BLACK DAISIES ↠ NCT OT23

Rapture

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"Milk! This is so unfair!"
Mark plopped into the couch with a sigh, Haechan following him close behind. The younger boy tugged at his sleeve and he only made a feeble attempt to push him away.
"Dude, I'm not the one who said you can't go. Talk to Taeyong-hyung if you want."
"But you can say yes to him for me! Come on, I've been stuck here baby-sitting these kids for the past two months, I'm a 127 member too!"
Jeno looked up from the game he was playing on his phone and shot him a dry look. "Who are you calling kids?"
Haechan ignored him and proceeded to stomp his feet on the carpeted floor. "I want to go out! I haven't had fun in a while!"
"It's been a day since we've been holed up together," Renjun said from his position on the floor as he flipped through his magazine, his voice unbothered. "Imagine doing this for two months."
At his comment, Chenle turned his head to join the conversation. A look of slight concern settled over his face. "What-, you mean we'll be stuck here until the competition is over?"
Everyone turned to Mark who, in turn, glanced at the group with a slight look of guilt on his face. He gave an exasperated sound before running a hand through his hair, "Look, I don't have a say on this, Taeyong-hyung, he-"
A collective sound of disapproval came from the scattered group of boys in the living room.
"Look, I'm not into crazy parties, but keeping us holed up here is too much, even for me," Jaemin said with a slight frown.
"Yes, we're not kids anymore-"
"Actually, you still are, Jisung-" Jeno cut him off though he did turn to look at their eldest with a concerned look of his own. "We're allowed to at least go out for work, right?"
I strolled into the living room at that exact moment, my head down as I tried to set-up the palm computer that I'll be bringing with me. Haechan followed me with his gaze, probably weirded out by how I look much more made up than usual.
"You're going out, noona?"
I briefly looked up at him as I punched in the last string of code to connect the mini computer to my main one. "Hm? Yes, I'm going to Anarchy with Yuta and-"
I wasn't able to finish what I'm saying as the boy gave a dramatic screech that almost made Jisung fall from his seat. Haechan turned to Mark again, looking at him accusingly.
"Look! Even she is going! And she never leaves her nest!"
That remark made me frown and settle a hand on my waist. "Hey, what do you mean I don't leave my-"
"What's going on here? You're being so noisy," Taeyong's voice got the attention of everyone as he descended the stairs. My gaze lingered on him as I took in his appearance. His black hair was slicked up neatly and he was wearing a simple black button down with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His pants had a few tasteful rips here and there and his leather boots looked polished despite the scruffs they've earned from years of use. He kept everything look casual by accessorizing with silver rings and a simple necklace. I quickly looked away. It's been a while since I saw him dress up for anything other than a mission.
"Hyung. Can't we go to Anarchy with you? Mark said we can't," Haechan finally decided to beg his plea with him instead. Taeyong frowned as he fixed his watch on his wrist.
"More like I said you can't. You know the situation, it won't do good if we all leave. Something might happen."
"But we've been stuck here for months! We haven't been able to have some fun because we were so busy. At least take me with you!"
"Haechan, this isn't really up for negotiation right now."
"Are we not allowed to go out then until this is over?" Jaemin asked quietly from his corner, making Taeyong and Mark turn their attention to him. Just then, the rest of 127 strolled into the room, looking like the (unfairly attractive) mafiosos they are.
It took a while for Taeyong to answer. "I'd say it will be better. Other than important work things, it'll be better if you kids stay put for a bit."
The boys exchanged looks of concern between each other. I can tell they want to negotiate, but Taeyong's stand in the group kept them quiet. Despite Mark and Jeno being the captains of Dream, Taeyong still holds the final say on everything.
"Noona, you think we can come right?"
I looked up in surprise at Haechan as he shot me the question. I could feel the others' eyes quickly settle on me as well, one pair of gaze particularly waiting for what I have to say.
"I, uhh-I don't think I have a say on this-" I stuttered, completely surprised by the sudden curve ball thrown at me. This kid. What is he doing?
"You've been here with us too since they left. You've been stuck here as well," he continued and even had the audacity to pout. I blinked back at him, trying to send him a silent message to cut it out. Seriously, the boy can be too sneaky for his own good sometimes.
"But I..."
"It's okay. What do you think?" Taeyong urged me, his eyes still drilling on me. I shot him a nervous look and swallowed.
"I think..." I started as I cautiously considered my words. "We can give them a bit of slack. They've been working their asses off for the past few months..."
"What about what might happen when we're all seen together? You don't think it'll be dangerous for us?"
Fuck. Is this really turning out to be a discussion? I barely even wanted to go with them myself!
I tried to think over my words carefully before I answered. I can't believe I've been put on the spot like this, but I also don't have any intention to look stupid in front of a crowd.
"Honest opinion, I think it's okay that you're trying to keep them safe, but you also have to consider other things," my eyes flickered to the kids briefly. "This is the time when everyone will be watching your move more than ever. Holing ourselves here might come off as a sign of weakness. Like... we're afraid..."
Taeyong didn't say anything, instead giving me a slight nod to urge me to speak more.
"If anything, this is the best time you should put yourselves out there. Show everyone you're standing together. I don't think some will have the guts to sabotage you guys if they know you're sticking to each other," I finished, my throat feeling dry.
A small smile grazed Taeyong's lips as he mulled over my words. He seemed satisfied with my answer, impressed even. Behind me, I could almost physically feel the younger boys holding their breaths as they waited for him to give his decision.
"That makes a lot of sense. Actually, it makes so much sense," Johnny finally said to break the silence. He jerked his head slightly to motion to the rest of the group. "I think it's best if we show a united front right now. We'll still be careful, of course."
Taeyong looked at him briefly before glancing at me then at Dream. Finally, he gave a sigh and a wave of his hand. "Fine. I can see the point. You guys can go, but make sure that you watch each other's backs," at that, he turned to finally head out the door. "We'll go ahead. Mark, you guys take the other car."
Haechan gave a squeal of happiness from the couch. He picked himself up quickly and ran towards me, giving me a quick hug and a peck on the cheek. "Thank you, Noona! You're the best!"
I swear I would have whooped his ass if he wasn't too quick to run upstairs to get ready.
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"Are you really just going to spend the night sipping on your orange juice?"
I didn't need to turn at Yuta beside me to know that he is shooting me his signature judgmental glance. I barely shrugged at him and grunted, my eyes still set on the dance floor below. It's a little past over midnight and the energy of the place is really starting to pick up. Right now, I couldn't be any more happy that I'm sat at the second floor of the club, a place reserved for NCT alone.
"It has whisky on it," I said plainly, clearly bored with my surroundings. To be clear, I am not someone entirely opposed to alcohol and the idea of having a good time. More often than not though, I fail to see the hype behind the mix of deafening music, sweaty bodies, and cigarette smoke.
Yuta merely snorted beside me, looking as equally bored as I am. Now that I think of it, it was kind of weird that he is staying here with me. I gave him a sideways glance at the realization of it.
"Why are you here? Don't you have, I don't know, drugs to sell or internal organs to peddle?"
The look he gave me made me snicker into my curly straw.
"You know we don't do that-that's disgusting."
I simply hummed and watched as a few women wearing slinky red dresses wove towards the middle of the dancing mess below, trays of different colored drinks held high above their heads. For any regular club-goer, they look like run of the mill waitresses bringing shots to everyone. Taped just underneath their trays, however, are pills as psychedelic in color as the drinks they were carrying.
My eyes strayed towards the bar then to see Johnny manning it as expected. With his black silk button down and silver hoop earrings, he is definitely sticking out like a beautiful, impossibly attractive sore thumb among the other bartenders. I watched as he threw a wink towards a gaggle of women on the bar before passing them drinks spiked with whatever drug they bought with it.
"Where are the others?" I asked Yuta who raised his leather and steel-tipped boots on the small table in front of us. He threw his head back to drain the brown liquid from his glass before answering me.
"The Dreamies are in the pool room doing beer pong. Taeyong and Doyoung are meeting someone, I think. Jaehyun is checking on the escorts and I don't know where the hell Taeil and Jungwoo are. I'm assigned to be your babysitter tonight," he said that so casually that for a few seconds, the last part didn't really register in my head. When it finally did, I turned to him with wide eyes.
"Wait-what?"
Yuta merely sighed and stretched his arms over the couch we were sharing. "Are you surprised? Of course Mr. Prince Charming has to have someone watch over you."
I frowned at him before giving a frustrated breath of air. Seriously, Taeyong can be so over the top sometimes.
My expression must have been so frustrated because Yuta finally gave me a slight nudge after watching me silently.
"Yah...don't be too hard on him. You know how extra cautious he is on a regular basis. Now there's this stupid thing that the Don decided to do so, of course, he is being extra paranoid. Don't take it against him."
I listened to his words quietly with my lips pursed. As much as I hate to admit it, he does have a point. When it comes to being fiercely protective over the people he calls family, nobody in the group can really rival Taeyong. It was for this reason that he was chosen by the others as the standing leader of the whole group, despite not being too willing to take the position at first. He is exactly the type of person who will take on things he doesn't even want in the first place for the sake of keeping everything in order.
"What do you think will happen if nobody steps up for the call for a new head?" Yuta quietly asked beside me, effectively breaking me from my thoughts. With the blur of everything that had happened the day before, this question wasn't really given enough attention since everyone was focused on the group's stance and safety instead. I turned to look at the man beside me and noticed the hard look on his countenance. As laid back as he can be, Yuta is also one of the first members of NCT. Of course, he also wants to protect everyone in his own way.
My eyes settled on the melting ice inside my glass. I've thought about his question too the moment the announcement was made and none of the answers I came up with were entirely enticing.
"The thing is, it is impossible that nobody will try to go for the position. I mean... You guys have decided that you don't want it, but like I said last night, there are also the lower ranked soldiers...and Jihoon, of course."
Yuta's jaw ticked at what I said. While the lower ranks may not pose as much danger, not even holding a flame to NCT, the Busan arm is a whole different story. There is no doubt at all that their leader will try to snitch the crown just for the fun of it.
"That guy's a psycho, too. There's just something wrong with his head. I'd rather do harakiri than have him as the new Don-" Yuta trailed off, the cogs on his head connecting two and two together. He jumped from his seat all of a sudden and turned to look at me.
"Fuck, do you think the position will automatically be given to him if there are no other people who will try to take it?"
I didn't answer. I simply threw back a shot instead, my face grim.
That was enough for Yuta to spring from his seat. He immediately stood up, grabbing his suit blazer from the couch. Just then, Jungwoo and Taeil appeared at the head of the stairs, a black suitcase in the hand of the latter.
"I have to go find Taeyong-oh great, you're here. Go watch over her for me, okay?" And at that, he disappeared down the stairs, his form quickly swallowed by the crowd below.
I waved at the newcomers before picking up another random drink from the table. Both men flashed me a smile and took their seats, Taeil slumping across from me and Jungwoo taking Yuta's spot.
"What do you have there?" I asked curiously and pointed at the sleek black suitcase Taeil placed on the table. Both boys exchanged looks, and I could swear I could see excitement brewing behind their eyes.
"It's our newest baby. Here, let me show you," Taeil motioned for me to come closer as he turned the suitcase towards him. His thumbs pressed against two mirror-like squares on the side, the gesture followed by three consecutive beeping sounds after. The soft click of metal unlocking inside made his grin grow wider. With a flourish, he turned the suitcase to face me again, opening its sleek leather top.
I moved forward and squinted at what's inside. Despite the low lighting of the club, I could clearly recognize the fat bundles of 50,000 KRW bills inside.
"Fake money?" I reached out to pick up one rim and held it closer to my eyes. As entirely out of the ordinary counterfeit bills can be for the average citizen, this isn't really something new for the underground. I turned the pile I was holding in my hand, wondering what it is about them that's making the men excited.
"What's up with it? It looks pretty normal to me."
Jungwoo snickered beside me and leaned over to the suitcase. "It's because it's not the surprise," leaning over, he moved some of the bills aside to reveal a small black box inside. He picked it up and showed me the small microchip nestled inside it.
My head turned a bit to the side, still confused. It took me a few more seconds to finally gasp in surprise and grab it from his hands.
"No way! Don't tell me-"
"Yep. We can finally hack money scanners with that. It was a pain to develop but it is worth the try," Taeil laughed before nodding towards Jungwoo. The younger man gave a dramatic sigh though he didn't even try to hide the smug look on his face.
"I had to pull some strings, but here we are."
I turned the box in my hand, grinning ear to ear as well. The usual South Korean Won has had a number of high-level security features added to their printing over the last few years which made them harder to counterfeit. Hacking the money scanning machines instead is a genius idea-and of course it had to come from Jungwoo.
Unlike the rest of 127 who were either born into the crime family or were recruited really early, Jungwoo pretty much led a normal life until a few years ago. He finished top of class from an engineering college and was immediately accepted to work for the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation fresh from uni where he helped develop some of its systems. It was purely good luck that he said yes when Taeyong decided to recruit him, but he has been an entirely valuable asset for the group ever since.
He works perfectly well with Taeil who is considered the bookkeeper of the family. The eldest of the group specializes in auditing and has eyes over every business that falls under the "corporation." When he's not doing that, he is managing NCT's offshore accounts or doing money laundering on the side. Though he is not as involved in the field as much as the others do, he's a pretty important foundation holding 127′s operations together.
"That's amazing, Jungwoo. Genius as usual," I said as I snapped the small case holding the microchip shut before giving it back to him. He smiled back at me, looking proud of himself.
"See? We don't even have to try hard. The best for others is the norm for us," he said with dramatic flourish as he crossed his legs for full effect. I snickered before standing up to stretch.
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"Hey, I need a quick restroom break. Do you think you can check what Cypher's up to? So far, everything seems in place," I threw him the palm computer I have since he is the only other one who knows how to use it. He gave me a quick salute before he turned to Taeil again, the pair still talking about their newest win.
I was muttering to myself as I slipped out of the women's restroom, a little bit incensed at the idea of having to go through the throngs of sweaty bodies again just so I can find my way back to the second floor. Of all the days that the private lavatory has to be out of order, it has to be today. I gave myself one last look in the mirror propped up against the hallway to check if I at least still looked acceptable. I am personally not a fan of club fashion, but I'm still quite proud of the black jumpsuit I decided to wear today.
I fixed a stray strand of hair behind my ear and finally turned to leave. I had just turned the corner leading back to the main floor of the club when I smacked my face against someone's chest. The force made me take a few steps back and I barely caught myself by throwing my hands against the wall.
"I am so sorry! I wasn't looking. Are you okay-"
"Oh, it's fine darling. No harm done here."
The voice made me freeze. I know that tone. It's been a while since I've heard it in person, having mostly heard it through tapped lines in the last few years, but I have no doubts about who owns it.
I slowly looked up, my gaze taking in the leather boots, the casual jeans, and finally the black turtleneck covering the frame of the towering figure before me. I felt ice injected straight into my veins when my eyes finally met the face before me.
Kim Jihoon smiled at me like an old friend.
"Hello. It's nice to see you again," his voice was casual when he spoke. His expression remained calm and friendly as he looked down on me, his brown eyes twinkling as the beginnings of a smile started tugging at the edge of his lips. For the average bystander, he looked like an average good-looking man trying to strike up a conversation. But I knew him enough to notice the edges of his brown eyes just laugh a little with mad mirth as he refused to take a step back and give me space.
"Jihoon. How-why are you-"
"Here?" His face slowly angled to the side, an innocent look masking his features. "Why do you look so surprised? You can't believe your little computer spying magic failed you?"
The little color that was left on my face drained at his words. I tried to collect myself, but his gaze and his towering six feet frame wasn't helping at all with the claustrophobia and panic slowly rising to my throat.
"You're not allowed here. This is our zone," I shot back at him as I mustered the little courage I was able to collect. He stared at me emotionless for a second before his lips split into a smile again. This time, he didn't even try to hide the sinister edges of it.
"I believe when the Don said everyone is free to do anything they want, that meant the rules of territories are waived, too. Come on, honey. Don't act stupid in front of me now."
"Why are you here?" I spat at him through gritted teeth.
"I think you know exactly why."
"If you try to mess with any of us-"
"What will you do? Kill me?" He laughed, amused. "You don't have the power to do that. Or actually, you do. But you refuse to play good with it. Now look at what you've done."
I faltered at his words. If there's one thing Jihoon is best at, it's psychological torture. I was trying to scramble for a good retaliation when he suddenly sighed and slightly turned his head.
"Well hello, Taeyong. I see you still have a penchant for pressing a gun against my head as a welcome."
My eyes finally took notice of the man behind him who currently has his arm up to hold pistol against his head. I couldn't clearly see Taeyong's face since his back was against the bright lights of the dance floor, but I could see from the set of his jaw that he was livid.
"You bastard. Why are you here?"
Jihoon remained calm despite the nose of the gun pressed against the back of his head. He shook his head slightly, as if he was talking to kids and was trying his best to be patient.
"Why are you asking me questions with obvious answers? You know I hate that," From behind him, Taeyong cocked his gun. Jihoon's smile simply widened, amused at the anger radiating from the other man.
"Fine, fine. I'll give you answers since you two are so desperate for it!" He put his hands up and angled his body so that he can properly look at me and Taeyong. The latter took the chance to move to my side and stand just in front of me. The gesture didn't escape Jihoon's eyes as they sparkled with malice.
"First reason. I'm here to finally kill you," he pointed towards Taeyong casually, his smile bright as if he is simply talking about the weather. "I couldn't really have the opening before but now that the Don has made his announcement... You know it's going to be fun, right Taeyong? You and me... finally playing to the death."
"Unfortunately for you, I have no plans to die yet. And you can play your own sick game for all you want. I don't want anything to do with it," Taeyong answered, his gun still pointed at the other man's chest. What he said made Jihoon stop a bit, a look of slight confusion finally breaking his collected demeanor for the first time.
"What do you mean..."
"I am not participating. You can try all you want though, but Seoul will still be ours."
The other boy kept quiet for a bit. I felt my heart hammering harder against my chest as I tried to scour his features with the little light from the dark hallway. What I saw made my stomach turn. I knew exactly the meaning behind the darkness that's simmering underneath his gaze now. I've seen it so many times before.
It's the look of someone absolutely mad over not having all the chess pieces fall into the way he designed them to play.
The silence between our trio expanded and thickened that it felt ready to snap. Just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, Jihoon spoke again, the casual look of friendliness back on his face as if Taeyong hadn't spoken at all.
"That's fine. I'm sure you're going to change your mind. Want to know what my second reason is? Come on, humor me."
Taeyong simply glared at him. The other man's smile, however, widened even more. Slowly, he moved his gaze towards me.
"I'm here to finally get my future wife."
Boom!
The fear that burst in my stomach was short-lived, only to be quickly replaced by panic as a resounding explosion shook the floor of the club. Screams tore the air from the main dance floor as a gust of dust rained over the guests. Taeyong pulled me back, half of his body shielding me. Despite that, my fearful eyes found the crazed stare of the man still in front of us wearing a smile rivaling that of the devil himself. My heart stopped when he gave me his parting words before turning to leave.
"Tell your father thank you for starting the game. I'll make sure to enjoy myself."
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