Crimson Park

Chapter 15

You paced the floor of your apartment that night, stopping at the window to stare over the park, then wandering back into the darkness. He was late - and you needed him to get there before Jungkook awoke to an empty bed.

You crossed the floor again and noticed two figures in the darkness approaching the entrance to the park. You weren't expecting two, and it made your nerves race. That ungrateful fucker better have come through, and not tried to fuck you over. But then you realised who Mace was with - Zoya.

You made a pit stop at your bedroom door, peering in to make sure that Jungkook was still sound asleep, then you slipped out of your apartment, down the stairs and into the night as you made your way to the park.

When you found them, they were standing hand-in-hand, and you eyed the scene with skeptical curiosity.

"I took your advice. I'm leaving Dongnam. Tonight," Zoya said.

"That's good. But you shouldn't be telling me this," you glanced at Mace. "You shouldn't be telling anyone this."

"I know you said to come alone, but she has something for you," Mace spoke.

"I also told you not to say anything to anyone," you lightly warned him.

"I'm not going to rat you out, Y/N," Zoya said as she handed you a manila envelope. "I'm leaving for good - right after this."

You took the envelope and scanned the contents inside, keeping your expression neutral. "Where did you get this?"

"It sort of fell into my lap. Which honestly makes me a bit suspicious, so take that as your warning. But I figured I'd leave it to you to decide."

"Why are you helping me?"

"You helped that girl and I did nothing - I guess this is my atonement.

"Thank-you." You then turned to Mace. "And you?"

"It's in there too," he nodded to the envelope in your hand, and you went about sifting through it more thoroughly.

"Good work," you said when you were satisfied. "Consider us even."

The three of you stood around awkwardly, unsure what to do next.

"Well, have a good trip," you said to Zoya, then you looked to Mace. "Can I talk to you in private for a minute?"

He nodded and Zoya walked several paces down the path while you and Mace walked several in the other direction.

"You know you can't go with her," you said when you were out of earshot. "They'll come for you, and if she's with you when they find you, she'll be dead too."

"I'm not going with her. At least not right away. My plan is to go in a few months, lose my tail, and then we'll meet up."

"It's still risky, Mace."

"She gets that. I don't want to do this anymore. Surely, you understand that."

"But I would never drag someone else into it and put them at risk."

His lips formed a thin line. "Then what kind of life would I be running to?"

His question stunned you, although you should have expected that kind of response from a romantic like him.

"I shouldn't know about you two... because if they questioned me, I won't be sticking my neck out for either of you."

"I wouldn't stick my neck out for you either. But I know you know where I'm coming from."

"Just be careful. Don't take any shortcuts, and don't involve me in it."

"You know," he said slowly, "if you go through with this, and Dongnam finds out - you're not going to walk away."