoulder was enough to make you come back to your senses a bit. Still, you showed annoyance towards him interrupting your performace, your fantasy unfinished

“I’m busy Seungcheol. This scum—”

“I know,” Seungcheol grabbed your arm to help you stand up “Let’s get this over with sweetheart.”

You were slightly more aware of the surroundings, the eyes on you actually terrified of what they were seeing. Then you were aware of the heavy breathing of the other two agonizing bodies in pain.

This is ridiculous you thought. And tiring. You were already exhausted, but seeing him there on the ground already bleeding out, brought you more exhaustion than relief and that pissed you off.

Seungcheol is right, let’s get this over with.

“I think you deserve to suffer longer,” you raised the gun taunting him a little more “You do deserve to rot in here all alone, or maybe with your boys.” You then turned to look at the forms of Wooyoung and Yeosang on the floor without lowering the gun pointed at Hongjoong, you smiled at them, taunting with a single tilt of your chin.

"Gotta admit, this is so much fun."

You broke contact with them, looking one last time at Hongjoong’s bleeding body shaking with pain. Your eyes then looked up to meet Seungcheol’s steady, grounding gaze. You looked at him for a long, quiet beat, the storm in your chest settling just a little more. He didn’t have to say anything to you.

“Let’s end this already.” You said calmly, like shooting a bullet through this man's head wasn't a big deal. So you smiled at Hongjoong. “See you in hell.”

Then, without any sort of hesitation, you fired a final bullet straight through the center of Hongjoong’s forehead.

His body went entirely limp against the concrete.

You lowered the gun, turning your gaze back to Wooyoung and Yeosang, who were staring at you, not believing what happened and you could tell reality hit them as you were taking small steps towards them.

“Thank you,” you said softly, a dark, cynical smile on your lips. “Thank you, for making this so easy. I had fun talking to you, even though both of you are disgusting like he was. So, one last gift from me.”

Bang! Bang!

You fired both men on the groin as well, with a small laugh you shrugged “A gift for your stupid attitude. I am not a whore and both of you are just annoying and useless,” You turned your back on them completely ignoring their pleas and cries. You rolled your eyes and turned to Seungcheol, and you then noticed every Sector17 men there looked at you surprised, waiting for something else. Maybe you breaking down or going crazier. “They’re all yours boys.”

Seungcheol reacted immediately, his commanding aura taking over now. He looked back toward the entrance as Jun and the rest of the crew finally entered the warehouse. “Okay, Minghao, Jun—clear the floor,” Seungcheol ordered sharply, his voice carrying the absolute authority. “Jeonghan, Deal with everything. Wrap it up clean. We got a lot to do after this.”

“With pleasure, Boss.”  Jeonghan smirked looking back at you and winked “I’m your fan dear.” With that he chuckled and turned towards the rest and looked down to the two men in agonizing pain. A sight to see, you really did shoot them in the balls “What a masterpiece” Followed by two loud gunshots

Seungcheol had already reached to you, his eyes softening instantly as he stepped Infront of you, completely blocking the bloody scene from your view. “It’s over now, sweetheart,” he murmured, his deep voice thick with emotion, all between pride, relief and something darker that he’s not going to point out here, not yet. Mostly he was glad. “I promise you, it’s completely over.”

“I know, Cheolie. Now I’d like to go home, please.” You were surprisingly calm though the raw adrenaline was still hot through your veins. Seungcheol did not hesitate.

He stripped off his heavy, warm overcoat and wrapped it securely around your shoulders, pulling you firmly against his chest to shield you from the cold river air you’d feel outside this shit hole.

“Let’s go home, sweetheart.”  He whispered softly, his strong arms holding you tight as he began to lead you out toward the waiting car outside.

A Bitersweet Ending

The front gates of the mansion flew open before the engine even died. Chan stood on the threshold, his eyes were glued on the car and wide open looking for any confirmation. The moment he saw you step out of the car, wrapped in Seungcheol’s coat, a visible tremor passed through his shoulders and his face revealed the immense relief of seeing you alive, and back. He’d beat himself to death if something happened to you.

He spent just a couple of hours with you, he doesn’t really know you. But he knows Seungcheol, he knows his brother. He heard about you long before you came to the mansion. He always wondered how you’d be like, and how did you managed to steal his older brother’s heart. Seungcheol trusted him to take care of his woman and he’d failed, miserably. All he had done was shoot the man and not even to kill him. How on earth was that worth of anything?

He failed his brother. When he had informed Seungcheol he truly thought he’d kill him.

Chan had spent this entire time convinced that his failure had signed your death— and eventually his own. He looked at Seungcheol, his posture stiffening, preparing for the absolute worst from his Boss and you, he was ready to take it.

“She's fine, Chan,” Seungcheol said, his voice low and tired as he guided you up the marble steps, his large palm steady against the small of your back.

“Hey kid, I’m okay.” You said softly as you saw relief but guilt while looking at you. Not able to stand it, you walked to him and hugged him “You did nothing wrong you hear me? Cheol told me, you saved them and I am really grateful for that Chan.”

“I just— I failed, I thought they—”

“could kill me? No, I’m crazier than I look dear. Now, listen to me.” Pulling away he noticed you looked at him like Seungcheol would sometimes right when he’d scold him for not eating or leaving food on the pool table. That simple thing made him surpress a laugh “We’re fine, now go inside, take a shower and eat something. I’m sure as fuck you did not eat or drink anything. Go. Eat.”

Chan let out a small relieved chuckle. “Yeah, I will.” He grinned “The girls are perfectly safe, I took  them home already”

The best streetfighter, a mafia member, but you still saw in him a kid, maybe he's not that young, but he is the youngest, he's not entirely new in this world, he has done his own damage, he has blood on his hands, but you couldn't stop it, he reminded you of your sister a little. So, he was a kid

“I better not hear you flirted with them Chan.” You warned him “Now, go eat. I’m not going to tell you again Lee Chan.”

“Yes, Boss.”

-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Against his will, Seungcheol decided to give you time to rest.

 Jeonghan, Minghao, and Jun had just slipped back into the mansion through the basement entrance, their expressions grim and focused. The map of Manhattan on the wall was already being updated by Wonwoo, red ink taking over the blocks that used to belong to ATZ.

Seungcheol needed to handle this— incident. Coordinate with Jeonghan, Wonwoo, and the other families to ensure Sector 17 is not a threat right now. However, they should have a meeting as soon as possible, this is not going to end without a settlement.

Seungcheol is going to prove that he will do whatever he has to do to protect his family and his own empire, but won’t pick a fight just because. This needs to be discussed.

An hour later, and the strategic lines had been drawn, the orders given, meeting date set and the majority of ATZ property will officially belong to Sector 17.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Seungcheol’s exhausted, but most importantly worried about you.

You were wide awake, took a shower and changed into your silk black nightgown, you had already brushed too many times your hair, makeup was long gone. Your red dress and mask were on the chair by the bathroom door. You were still contemplating if you wanted to keep it or burn it.

Seungcheol knocked on your bedroom door almost too quietly.

“Can I come in?” his voice was soft, careful, he wanted to see you but did not want to disturb you.

“Sure,” you turned around to watch Seungcheol carefully step inside.

He walked across the heavy rug, his movements slow and deliberate so he wouldn’t startle you. Cute. He sat down on the edge of the bed, in front of you as you were sitting on the vanity chair. You could see his dark eyes were filled with such a tenderness worry.

“How are you feeling sweetheart?” he murmured softly, his voice dropping into that gentle, intimate tone he only used when the two of you were completely alone.

You turned away, your eyes were now fixed on the fire, “well, to be honest I thought I’d feel different,” you whispered, your voice cracking slightly. “I mean I am fucking glad this is over, but I just thought I’d feel lighter at once”

Seungcheol wondered if you were actually ready for this in the first place. He slid closer, a warm hand carefully coming to rest over your own. It was bringing the comfort you needed, to be honest you needed more.

“This weight won’t go away all at once, sweetheart,” he said softly, his thumb tracing the back of your hand making you feel comforted, amongst other things. “But you don’t have to carry it by yourself anymore. I’m right here. I will always be here, whether you choose me or not.”

You finally lifted your head, your dark eyes locking onto his own. You did feel relieved now, for once you felt protected, and slowly the heavy weight you were feeling was lifting off your shoulders.

“Choose you or not” You repeated softly, a small smile forming on your lips, “I appreciate you’re letting me decide. But we both know the answer already.”

“Maybe, but I still don’t want to pressure you. I know I messed up”

“Mmm, you did,” you stood up to get closer to him, he tried to get up but you stopped him by sitting on his lap. You were tired, but there was something else already that made your skin burn. “But you’re here now, and you don’t plan on leaving me, right?”

“No, I won’t make that mistake again.” He replied without hesitation. He was trying so hard to control himself, but the fact that you were on your nightgown, on his lap, looking like a sin, was torture.

 The air in the room shifted instantly, a little suffocating but in a good way.

You looked at his sharp jaw, the dark intensity of his gaze, the broad shoulders beneath his silk shirt that was already wrinkled and unbuttoned revealing a part of his chest, and you were long gone. You were sitting on his lap, the tough mafia leader was now just there looking at you like you were his entire world.

The small resentment you had been holding had already faded. The pride that told you to make him fight for you, long gone now. It was now replaced by a desperate, mutual longing that had been building for far too long.

“Cheol,” you breathed, your voice a soft almost purr. “I want you, all of you.”

Seungcheol is losing all restraint. He wanted to wait, to let you rest, but sitting on his lap, in this nightgown was driving him crazy, that’s why his large hands couldn’t stop as he slowly caressed your waist and almost instantly pulling your body closer against his chest, he looked up at your eyes then your lips and he let out a small grunt

“I’m all yours sweetheart,” seungcheol’s right hand was now on your cheek going to the back of your neck, ready to pull your face closer to him but still holding back. “But, you need to rest. I—”

“Seungcheol,” you whispered as one hand was griping tightly his shirt while the other was already slowly going up to his hair, stroking it admiring the softness and how it feels, pulling it tightly enough to make him let out a small grunt. “I want you to fuck me. Now.”

His restraint completely broke at your words, and he crashed his lips to yours with a passionate, fierce force that left you completely breathless. Wanting more, needing more of him. The way he tasted, his soft lips fiercely kissing you, making your head spin and taking your breath away.

Seungcheol wanted to wait, wanted to court you, leave aside his desire for you, his longing and ignore the way his body was calling for you wanting more.

Seungcheol wanted to be a gentleman. You, on the other hand, wanted him to take everything he already had claimed as his from the moment he met you. The version of him as Sector17’s boss had made you go feral.

You didn’t have any other love interest, not when he left and not even before him. Reacting so quickly to his voice, his smell, his eyes, his lips. Just like you were to him, he was going to be the death of you. The desire you felt for him was overwhelming.

Both of you were frantic now, possessed by this desperate need to remove every piece of cloth between you. He lifted you so effortlessly to place you properly on the bed, without missing a beat he grabbed the fabric of your nightgown, his large fingers finding the lace strings and with sharp tug, he pulled it off you now leaving you exposed to him, his eyes were on you, admiring your uncovered body, soft skin tempting to be touched, marked, worshiped. Seungcheol paused for a second, his breath hitching as he was taking in the sight of you—flushed and panting. So needy, he wanted to take his time with you, softly touch every inch of you, worship you.

Oh, but you were like a drug, just for him and you were as eager as he was.

Without breaking eye contact, he reached up and tore his white shirt, ripping the buttons open until the fabric fell away somewhere on the floor. His broad shoulders and chest all the way down were a sight to see, the dark ink of the tattoos stretching across his shoulders making him look unreal, his defined chest and abs made you reach up, touch his hot skin, tracing every muscle as you were biting your lips.

This tension was a little too much, feeling his skin, seeing him like that, with those dark eyes that, just like you, were lusting and admiring.

Seungcheol was mesmerized, you were laying in bed completely bare. You looked beautiful to him, pure and glowing.

You were incredibly needy to touch him more, he looked unreal, and just by looking at him you could feel aroused and so damn wet.

The moment he pressed his bare skin against yours you felt a jolt of electricity run through your body, your hands instantly running from his chest to his back, your nails digging into the skin as he pressed his full, delicious weight down on you. The way he felt, the way he smelled it was just addictive.

This is what you were craving. The heat, the way his soft bare skin was against yours, fuck you needed this, you needed more of him.

“Mmm, I love that you’re taking your time,” you moaned as Seungcheol kissed your neck suddenly sucking on your skin definitely leaving a mark. “But I want more, need m-more. Y-yes.”

Tightening your grip on his shoulders as he slid his hand down your stomach, his rough, calloused palm feeling every inch of your skin sending a jolt of pure heat straight to your core.

His fingers slipped through the waistband of your lace panties, sliding lower finally feeling how soaking wet you already were. You choked on a gasp, your hips instinctively arching up against his touch, just this was making you feel so good.

“Look at you,” Seungcheol whispered, his voice dangerously low as his fingers slid down your wet core, painfully slow but so good you were crying out his name, your eyes rolling back. “So wet for me. I have to taste you.” His voice deeper than ever, like a man starved

“Cheol,” you moaned throwing your head against the pillows as the way he was touching you pushed you closer and closer to the edge already. You hooked your legs tighter on his hips, practically begging for more. “As tempting as that sound, mmm, you can eat me out next time. I need your dick inside me. Now.”

“So eager, sweetheart.” He said with a dark chuckle as he pulled back his fingers and licked them clean, “and so sweet. I am going to eat this pussy soon baby.”

He stripped the last piece of your underwear away, his own following until he was completely naked above you looking at you with the same hunger. He positioned himself again between your thighs, his thick length pressing directly against you, a delicious warmth.

Feeling the size of him, combined with the absolute desire in his gaze, made your heart start beating like crazy and your breath hitch. It was overwhelming but a pleasure you’d be addicted to, a pleasure only he can give.

He didn’t wait. He didn’t even ask. Shifting his grip to secure your hips firmly against the mattress, Seungcheol drove his hips forward, sliding once, twice his dick through your pussy and then burying his entire length inside you in one deep, firm thrust.

The sudden fullness stretched you slightly painfully for a few seconds causing you to let out a breathless cry from your lips. Your fingers scratched his shoulders with the same intensity, your back arching fully off the bed as you gripped him tightly.

Seungcheol stood still for a couple of seconds, his jaw clenching so hard as he held himself deep inside you, the feeling of your pussy and your body felt too good, he was trying so hard not to lose himself, going feral and cum in ten seconds.

“Fuck, Y/n,” he groaned, his voice deep as he buried his face in your neck taking in your scent. “You feel so good, so tight... so perfect.”

The moment the intense pain turned  into a throbbing, hot pleasure, you began to move your hips against him. “Cheol, move oh god, fuck me” your voice breaking. “Faster, Cheol.”

Your words broke whatever control he had, Seungcheol began to move, his pace slow at first and incredibly deep. Every single thrust was a powerful force that rocked the entire bed, his hips slamming against yours. He held your wrists pinned above your head, his fingers locking with yours driving deeper and deeper hitting the right spot causing you to moan desperately for more.

The pleasure was blinding, a sensation that completely consumed you. You were completely at his mercy, your legs wrapped tightly around his waist to take him as deep as possible, your loud, unfiltered moans and the sound of skin against skin echoed filling the room. You watched him right now with nothing but desire, the sweaty neck, the raw intensity in his eyes as he looked down at you, completely obsessed and drunk in you.

“You’re mine,” he repeated, his pace now turning frantic, his thrusts becoming faster, harder, so deep making your eyes roll back in pleasure, he felt your inner walls begin to tighten around him, you were so close already, so tight. “Say it, sweetheart. You are mine.”

“I’m yours,” you moaned louder, “fuck— harder, Cheol” the friction was pushing you over the edge. Your entire body was reacting to his movements

“Cum with me baby,” his pace was unreal, his hips slamming against yours, loudly and incredibly good, “Sweetheart, fuck you’re so tight,” he moaned as he moved his hand to your core rubbing your clit bringing you to the edge and your body was now shaking as you came moaning his name.

The intense, pressure of your orgasm completely broke him. Seungcheol let out a deep, guttural growl, his hips driving into you one last and deep thrust, through your own intense orgasm you could feel him pulsing as he came inside you. The feeling of him so deep inside you sends more pleasure through your whole body.

His strength finally gave out, and he collapsed heavily against you, his chest heaving as he buried his face in the crook of your neck, his breathing hitting your skin causing you to feel more sensitive, in the most exquisite way.

Your arms wrapped tightly around his sweaty shoulders, holding him tight against you savoring every inch of him against you. Seungcheol slowly tried to pull away feeling he might be crushing you

“Mmm, stay don’t move,” you moaned and held him tight causing him to groan in pleasure, he was now a little oversensitive but definitely did not want to move either, “I’m sore but this feels good” you moved your hips a little tightening around him.

“Fuck sweetheart, you’re making me hard again” though both of your bodies were already spent, these seconds were already igniting more need, more pleasure and somehow more goddamn energy.

“Oh really? Well, I do want more.” somehow you managed to push him and get on top, not even pulling out. The new movement and position caused a shiver go through your body. “Oh my, so good Cheol, fuck your dick feels damn good.”

“Then let’s get to work baby,” Seungcheol growled holding your hips as you were bouncing on his cock, tits right on his face, your moans and the sound of your pussy slamming on his dick getting louder and wet. You lifted your body, fully seated on his cock rotating your hips, holding back your hair you moaned closing your eyes enjoying the way he felt. “Fuck, you’re incredible.”

Not stopping for a second he started to fuck into you harder, this new position made you feel him even more, the fight for control was overwhelming, you liked having him under you, but having his hands guide you, move you on his cock felt amazing. Another round of him fucking you so good you see stars,

Seungcheol was loving every second not only because how you feel around him, but because each time both of you tried to take control, it was a small battle for it he’d move you or hold you down against his chest as he slammed his hips up into you, or you’d take his hands pin them above his head and bounce yourself on his cock taking him at your own rhythm.

This was a pleasure you needed, you craved him. Now he’s here underneath you fucking the living shit out of you.

“Fuck, Cheol I’m going to cum again” you breathed out between your loud moans, you were now on this addictive high feeling every inch of his dick reaching parts inside of you that brought you closer to the edge every single thrust every single rotation of your hips “So good, your dick is so good.”

“Cum with me baby, come on sweetheart cum on my dick.” He groaned holding you in place slamming his hips up into you, sound of slapping skin louder than ever causing you to feel lightheaded, the pleasure was starting to feel too much, but so good. You didn’t care about over estimulation, his cock was so deep soo good you wanted more.

“make me cum darling, fuck me,” you whispered in his ear, biting his ear lobe you breathed out “fill me up again. Cum in my pussy, make me feel you. Fuck me full, yes!”

Trigger enough, Seungcheol groaned and had gone feral. His dick hitting that spot inside you that had you seeing stars, your moans grew louder if that was even possible. You could feel the way your body was on the edge already, a bigger orgasm than the previous one and you were ready for it

“Cum. Now sweetheart, milk my dick.” Seungcheol growled kneading and giving your ass a hard slap that triggered the most intense orgasm of the night, your body was shaking and you couldn’t control it, your walls tightening around Seungcheol causing him to moan as well making him cum inside of you. His orgasm as strong and intense as your own “Fuck, milk my dick baby, damn it. So tight.”

He was now mumbling praises to your ear, spilling himself once again inside of you, the feeling was incredible, warmth inside your pussy that now you could feel dripping down his dick, Seungcheol was seeing spots from the intense pleasure, he was now on the edge of overstimulation but he didn’t care he kept fucking his cum inside you slowly but deep, both moaning while he keeps kneading your ass with each movement squeezing and slapping it, feeling how it jiggles making you feel so good.

“I feel so fucking full,” you whispered, exhausted but completely satisfied, still slowly rocking your hips “I like it, I might ask for this daily”

“I’ll gladly make your wish come true” Seungcheol moaned, “Mm, this pussy will be the death of me though. So tight so perfect for me.”

“All yours, Cheol.” You breathed out, still on top of him, his dick stayed inside warm and still semi hard, keeping most of his cum inside of you feeling amazing. “I’m all yours.”

“And I’m yours sweetheart.” He kissed your cheek looking up at you with those doe eyes, he was spent, he felt drained in the best way possible.

Seungcheol held you tight as he rolled you to lay down next to him, you whined as he slid out of you making you feel empty, and you could feel his cum start to drip out of your pussy. Seungcheol noticed and he slid his fingers gathering it all and bringing his fingers to your mouth, without hesitation you licked them clean earing a small moan from him.

“You are going to be the death of me sweetheart.” He said looking at the way you sucked his fingers clean, his dick twitched at the sight, but he knew you needed to rest and he needs a break, thought maybe he could keep going. “let’s rest baby.”

You could only hum in response, you were spent, tired and with no strength but deeply satisfied, you were worn out but the pleasure was worth it, your body was still feeling the pleasure but also very sore. An exquisite combination that you’d gladly take more than once.

“Mmm, I want a bath, but I don’t want to move.” You chuckled and looked at Seungcheol with tired doe eyes making him smile back at you “you really wore me out Cheollie.”

“Well, good. You wore me out too baby.” He softly tucked a strand of hair behind your ear “you drive me crazy. In the best way.”

“mmm, I feel dirty but good.” You smiled at him as he leaned down placing a soft kiss to your forehead. “take a bath with me?”

“Of course, sweetheart.” He grinned as he stood up, slightly dizzy he recovered and laughed. “you really did drained me baby.”

“I want more.” You pouted at him as he gently lifted you from the bed and caried you bridal style towards the bathroom. He chuckled and kissed you softly.

“You’ll get what you want sweetheart, but first, let’s clean you up and rest.” You rolled your eyes making him chuckle. “you’re being a spoiled princess.”

“Queen,” you corrected him with a wink, “I might be spoiled, but I am a Queen.”

“My spoiled Queen.”

The warm morning sun was fully illuminating the bedroom, you were tired and sore, somehow this soreness felt good.

Days prior to this madness, you’d wake up a little irritated that the morning sun had directly woke you up too early for your liking, but not this morning.

With a long sight, you shifted now leaning on Seungcheol’s chest, resting your chin on your hands that could feel his beating heart match yours already, beating faster at the sight of him, hair messy thanks to your hands and the pillow, face a little puffy and cheeks already rosy, his plump lips already smiling.

“Morning sweetheart” his deep morning voice already sending a shiver down your spine straight to your core.

“You’re adorable.” You simply said causing him to chuckle as he tucked your hair behind your ear.

“You’re adorable too,” he whispered, he saw the way you were looking at him and then how you simply drifted off. “Something is bothering you. What is it baby?”

You chuckled, of course he’d noticed already. Seungcheol’s hand, had been lazily tracing the line of your spine, his eyes on you carefully reading you.

Before you moved, you’d been thinking about everything that happened the night before, the way everything ended and how you didn’t have to worry about how you could get more information from drunk men. You don’t have to worry about reaching for the derringer on your thigh when you’re out, damn you don’t even have to worry about having to go out to the speakeasy bar anymore.

“A part of me is very glad is all over,” you said softly, “no more hiding, no more risks, no more dealing with stupid sexually constipated men. Gotta be honest though, a part of me is going to miss being Cherry.” Seungcheol chuckled, he could tell that beside the dangers of being her, you enjoyed it.

“You liked being her?”

“It was fun sometimes. Setting the whole purpose aside, I enjoyed being her.” You smiled fondly at the memory, you didn’t use her only with those men to get information. She was a blast on those good quiet days, Miss Cherry would take the girls to the dance floor and have fun with them, flirt playfully with women, tease the small crew. Tease some couples that were having fun, even occasionally playing poker with some of them. She wasn’t only there to be sultry and seduce men till they spilled secrets and worth information for you, she was a way to have fun without feeling too guilty, without feeling the restraint.

Miss Cherry was fun.

“You enjoyed it because you were yourself, you just had a mask on.” he said still tracing random patterns on your bare back.

“I guess, but it is easier to claim it was someone else instead of being real and say Lee y/n did all of that.” You chuckled “I don’t really want to do those things again.”

“It’s okay if you want to use that mask again, have fun at the speakeasy with the girls.” He whispered though his voice now turned more serious “I just don’t—I mean—”

“I am not going to flirt with other men anymore, Cheol. That’s why I plan on letting go of her.” You reassured him, he wanted to let you be free, but he also wanted you all for himself. He was afraid of sounding like he wanted to force something. “I’m yours. Completely. No more masks. Just me, us.”

A profound, breathless relief washed over Seungcheol's face, immediately followed by a clear joy because of what you said. His woman. He cleared his throat, his expression turning uncharacteristically serious as he tried to sit up, adjusting the pillows behind him.

“Y/n, listen,” he started, his voice taking on a formal, serious tone. “I want to do this right. I don’t want to rush things, I want to court you properly. I want to take you out to the finest dinners in the city now, take my time with you and do this the way you deserve. I want to buy you flowers, eat peacefully together and win your heart the way a gentleman should—”

“A gentleman?” You cut him off with an incredulous laugh, rolling your eyes as you sat up too. “Cheol, look at yourself. You have my nail scratches on your back, love bites on your neck, you’re now the most feared mafia boss in New York, and you’re saying you’d try do things like ‘normal’ gentlemen would do.”

“I’m serious,” he groaned, a cute pout forming on his lips as his jaw set stubbornly. “You deserve to be courted, to have romance not just—”

“I don’t want a lame ordinary romance, or being courted” you interrupted with a sudden, intensity that completely captivated him. You leaned in, your fingers gripping his chin. “I don’t want a gentleman anymore, and I certainly don’t want to wait. I want power, I want adrenaline, and I want it now. I am no princess or a pure innocent girl ready for a boy to sweep her off her feet, Choi Seungcheol. If you want me, you take me and make me yours, no questions no waiting. You’re a boss, act like one. Even if I’m ready to piss you off and overrule everything you say. I want challenge, you want it too.”

Seungcheol stared at you for a second, stunned by your words. Then, a slow, utterly smitten smirk spread across his face. Your own boss energy radiating from you made him feel excited. You truly were a brand new woman, you were Miss Cherry completely, and he liked it.

He did want to give you what he couldn’t before he left, but hearing you and looking at you, he knew that you two never were normal.

You are not a woman that looks and acts like an angel and he is not a man only ready to give you jewelry and everything your princess spoiled heart desires.

No, you were a strong woman ready to piss him off and then make him forget what he was angry for with a sultry whisper of his name, a kiss and sex. You were a woman that wanted, craved the adrenaline, he is a man ready to take whatever he wants no matter the cost, he is ready to give whatever you wanted even if he also pisses you off, even when he would try to boss you around too. He was ready to give you everything already. Love, money, adrenaline and power.

It’s true, you two were not the same as you were two years ago.

“So, you want now?” his voice dropping into a dark, playful grumble. “You want me to take you”

“Seungcheol—” before you could even say something else, he stood up abruptly and with a burst of cheeky wicked energy, he grabbed the silk bedsheet, wrapping it securely around your bare body he effortlessly scooped you up into his massive arms, throwing you over his shoulder effortlessly. You shrieked in surprise as he slapped your ass.

“Cheol! Put me down! What the fuck are you doing?”  you laughed, your fists hitting his bare lower back.

“You said you wanted me to take you, sweetheart,” he chuckled, marching right out of the bedroom in nothing but his dark cotton boxers. He carried you down the grand marble staircase, completely ignoring your protests and the imminent possibility of someone running into both of you. He passed the main foyer, down the quiet corridor, and kicked open the heavy doors of his dark office.

The room was dark and took time to adjust to the barely iluminated room. He walked to his massive desk, placing you softly there, you took the sheet and covered more of your chest as he stepped back, breathing slightly hard, cheeks flushed and a wicked smile still plastered on his face.

You sat there wrapped on the white silk sheets, your hair a wild, beautiful mess, staring at him in disbelief and curiosity. Trying to ignore the way it kinda turned you on the way he picked you up, manhandling you all the way to his office. You made a note to put those arms and strength to good use soon.

“You are completely insane.”

“Probably,” Seungcheol agreed. He kissed your cheek before he walked over to the heavy iron safe in the corner of the room, spun the dial with ease, and reached into it looking for something.

“You do have a pretty ass, can I bite it?” you spoke outloud as you tilted your head while checking him out. His broad back, every muscle well defined, the way his ass looked from there was really tempting to have a bite.

When he turned back around, he looked at you with wide eyes before laughing at your comment that had you blushing already. “Don’t look at me like that! You have a pretty ass, it is bigger than mine!”

“I doubt that sweetheart.” Seungcheol chuckled “And no, you can’t bite my ass.” He smiled at the way you now clearly pouted. The simple idea of you biting his ass was exciting a little. He had a very well defined, round and very squishy ass. Of course you wanted to bite it.

“You can’t bite my ass”  you mocked him rolling your eyes, as you were ready to badmouth him more, you noticed he was holding a small, red velvet box that looked entirely out of place in this conversation, keep in mind, he had that velvet box on his hands while half-naked.

His expression now shifted from playful to something incredibly serious, raw and deeply emotional. You could feel it yourself.

There he was, in nothing but his underwear, messy hair and marks that hinted the passionate night he had with you. The terrifying boss of Sector 17 now dropped on one knee before you.

“I’ve had this ring for almost three years, Y/n,” he said, his voice suddenly thick, and a little shaky. He opened the box, revealing a stunning, flawless cut diamond that caught the dim light of the office making it shine beautifully.

“I bought it before everything went to hell. Every single day that I spent with you I realized how wonderful you are, I knew I wanted you. Then, everything changed and I spent every night beating myself up for leaving like that, I wanted to come back to you and take you with me, but you’d be in danger because of me. Then this shit happened and when those fuckers took you, I was terrified because I didn’t know if I’d see you again, if I’d ever get the chance to give this you. To spend my life with you.”

Your breath hitched, the playful sarcasm instantly dying in your throat as you looked at the ring, and then at the fierce loving devotion in his eyes.

“This is a mess, I am a mess.” Seungcheol admitted, letting out a soft laugh as he gestured to his lack of clothes and your wrapped sheets. “I know this isn’t the Plaza or some fancy restaurant, I’m in my boxers and you’re wrapped in these sheets completely naked underneath. But I just know you are the woman I want in my life, next to me. Be mine, Y/n. Run this city with me. Marry me.”

Tears formed in your eyes. It was messy, odd and just out of traditional way of proposing. You struggled with the sheets until you finally could free your hands to reach out and hold his face making him stand up. “Fuck, Yes.” you whispered, a huge smile spreading across your face. The most genuine, warm and full of love smile you saw him wear. “Yes, you idiot! Fuck, of course yes!”

Seungcheol let out a loud victorious laugh as he took your hand and gently, carefully slid the heavy beautiful diamond ring in your finger before he cupped your face and crashed his lips fiercely against yours, then his hands tangling in the sheets trying to find your waist and pull you close. Claiming you here was rather tempting, bending you over the desk—

THUMP!

The heavy mahogany doors flew open, bouncing violently against the wall.

“Finally you woke up! I thought I heard you. Boss, we have an interesting update from the north side—the chief of police just—”

Chan froze dead in his tracks as he looked up from the papers on his hands. The words died completely in his throat.

He stood paralyzed in the doorway, his eyes widening once he took in what was in front of him.

His gaze flicked from his massive built Boss standing in nothing but his boxers, and then at you, tangled in a nest of bedsheets clearly naked on the mahogany table, your hand resting on Seungcheol’s shoulder but the massive diamond on your finger clearly visible.

The sight registered shock on Chan’s face in real-time. Then, just as fast, his skin turned a bright shade of red. The weight of the scene was now too heavy

“Oh my god,” Chan’s voice cracking into a high-pitched, horrified tone. “Oh my god, I am so sorry! I am so, so sorry! I did not see anything!” he was now panic, trying to hold the folders but also cover his eyes.

“Lee Chan! Get the fuck out!” Seungcheol growled, his voice deep with annoyance as he instinctively stepped closer to you to block Chan’s view.

“Too much skin, perverts! Oh my god! You horny freaks!” Chan shouted, frantically spinning around on his heel to flee but also debating where to leave the folder with information. He was ready to leave, “Can’t believe—”  But in his absolute panic rant, he completely misjudged the distance of the doorway.

Chan’s forehead smashed directly into the heavy doorframe with a sickening, hollow thud. He let out a pathetic, strangled groan, and you let out a loud laugh. Chan stumbled backwards, he then tripped over his own feet and clumsily stood back up and left mumbling something about pervert couple.

The heavy silence returned to the office once the doors closed again making you look back at Seungcheol. Both of you just stared at the empty doorway. Then, you burst out into a loud laugh, griping the sheets tightly, the absurd moment made you laugh too much.

 Seungcheol held it in for a fraction of a second before he threw his head back joining you. The laughter slowly calmed down, he now rested his forehead against yours, both of you still giggling with amusement.

“I think we traumatized the kid.” You chuckled as you took his hand with yours.

“He’s not a kid, he’s done worse and he’s going to live.” Seungcheol smirked at you, those cute dimples fully on display still again, making your beating heart more erratic.

“Ah, just to let you know. I will marry you, but I will not stay behind. I’m having my own seat at that table, do you understand? I don’t want to be in a mansion doing nothing.”

“Figured, you’re so bossy and stubborn you know that right?” he chuckled as he pulled you close to him “I’ll think about it.”

“Think about it” you scoffed as you pulled back from him “I’ll think about marrying you then”

“Why do I have a feeling that you’ll be a pain in my ass?” Seungcheol chuckled as the pout in your face turned into a very annoyed look “I’m kidding sweetheart. You got your chair right next to mine the moment I saw you walk out of that private room unharmed, rolling your eyes right after killing someone.”

“My endeavors were worth it then.” You kissed his right cheek, “do I have to sit next to you—” kiss his left cheek “or can I sit on your lap? Or—” you looked at him right into those darkening eyes and now with that characteristic sultry whisper you leaned closer, lips barely touching, hand trailing lower from his chest to his abs, followind the happy trail until you reached his underwear “better yet, on your cock?”

With serious expression he tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, he spoke truthfully and determined “Lee Y/n, I want you to be my wife, you will have a seat next to me on that table, deal with this world with me like you want. Like I want.” His voice was low, that tone did something to you, his eyes then turned darker, his demeanor changed in a second as he pulled the sheets down exposing your front to him forcefully, your bare breasts in all their glory, nipples already hard, you were already getting the sheets wet from his proximity and the way he looked at you, now his voice was a low purr against your neck “but right now, you will be sitting here like a good girl, while I eat this pussy until you soak my face, then you’ll have permission to sit in my cock so I can fill you up sweetheart.”

“Oh, tempting and so kind of you baby. If you mean it, then get down to it Cheol,” you moaned, the anticipation already burning and making you impatient “show me how much you want this pussy.”

“I fucking love you y/n” and without any warning he opened your legs and kneeled down to finally have a taste of your pussy. And just like that, he was pussy drunk you tasted divine, so sweet.

“I love you Cheol—Oh fuck! Right there, yes!”

The future of Sector 17 is going to be incredibly messy it will be bloody, chaotic and. It might have started in a crazy way, but this was the ending you wanted, well kind of.

You succeeded on getting justice for your father, shooting a bullet to the killer’s head and bringing the so called family down, you made him feel the weight of everything he’s done. All that with a pretty velvet, red dress, a mask and a sweet voice.

It won’t be easy, dealing with the consequences of your own vendetta. Sector17 took down many of their business, slapped a few fellas. All because they messed up with you and with Seungcheol’s patience. You were ready to face it though, and you were not going to be alone this time.

Clearly.

How to Stop Being Self-Conscious

Even if you’re self-conscious now, you can take steps to build your confidence and become more comfortable in social situations. Here are a few tips you can incorporate into your life:

Be kind to yourself. To overcome self-consciousness, turn your feelings of self-loathing into self-love. Rather than engage in self-criticism, work on reciting positive affirmations to yourself. Focus on your strengths and what you have to offer the world. Realize that even perceived weaknesses can become strengths when you utilize them well. It might feel unnatural at first, but self-acceptance can prove to be just as much of a learned behavior as self-consciousness.

Get outside your comfort zone. In the course of your daily life, try to put yourself in situations that make you uncomfortable. Start small and work your way up from there as you begin to step out of your comfort zone. Remind yourself there’s a first time for everything. As you experience self-conscious emotions in these scenarios, you’ll slowly begin to realize they aren’t as bad as you worried they’d be.

Meet with a therapist. Reach out to a licensed therapist to work through how your feelings of self-consciousness developed in the first place. These trained professionals can help you unpack why you feel anxiety in social situations or why your own thoughts can often work against you. They’ll also help you build up your sense of self-worth, leading to an improved state of well-being.

Practice mindfulness. If self-consciousness is a fixation on negative thoughts, mindfulness is the process of letting these thoughts go. When you practice mindfulness meditation in your everyday life, you start to realize your self-conscious thoughts are like storm clouds passing through the sky. The same goes for your emotions. If you let these thoughts and feelings pass through you rather than latch on to them, you’ll begin to view yourself with more objectivity, equanimity, and compassion.

Reframe your thoughts. Your inner critic will make you believe everyone thinks you’re awful and knows every bad thing you’ve ever done. This is an example of the spotlight effect—the belief everyone in a room focuses on you. In reality, many people are probably just as self-conscious as you and are worrying over what you think about them. As you reframe your negative thoughts in a positive way, you’ll bolster your sense of self-worth.

Causes of Self-Consciousness

Self-consciousness arises in people for all sorts of different reasons.

Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or OCD might put you at higher risk for developing these feelings about yourself.

Childhood experiences of abandonment, bullying, and rejection can also have a major impact on a person’s self-image or propensity for negative self-talk.

Even into adulthood, negative experiences with others can lead you to develop a poor self-image and an increased sense of self-consciousness.

── ⋆⋅☆ LOVE LETTER #1 ☆⋅⋆ ── ⋆˚✿TITLE: The Wedding Game ⋆˚✿PAIRING: wedding photographer!seokmin x wedding planner!reader ⋆˚✿SYNOPSIS: There is nothing so dangerously thrilling like walking the line of love and hate, especially at weddings. You and Seokmin are addicted to it. ⋆˚✿WARNINGS: slight sexual content (making out and stuff, but no smut!)

ᯓ★ A Love Letter to @aeristudios ᯓ★ Delivered by: @orbitondgtl on 20th July

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── ⋆⋅☆ LOVE LETTER #2 ☆⋅⋆ ── ⋆˚✿TITLE: Do Hate The Player ⋆˚✿PAIRING: rival e-sports player!wonwoo x rival e-sports player! fem!reader ⋆˚✿SYNOPSIS: Everyone knows Wonwoo as the most nonchalant member of the notable e-sports team — "GAM3BO1", however, they also know that Wonwoo only loses his cool with a particular hotshot member of the e-sports team, 'ST4RL1GHT'. You. When a variety game show brings the two teams together and expects you two to work together, there may be more to this rivalry that meets the normal viewer's eye. ⋆˚✿WARNINGS: swearing, reader is really competitive, some mean comments thrown here and there, everyone else on their team is lowkey (highkey) done with their shit

ᯓ★ A Love Letter to @jakedustry ᯓ★ Delivered by: @livmarauder on 23rd July

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── ⋆⋅☆ LOVE LETTER #3 ☆⋅⋆ ── ⋆˚✿TITLE: Idiots At Work ⋆˚✿PAIRING: coworker!seungcheol x reader ⋆˚✿SYNOPSIS: A heavy snowstorm + a blackout = the solution to your growing feelings for the ever so charming and popular, Seungcheol. ⋆˚✿WARNINGS: none, it's fluffy and cute

ᯓ★ A Love Letter to @gent1es3xy ᯓ★ Delivered by: @orbitondgtl on 27th July

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── ⋆⋅☆ LOVE LETTER #4 ☆⋅⋆ ── ⋆˚✿TITLE: Under The Skin ⋆˚✿PAIRING: boyfriend! idol!jihoon x girlfriend! non-idol! fem!reader ⋆˚✿SYNOPSIS: Jihoon has never been good with emotions. Everyone know that he pours that into his life's work with Seventeen and you aren't the exception. When he starts working late and neglecting you for their newest comeback, your secret relationship starts to take a toll on you and all the negative thoughts start to swarm which makes you wonder if this relationship was ever worth it in the first place. ⋆˚✿WARNINGS: SMUT, Angst, negative thoughts, self-doubt, jihoon being a little oblivious, stressed working environment, (more to be added)

ᯓ★ A Love Letter to @cherry-zip ᯓ★ Delivered by: @livmarauder on 30th July

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── ⋆⋅☆ LOVE LETTER #5 ☆⋅⋆ ── ⋆˚✿TITLE: Brain Less ⋆˚✿PAIRING: college student! bf!chan x college student! gf!reader ⋆˚✿SYNOPSIS: Chan is in desperate need of a distraction. You have the perfect solution to his problem. ⋆˚✿WARNINGS: SMUT (more to be added)

ᯓ★ A Love Letter to @luvrung ᯓ★ Delivered by: @orbitondgtl on 3rd August

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── ⋆⋅☆ LOVE LETTER #6 ☆⋅⋆ ── ⋆˚✿TITLE: Lost In Translation ⋆˚✿PAIRING: idol!soonyoung x backup dancer! fem!reader ⋆˚✿SYNOPSIS: Hoshi's known for having one of the best stage presences in k-pop history with how confident he was and how much aura he holds on stage. Kwon Soonyoung on the other hand, is the complete opposite when he tries to talk to you, one of Minghao's dancer friends. When he finally works up the courage to, he realizes you can only understand Chinese and everyone begins to wonder how far his crush on you will take him, including himself. ⋆˚✿WARNINGS: soonyoung being nervous, minghao being a little shit, (more to be added)

ᯓ★ A Love Letter to @duhnuuuuwrites ᯓ★ Delivered by: @livmarauder on 6th August

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── ⋆⋅☆ LOVE LETTER #7 ☆⋅⋆ ── ⋆˚✿TITLE: My Husband Is A Loser ⋆˚✿PAIRING: husband!seungkwan x wife!reader ⋆˚✿SYNOPSIS: You love Seugnkwan in all his silly and annoying glory. Sometimes you just need to get back at him. ⋆˚✿WARNINGS: none, but I will be very funny in this

ᯓ★ A Love Letter to @cherrypickedxo ᯓ★ Delivered by: @orbitondgtl on 10th August

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── ⋆⋅☆ LOVE LETTER #8 ☆⋅⋆ ── ⋆˚✿TITLE: Subliminal ⋆˚✿PAIRING: brother's best friend! fwb!joshua x fwb! fem!reader ⋆˚✿SYNOPSIS: Joshua Hong is known as the campus heartbreaker, once you get into bed with him or catch feelings for him, you are doomed. When you end up doing both and your brother finds out, you end your partnership with him before you meet your impending doom. However, it seems like Joshua has other plans in mind because he can't seem to let you go without a fight. ⋆˚✿WARNINGS: none, it's fluffy and cute

ᯓ★ A Love Letter to @mellowgyu ᯓ★ Delivered by: @livmarauder on 13th August

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── ⋆⋅☆ LOVE LETTER #9 ☆⋅⋆ ── ⋆˚✿TITLE: Food For Thought ⋆˚✿PAIRING: best friend!mingyu x chef!reader ⋆˚✿SYNOPSIS: Your usual food date with your best friend leads to a night you'll never forget. ⋆˚✿WARNINGS: SMUT (more to be added)

ᯓ★ A Love Letter to @cherrymayz ᯓ★ Delivered by: @orbitondgtl on 17th August

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── ⋆⋅☆ LOVE LETTER #10 ☆⋅⋆ ── ⋆˚✿TITLE: Iridescence ⋆˚✿PAIRING: boyfriend!jeonghan x girlfriend! fem!reader ⋆˚✿SYNOPSIS: Jeonghan's always known that he wanted to marry you. It was as if it was written in the stars. However, when the day finally arrives to ask you to be his forever, everything that can go wrong, goes wrong. ⋆˚✿WARNINGS: swearing and making out! loads of panicking (more to bed added)

ᯓ★ A Love Letter to @hopecutie ᯓ★ Delivered by: @livmarauder on 20th August

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── ⋆⋅☆ LOVE LETTER #11 ☆⋅⋆ ── ⋆˚✿TITLE: Bubble Pop Electric ⋆˚✿PAIRING: rich guy! minghao x reader ⋆˚✿SYNOPSIS: You have Minghao wrapped around your finger and he proves to you how much he loves it over and over again ⋆˚✿WARNINGS: SMUT! (more to be added)

ᯓ★ A Love Letter to @gentleisa ᯓ★ Delivered by: @orbitondgtl on 24th August

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── ⋆⋅☆ LOVE LETTER #12 ☆⋅⋆ ── ⋆˚✿TITLE: MIA ⋆˚✿PAIRING: childhood best friend! idol!vernon x rockstar! fem!reader ⋆˚✿SYNOPSIS: Seventeen thinks Vernon might be a bit delusional sometimes, because why was he talking about you, a world renown rockstar as if he personally knew you? Even worse, why does he think he's dating you?! ⋆˚✿WARNINGS: none! a lot of crack humour, the guys "bullying" vernon, swearing, guy's being stupid (more to be added)

ᯓ★ A Love Letter to @mylovesstuffs ᯓ★ Delivered by: @livmarauder on 27th August

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── ⋆⋅☆ LOVE LETTER #13 ☆⋅⋆ ── ⋆˚✿TITLE: The Chronicles of a Girl Dad ⋆˚✿PAIRING: husband! idol!jun x wife! non-idol! fem!reader ⋆˚✿SYNOPSIS: Jun didn't think fatherhood would look like this... especially with him dressed as a pretty princess with blue eyeshadow and a tiara to a picnic that his daughters wanted. ⋆˚✿WARNINGS: none! loads of fluff and reader making fun of jun!

ᯓ★ A Love Letter to @nerdycheol ᯓ★ Delivered by: @orbitondgtl & @livmarauder on 31st August

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©livmarauder2026 & ©orbitondgtl If you would like to be tagged for this, do comment down below! All fics are 18+, despite whether there is r-rated content or not, which means blogs without age or age indicators will not be tagged!

Don't Hate, Litigate! - Choi Seungcheol. [🚨]

⚖️ Court Reporter: Altair ( @haologram ) ⚖️ Submitted Evidence: Choi Seungcheol is smart - he is, he's gone through all of life's curveballs with his head held high and his girlfriend by his side. However, when six of the major curveballs just so happen to be the bar exam, he's not sure he can win. ⚖️ Witnesses: Paralegal!Choi Seungcheol x Law Student!Reader ⚖️ Exhibits: High School Sweethearts AU, DILF!Cheol. Angst, Fluff, Smut. ⚖️ Read Court Report Here!

Reasonable Doubt - Yoon Jeonghan. [🚨]

⚖️ Court Reporter: Aeris (@aeristudios) ⚖️ Submitted Evidence: Jeonghan is the rich playboy that had the world at the palm of his hands—until he is accused of murder. With all of the cards stacked against him, he reaches out to the only lawyer he can trust to defend him without bias: his ex-fiancé, who so happens to hate his guts. ⚖️ Witnesses: Lovers to Exes, Lawyer AU, Murder Mystery. ⚖️ Exhibits: Angst, Smut. ⚖️ Read Court Report Here!

Unveiling Hearts: The Law of Attraction - Joshua Hong. [🚨]

⚖️ Court Reporter: Bee ( @idyllic-ghost ) ⚖️ Submitted Evidence: Two former law school rivals are forced to confront their past and present when they end up working together at the same firm. As old tensions resurface, their professional and personal lives become entangled, leading to unexpected challenges. Through rivalry and collaboration, they navigate the complexities of their relationship and careers, discovering that some connections are meant to be re-examined. ⚖️ Witnesses: Lawyer!Joshua Hong x Lawyer!Fem!Reader ⚖️ Exhibits: Rivals to Lovers, Coworkers to Lovers, Lawyer AU. Romance, Smut, Fluff, Angst. ⚖️ Read Court Report Here!

How To Cancel Your Faustian Bargain - Wen Junhui. [🚨]

⚖️ Court Reporter: Jewel ( @100vern ) ⚖️ Submitted Evidence: As the devil, you’re more than happy to grant favors in exchange for someone’s soul, and you’re known for having the most iron-clad contracts around. Which is why Wen Junhui—the scene’s newest contract attorney hell-bent on returning all those souls you’ve acquired—is really starting to piss you off. ⚖️ Witnesses: Contract Attorney!Wen Junhui x Devil!Fem!Reader ⚖️ Exhibits: Enemies to Lovers, Lawyer AU. Crack, Fluff, Smut, ⚖️ Read Court Report Here!

Elevatory - Kwon Soonyoung.

⚖️ Court Reporter: Hana ( @wqnwoos ) ⚖️ Submitted Evidence: You were once in love with Kwon Soonyoung, and it’s incredibly hard to avoid that fact when he works literally two offices down from you. It’s even harder to avoid when you’re stuck in a broken elevator with him for hours, and he seems determined to dissect everything that went wrong three years ago. ⚖️ Witnesses: Lawyer!Kwon Soonyoung x Fem!Reader ⚖️ Exhibits: Exes AU, Coworkers AU. Angst, Fluff. ⚖️ Read Court Report Here!

Legalities and Such - Jeon Wonwoo. [🚨]

⚖️ Court Reporter: Yannie ( @wonuwoe ) ⚖️ Submitted Evidence: Wonwoo deliberately kept his distance from you, his best friend's little sister. Changkyun might be easygoing, but a secret Wonwoo found out during high school was enough for him to ignore your existence throughout university and law school. All that changes when Changkyun enlists his help that forces you both to work together for his sake; where Wonwoo finds himself wondering if he can still find the person he once rejected all those years ago. ⚖️ Witnesses: Lawyer!Jeon Wonwoo x COO!Fem!Reader ⚖️ Exhibits: Lawyer AU, Brother's Best Friend AU. Drama, Smut, Angst. ⚖️ Read Court Report Here!

Killer Courtship - Lee Jihoon. [🚨]

⚖️ Court Reporter: Nana ( @bitchlessdino ) ⚖️ Submitted Evidence: If you were lucky enough in love, you'd end the doomed engagement before it stirs up in inevitable divorce. If you were unlucky, however, you'd end up going to your divorce attorney ex for a different marriage you're trying to get out of. Bonus points if you're a murder suspect. ⚖️ Witnesses: Divorce Lawyer!Lee Jihoon x Ex-Fiancée!Fem!Reader ⚖️ Exhibits: Exes to Lovers, Second Chance Romance, Murder Mystery AU. Romance, Smut, Fluff, Angst. ⚖️ Read Court Report Here!

Objection! Please Don't Go... - Lee Seokmin. [🚨]

⚖️ Court Reporter: Bunny (@thestraybunny) ⚖️ Submitted Evidence: Lee Seokmin's one of the best lawyers in your city, with his success thanks all to you, his secret weapon on cases other lawyers considered lost causes. He would be lost without you. So, when you announced you were leaving the firm, it blindsided him. One last case, which happened to be one of the biggest of his career, and you are gone. With the odd stacked against him, Seokmin now has two cases to win. His client's, and the one to convince you to stay. ⚖️ Witnesses: Lawyer!Lee Seokmin x Fem!reader ⚖️ Exhibits: Coworkers (and Idiots) to Lovers, Lawyer AU, RomCom. Fluff, Angst, Humor, Smut. ⚖️ Read Court Report Here!

Underneath the Briefs - Kim Mingyu. [🚨]

⚖️ Court Reporter: Dreamie (@straylightdream) ⚖️ Submitted Evidence: He’s always been able to have anything he could ever want. There is only one thing that’s always seemed out of reach, his assistant. ⚖️ Witnesses: Lawyer!Kim Mingyu x Assistant!Reader ⚖️ Exhibits: Workplace Romance, Possible Power Imbalance, Romance, Smut, Angst. ⚖️ Read Court Report Here!

The Devil's Advocate - Xu Minghao. [🚨]

⚖️ Court Reporter: Altair ( @haologram ) ⚖️ Submitted Evidence: Minghao is never going to be the first to admit he's unhappy in his loveless marriage. He married for convenience, sure, but he still cares about his wife and would never go out of his way to hurt her in any manner. That is, until you've suddenly begun catching his attention. ⚖️ Witnesses: Divorce Lawyer!Xu Minghao x Intern!Fem!Reader ⚖️ Exhibits: Coworkers to Lovers, Loveless Marriage AU. Angst, Romance, Smut. ⚖️ Read Court Report Here!

The First Punch - Boo Seungkwan. [🚨]

⚖️ Court Reporter: Ami (@gentleisa) ⚖️ Submitted Evidence: Anyone knows that Criminal Procedure with Professor Gibbins is brutal in every sense of the word. Anyone who cares about their future career as a criminal defense attorney, knows that if you want a decent shot at getting into any of the big firms, you need to secure a spot in his clinic. It's an equal game to anyone in his class, so he says, but the rest of your cohort would disagree. Ask anyone in your cohort who they thought was in prime position to take the coveted spot and you'd get two names: yours and Boo Seungkwan's. Another universally known fact? Your mutual disdain for each other. Competition lies ahead and neither of you are leaving until the other is bloody and bruised. ⚖️ Witnesses: Law Student!Boo Seungkwan x Fem!Reader ⚖️ Exhibits: Enemies to Lovers, Law School AU, How To Get Away with Murder AU. Fluff, Angst, Smut. ⚖️ Read Court Report Here!

Ipso Facto - Hansol Vernon Chwe. [🚨]

⚖️ Court Reporter: Hali (@sailorsoons) ⚖️ Submitted Evidence: The first thing you ever learned about Vernon Chwe was that he can't sit through a lecture without eating chips. The second thing you learned was that he excels at everything with infuriating ease. Unfortunately, those facts have remained entirely consistent throughout undergrad, law school and worse - your career together as junior associates at the same firm. ⚖️ Witnesses: Lawyer!Hansol Vernon Chwe x Lawyer!Reader ⚖️ Exhibits: Rivals/Coworkers to Lovers, Lawyer AU, RomCom. Fluff, Mild Angst, Smut. ⚖️ Read Court Report Here!

Risk Another Goodbye - Lee Chan. [🚨]

⚖️ Court Reporter: Jess ( @starlightkyeom) ⚖️ Submitted Evidence: You're exactly where you want to be in your career. You're at a firm that feels perfect. Or it was. Enter: Lee Chan. It's been 3 years since you've seen the ex that broke your heart and now he's going to be working alongside you. ⚖️ Witnesses: Lawyer!Lee Chan x Lawyer!Reader ⚖️ Exhibits: Lawyer AU, Exes to Rivals/Coworkers to ???. Angst, Fluff, Smut. ⚖️ Read Court Report Here!