Supreme Freedom

SF9 - The Beginning of the End

The next few days were quiet. There were no new missions besides Taeyang's but Youngkyun couldn't seem to let it go. He always lingered around Sanghyuk or Zuho trying to find out more information about the mission. Zuho was usually quiet and never budged no matter how much Youngkyun asked. He even tried acting cute but Zuho stared at him coldly and cocked his head. Youngkyun sighed and patted his shoulder.

Youngkyun: "Alright, fine. I'll stop asking. But at least I know I could trust you with any secrets. I'll get going now."

Zuho watched him leave and once he was sure Youngkyun wasn't waiting outside the door eavesdropping, he turned back to his screens and opened up the case file. Per Joon's instructions, no one was supposed to know but Sanghyuk had made the announcement in front of everyone and Zuho knew that Sanghyuk had a soft spot for Youngkyun. He took out his phone and sent a message.

Zuho: *About the target, we may have more than one assassin on this case.*

He put his phone away and continued monitoring the target until he heard her make plans to meet up with someone. He quickly turned to his keyboard and began typing rapidly, looking for the perfect place for Taeyang to set up. After he came up with a strategy, he closed everything out and hid the file in a locked drawer before going to meet Sanghyuk. After discussing the plan with Sanghyuk, he awaited for further instructions when Youngkyun of course walked in.

Sanghyuk: "Ah, Youngkyun perfect timing."

Youngkyun: "What is it Hyung?"

Sanghyuk: "Not that I don't trust Taeyang, but since this is a very high profile case, I want you to go as back up. I don't want to take any chances."

Youngkyun couldn't hide his excitement and bowed.

Youngkyun: "I won't let you down Hyung. Thank you for trusting me to go along."

Sanghyuk nodded and dismissed him. After he left, Zuho cleared his throat.

Zuho: "Are you sure this is the right move?"

Sanghyuk sat back in his chair and looked up at Zuho surprised. Zuho was never the type to question Sanghyuk, even when he disagreed with him.

Sanghyuk: "Why? Is there something I don't know?"

Zuho: "Joon Hyung made it clear that this was to stay between you, me, and Taeyang. I'm just worried if Hyungnim will be upset."

Sanghyuk waved it off.

Sanghyuk: "It's just extra precaution. It would be worse if we actually failed."

Zuho nodded and excused himself. As soon as he left, he heard Youngkyun confront him.

Youngkyun: "What's this? Do you have something against me?"

Zuho stood up straight but didn't turn around to face him.

Zuho: "Make sure to take this chance. It may be your only one."

Zuho walked off without saying anything more nor letting Youngkyun respond. Youngkyun scoffed and went towards his room. As soon as he walked in, he saw Taeyang by the window. He hesitated, a part of him wanted to tell him but in the end, he decided to just stay quiet. He went to lie down for a while before they got called in for dinner. Sanghyuk entered the dining room and stood at the head of the table.

Sanghyuk: "Alright, we have finally confirmed the details for our high-profile mission. As an extra precaution, Youngkyun will be going in as backup. Chani, Zuho will send you the GPS map later. I know we'll be successful, so let's just stay calm and get this done right."

He raised his glass and the others raised theirs as well except for Taeyang. He always looked upset but this time, the air had become even more heavy. Taeyang simply stood up and bowed before leaving without toasting or eating. Sanghyuk called after him but he just walked off. Youngkyun tried to hide his smile but there were a few members that noticed it.

Sanghyuk: "What the hell was that about?"

Youngkyun: "Don't worry Hyung, it's maybe just nerves."

Seokwoo: "Or that you hurt his pride."

Seokwoo smirked and took a sip of his wine.

Sanghyuk: "His pride? How?"

Youngbin: "He was given a job from Hyungnim and you are giving him a backup he didn't ask for. You're basically saying you don't trust him."

Sanghyuk: "I never said that! It's just precaution! What the hell?! Don't put words in my mouth!"

Jaeyoon: "If Hyungnim gave you a mission but then told Huta Hyung to go as back up, wouldn't you feel hurt?"

Sanghyuk: "No, I wouldn't! I'd be happy to go with Hyung!"

The others shook their heads and stayed quiet. Sanghyuk scoffed and sat down angrily. He motioned for the others to start eating. But he only poked at his food before standing up angrily and leaving. The others finished eating quietly and left as soon as they finished. Youngkyun made his way to the room and saw Taeyang laying down with his eyes closed. He walked over to the window and smiled to himself.