#breaking;

Perhaps a bit more caution would have helped ease the leader's nerves. It certainly was strange - while constant surveillance from his bodyguards was often uncomfortable and tense even after so many years, he always felt a little more secure with them around. Even while understanding that they could turn on him at any time, the feeling of simply being protected was enough to keep him levelheaded.

But that night, any companions would have been considered offensive and improper. Although he was visiting an old friend, caution was always necessary when interacting with anyone in the underground - especially if they were one of the rulers. Despite having the title of a ruthless "King", even Soo Hyuk had his limits.  He knew better than to induce unnecessary misunderstandings and tensions between gangs when they could be so easily avoided. Keeping bodyguards could so easily create a hostile and unwelcoming image which could have been considerably worse than the dangers of traveling alone.

Another sip of his drink brought Soo Hyuk back to his senses. In any case, he was in a territory that he could label as neither that of enemy or ally. Cruelty was only natural for anyone in the mafia world, and throwing away past relationships could be considered second nature. Survival was essential. Delaying the inevitable bitter end was the goal of all, and Soo Hyuk dared not contradict such philosophy.

Gaze focused on the pianist performing on the dimly lit stage, the leader silently anticipated the approaching arrival of the bar's owner. Lee Hyori - where and when she and Soo Hyuk first met had been long forgotten. Perhaps such memories had been cast aside due to the deep development of their relationship, even when it could be so easily thrown away. It had been a while since the two had seen each other face to face, and he was both eager and a little anxious for their reunion. Of course, neither emotion would be shown through neither expression nor gesture mostly out of the necessity to preserve his image.