Insomnia ◑ A K-Pop Mafia Story

XVI

Joshua had told Daechul to get some rest, but she found that to be easier said than done. She lay there in her bed for a few hours, just thinking about recent events. How had she gotten here? Why hadn't she been born into at least a relatively normal family? She hadn't really gone to a school like other kids, and she barely saw anyone during her years in hiding.

Perhaps if she had been born into a normal family she would've grown up with both parents, had loving siblings, friends that stuck up for her, and plenty of healthy crushes. Perhaps she would've been happier and able to sleep at night instead of fearing her next steps. She would have passed the bar exam and got into a good school and then later found a decent job. At this point though, there was no turning back from her blood-stained occupation.

If Daechul rose to the top, then it would all be worth it. She could be in control and live whatever kind of life she wanted. She wouldn't have to worry about who was against or with her. Rising to the top would take forever and she didn't have that kind of time. Once she left, there would be nothing left for her. And in reality, she'd never be able to completely break from the life she was living — there were too many meaningful connections.

The only thing that seemed to be a plausible goal now was creating her own dynasty. A dynasty that could survive on its own and not be crushed. One that could choose its own route and destination.

Daechul was jolted from her thoughts at the sound of the door opening.

Joshua entered and lightly tapped her shoulder, "Are you awake?"

She turned to face him and sighed, "Yeah, I didn't get any sleep."

"Ah, I hope the room wasn't an uncomfortable environment," he glanced around, a slight frown tugging at his lips.

Sitting up, she shook her head, "No, it's a lovely room. I just have a lot on my mind."

"Right," he agreed, "Anyhow, I spoke to some of the others and we decided that you're with me after all. Our shift ends in just a few hours so I'll show you a little of what we do around here and then we can get some dinner."

"Sounds good to me," Daechul pushed the thick comforter away and slipped out of bed. "You don't mind if I change, do you?"

A few suitcases sat outside of the open doorway. They must have been brought while she was in her deep thoughts and she hadn't heard anyone outside knock.

"Of course, do what you need to do," he smiled, helping her push the suitcases inside until reaching the closet. "I'll just be working on a few things out here."

Daechul watched as Joshua took a seat at his desk. She spent the next several minutes going through her clothes and pulling out things that she thought would allow her to blend into the new environment. Everyone that was a capo or higher seemed to wear suits or business-like clothing while the soldiers wore such appropriate wear.

Eventually, she settled on a grey blazer and slacks, changing into them quickly so she wouldn't take up too much of Joshua's time. Taking a hair tie, she neatly wrapped her hair into a bun and fixed it to stay. That was the extent of her getting changed.

She stepped out and found Joshua still at his desk, scrolling on a laptop. His chin rested on his palm and he lazily chewed on his bottom lip. His soft features had only become more prominent in the time that had passed. Daechul wondered if he had truly changed much — if he was still the same person she had used to know.

"I'm ready when you are," she spoke up, nearing him. "What are you looking at there?"

Joshua smiled, "Just some upcoming assignments and schedules."

"Ah, I see," she awkwardly clasped her hands.

"Shall we go then?" he stood, tilting his head to the door. "I'll show you the patrols first."

Nodding, Daechul followed Joshua out the hallway and toward the entry room. He led her through the residential building's front doors and the large court expanse that lay surrounded by the other structures. The two passed several capos with soldiers following behind, Joshua acknowledging each of them.

"We're heading to the armory first," Joshua explained, "Newcomers find their personal weapons and such there before officially joining patrol. You'll have a selection that you can choose from."

"That's convenient," Daechul murmured.

"And any weapons that you brought on the property need to be registered here but we can do that tomorrow," he added. He peered down at her, "I'm glad we can be partners and that we'll have patrol for the next few hours. We have a lot of catching up to do."

"We do," she agreed, "I'm glad that after all of these years, you're doing well. I was worried that something had happened to you — something unfortunate."

He shrugged, "My case of unfortunate events has had its run. But thank you for worrying."

They entered the armory. There was a worker at the desk who had Joshua sign in before allowing him to pass to the back of the facility. He pushed through a set of thick double doors, revealing rows of racks and tables lined with weapons neatly resting on them. There was no one else inside.

"Take your pick," Joshua motioned, "You've been in this business long enough to know what you prefer — I would hope."

Daechul glanced at him, a grin resting on his face. She waved off his teasing and began searching the weapons and examining them. If she had any questions, she asked Joshua as he was there to help.

Once she had settled on a selection of weapons, Joshua placed them into a crate and carried them to the double doors. There he took each one out, carefully typing the codes on them into a screen on the wall. When he was finished, he tapped the green button on the side and took the crate to the front desk. The worker scanned each of them to ensure there hadn't been any mistakes or dishonesty.

"Everything appears to be in order," the worker stated, "Have a nice rest of your shift."

"Thank you," Joshua bowed his head. Turning to Daechul he handed her one of the handguns she had chosen, "Equip these before going on patrol."

Daechul took it, tucking it into her side. She took the knives and hung them inside her blazer, and took the rifle in her hands. This would most likely only be needed for distance missions but she decided it would be better to select it now rather than later.

"Now we're ready for an adventure," Joshua twinkled, "This way."