Supreme Freedom

Yoo Taeyang - Finding Allies

I was confused but more upset that I had been set up like this. I wondered if Youngkyun had killed her, if he'd be the one set up. ~No, how would they know?~ It would have been a last minute switch and Youngkyun's specialty was poison. He didn't like to get his hands dirty but rather enjoyed watching the target die a slow and painful death. I grabbed my bag and ran outside, escaping through a blind spot and jumping over the fence. I quickly rounded the corner into an alley and out the other side of the block. Suddenly, Somin appeared and pushed me into the car. I tried to stay calm and plan a way to escape if an opportunity arose. However, instead of taking me back to Sanghyuk or Hyungnim, they took a detour to an outer part of town. No one had said a word until we got to a rundown neighborhood. TOP turned to me and motioned for me to get out. ~What the? Are they helping me? Or is this where they kill me?~ I grabbed my bag and opened the car door.

Somin: "Be careful... Try not to get caught by anyone."

I got out of the car without saying a word and they drove off. I looked around and went through a narrow alley until I found an empty house. I went inside and sat on the floor to try and gather my thoughts. ~Why did they help me? Is this part of a trap?~ Several thoughts were going through my mind. I took a few deep breaths and emptied my mind as I sat there meditating with my eyes closed. I suddenly heard footsteps outside. I quietly got up and went into one of the bedrooms at the end of the house. I waited to make sure no one would be outside the window waiting for me but before I could climb out, the door opened and Minho stood at the door. Just then, Taecyeon walked in with a gun aimed at Minho. Taecyeon nodded towards the window and kept the gun fixated on Minho.

Minho: "We're on the same side."

Taecyeon: "I've never been on Hyungnim's side."

Minho: "I meant Taeyang's."

Taecyeon pressed the gun against Minho's head and scoffed.

Taecyeon: "You expect me to believe that? You're Huta's right hand."

Minho: "I became an orphan and had nowhere to go. I - I should have walked away that time...But I - I didn't know where else to go..."

Minho looked defeated but I still wasn't sure if I could trust either one of them. I was inching towards the window when Taecyeon lowered his gun. Minho fell to his knees with tears in his eyes. Taecyeon put away his gun and looked around the room.

Taecyeon: "What are we going to tell Huta?"

Minho: "That we couldn't find him. That might buy us some time to figure something out. Taeyang, stay here for now. Don't let anyone see you or catch you."

I nodded and watched as they left. I waited for them to leave the area before grabbing my bag and leaving. I couldn't take the chance that they may be setting a trap for me. Everyone always looked out for themselves and if things were spiraling like this, there was no reason to help anyone. I walked around the neighborhood until I saw another abandoned house. I was about to go inside but I figured it would be the first place they looked. My face had been plastered all over the news so getting a ride was risky. I didn't have supplies with me, just my guns and knife and some cash. ~I really didn't think this through.~ I waited for nightfall and headed out through alleyways and back roads until I came across another neighborhood. I looked for an easy target and snuck in. I grabbed some food and different clothes and ran out to the backyard. I changed clothes and put my old clothes in my bag to dispose of them somewhere else. I walked back to the alley and headed out again. I wasn't sure of where to go, there was no one to call for help. I was lost in thought when I rounded the corner and almost got run over by some guy running recklessly. I heard a woman yelling and turned to see her on the floor bleeding from her head. The desperation in her eyes as she looked at me reminded me of myself back then when she suddenly disappeared. I turned around and sprinted to catch up to the guy and cut through the alley. I caught up to him as he was resting against the wall looking back to make sure he wasn't being followed. I pulled out a knife and approached him. After recovering the purse, I noticed the bracelet dangling from the strap. ~This - this is - wait.~ I ran back to the woman who was now surrounded by onlookers helping her. ~Fuck, I can't get recognized.~ I went back and pulled out a mask. As I was about to turn around, I heard someone approaching and moved away.