𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐑, 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 ✰ 𝐥𝐣𝐧

CH. 14

The lonely moon shone vigorously, squeezing the air surrounding the planet. Dimmed lights, lighting up the empty streets. The atmosphere was serene yet solemn, opening the pathway to an impassable labyrinth. A scintilla bloomed under the crimson moonlight, only eloquence words have been spoken.

The sound of bullets being shot were the only thing that could be heard amidst the ambush. It was a rather strident offense, but that was exactly the point. 

A female lifted her left hand up, giving a signal to her subordinates to stop shooting. She let out a breath she unknowingly held, hands inside her trench coat's pocket. She stopped in the middle of her tracks, her violet orbs stared at the empty space boringly.

"You can come out now," she called out. "Do me a favor and don't waste my time, yeah?"

Though she sounded whimsical, anyone who knew her would know that she was undeniably grievous. Since she had left all her subordinates outside the alley, now it was only her left. 

A figure moved swiftly towards her, hands gripping a knife firmly, holding it against her neck. The figure was standing behind her, but she could clearly tell who was behind all this.

"So you knew we had you under surveillance?" The bitter voice asked, her figure slowly becoming visible as she walked out of the darkness. Haneul let out a chuckle, eyes hooded. "Hyunjoo, it's been a while."

Hyunjoo held his gun against her, now standing right in front of her. "You haven't answered my question."

Haneul seemed to notice that despite the fact she already killed her once, it wasn't enough for her.

"Sorry, I was told not to act nice towards traitors. But since you asked nicely, I was the one who created the mafia's surveillance techniques. It's only natural for me to notice anyone who used the same method, no?" She grinned wickedly, aggravating the woman in front of her. 

"My turn to ask," the younger said, disarming the knife that was directed towards her neck smoothly. Her eyes sending daggers to the man that once held her captive, making him move back in fear. "Why are you still alive?"

"Right, you killed me. How lovely," Hyunjoo let out a sarcastic statement. "Oh sod off, will you?"

Haneul snickered. "Ah, I forgot how snuffy you are. Loosen up a bit, will you? We were partners after all."

"What do you want?" Hyunjoo asked impatiently.

Haneul's lips curved into a sly smile, hands folded to her chest as she leaned her body back slightly. She was getting what she wanted.

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

"Come in," Mark called, his eyes still focused on his paperworks. The door soon opened, revealing none other than his brother. "Oh Jeno, right I was looking for you earlier."

"What is it, brother?" Jeno asked, walking towards his desk. 

"It's about Princess Jihye. The Queen wants us to capture the killer as soon as possible."

Jeno acknowledge that they were short in time, but he knew he needed to listen to Haneul's plan just this once. "I'm aware of that. It's on progress, we already have a plan set up. "

Mark nods. "Pleased to hear that. Oh yeah and uncle Taeyong will be paying us a visit this evening."

"Uncle Taeyong?" 

Lee Taeyong, their father's younger brother. Unlike his any other family members, he wasn't involved in the military world. Specifically, he was a businessman. He owned the number one lavish clothing brand in the country.

Though he was successful in his business, he could rarely see his nephews because of his packed schedule. Meaning, he barely knew them. The last time he met Jeno was when he was fifteen old which was six years ago.

"Yes. You do remember him, right?" Mark questioned, earning a short hum from the younger. "Of course, how could I forget?"

Jeno brought his hands to his back, looking at his brother with an aloof expression. He had a lot inside his mind, but he figured that a lovely dinner with his family would be quite nice. 

Mark sighed, resting his chin on his hands. He could easily read his brother like a book, it wasn't hard for him to notice when something was wrong. But then again, he didn't know the right words to say. "Whatever you're thinking about, it's best to not get that in the way of your task."

"I know," he conferred. "What time will the dinner be?"

"8pm sharp. Oh and before you go, tell Donghyuck to not be late. Father and mother are gonna be there." 

Jeno nodded, turning his heals before exiting Mark's grand office. He wasn't really looking forward to this dinner, but he didn't have any objections to it as well. His parents have always been busy, and he didn't mind. 

The thing that bugged him was Haneul's words from earlier. She did make it clear to him that in order for her plan to work, they'll have to play the long game—meaning she will have more freedom in her task.

Just the thought of that made him tormented. Especially when she mentioned about sacrifices being made. All he could do was pray it will not be as bad as he thought.

jeno is so scared of haneul sheesh calm down she ain't gonna kill u...😄😄