The Witness ➳ Taegyu

33. The Punishment Fits the Crime

A/N: I was not planning on introducing this character as an idol, but I'm extremely happy with my decision 🙂.

Members of Black Reaper usually didn't like to rat out their colleagues to the commanders, but revealing something like what just happened was enough to get rewarded.

So, the fourth member, who didn't cause Beomgyu to break the hell out of his arm, told Taehyun everything. He didn't like the people he was with anyway, and they didn't like him. He was just there because he wanted to be in the woods and by the water, but didn't wanna do it alone.

They were selfish and clearly valued being jerks to the point where they would break one of the biggest rules in order to be one. An offense that would inevitably lead to their execution.

The quarry was actually a popular spot that members of Black Reaper went to, so they had cameras around that were well hidden. No one went there. It was an invasion of privacy to no one but Black Reaper members, but the cameras were rarely checked anyway. This was a time where it was necessary to confirm everything he was saying.

While seeing Beomgyu for the first time since he left, even in a distorted video, lifted his mood a little bit, everything else about the video made him feel many different negative emotions.

"Why didn't you go with them?" Taehyun asked, looking from his computer to Hyunjin, the innocent one, in front of him. "If they all went, why didn't you?"

"Everyone who was there are on the list. I wouldn't disobey it in a million years. Like I said, I tried to stop them. I'm sorry."

Taehyun nodded and made an announcement with his phone to tell the other three to come to his office. It was on the second highest floor since there were only two offices on the highest floor, but it was fine. He liked having a bit of distance from the other two anyway.

Before the three of them arrived, Seojun walked in. "Why did you call three of my men in here?" He looked at Hyunjin. "Four."

"Those three brutally harmed someone on the list. Beomgyu, in fact. I have the right to discipline them as I see fit. That's always been the rule of the commanders' "No Harm List". Even if another commander favors the person who broke that rule, it still can't soften their punishment from the commander who put the hurt or dead person on the list in the first place. Hyunjin didn't do anything wrong, so he's fine. I know he's one of your favorites. You don't need to worry."

Seojun nodded and turned to walk out. "That is the rule. Do as you wish." Before he could walk out, the other three walked in and immediately bowed to him and Taehyun.

"Also, Seojun. I would like to inform you that since the cameras at the quarry can pick up sound, I heard them say some pretty disrespectful things about me. Just to let you know."

"Which one was it?"

The three boys looked petrified at the fact that both Taehyun and Seojun knew what happened, and Taehyun pointed at the one who not only suggested that they mess with Beomgyu and his friends, but also ranted about Taehyun.

"Disrupting the list and the hierarchy by placing your opinions over the rules set by the commanders are both cause for execution. Also, outwardly expressing your frustration over a commander to your fellow subordinates can get you punished. You can have these thoughts, but you can't discuss them with others," Taehyun said, walking in front of his desk to stand next to Hyunjin who was still sitting.

The one he was talking about got on one knee and hung his head. "Listen-"

"You decided to start with a commanding word rather than a respectful one?"

He was nearly shaking in fear and shook his head. "Sir, I'm sorry. We didn't mean any harm."

"You shouldn't have done shit to them in the first place!" He yelled, frightening everyone except for Seojun who was just listening to them talk. "The list was created to protect the people the commanders care about. If someome important on that list were to die, it could affect the mental state of that commander. It would be dangerous. Does that mean nothing to you?!"

He jumped and looked up at Taehyun who was now standing directly in front of him. "Sir, please-"

"I'll have you know that the other commanders are allowed to order my men around. They just don't. I only have to order people like you around because you don't know your place. Stand up." He did. "An ambulance was only called because you didn't want to be punished, right? Get a fucking grip. His arm is broken, and the punishment fits the crime."

Everyone stared at him in shock when yanked the man's arm in a way to break it, and Seojun shut his eyes. "Your ruthlessness has returned, I see."

"Shut up." He kicked the guy against the ground and stepped on his back, not putting any weight on him. "Arrange for the dominant arm of the other two to be broken. You three will do harsh labor with broken bones. Unless, of course, you would rather get beaten to death by me. You can either go this way, or get a very painful execution. Your choice."

"This is why... I don't respect you. You're horrible!"

A gunshot was heard and they looked at Seojun who shot his subordinate in the head. "Enough. We treat our men well as long as you show respect. Do either of you wish to insult Taehyun?" They rapidly shook their heads and he put his gun away. "Good. If you want to be executed, stay here. If you would rather have a broken arm, come with me."

They both followed him and Hyunjin stood up, bowing to Taehyun before heading to the door himself. "Can you please have someone take his body and clean the floor?" Hyunjin nodded and continued walking out. "Wait a second." He turned around to wait for what Taehyun was gonna say. "Beomgyu was one of my closest friends before I came back to Black Reaper. Even if it was just for a reward, I want to thank you for telling me. And you will be rewarded."

Hyunjin paused for a moment before bowing again. "You're welcome Sir. I'll make sure someone comes to clean this up."

Someone died because he ratted them out. All for a stupid reward.

Although, he kind of dug his own grave by insulting Taehyun to his face. The list has been around for over two decades now. Ever since Taehyun's mom created it. It was a part of Black Reaper that wasn't going away anytime soon, and people had to respect it.

Still, he died, and it was indirectly because of Hyunjin.

Why did a person underneath Seojun of all people feel such remorse when someone died, let alone someone he didn't like?