Masquerade | Johnyong

★ Chapter fourty-three

Chapter 43: Lingering

Today is a busy day for Johnny. He watches as his men interview the new staff that's coming in and would be living in the bodyguard's quarters. He even has a few new maids.

Karina stands besides him, watching as well. "You remember what Ms Kim said?" She asks. Johnny nods, understanding. "I know." He mutters. Knowing these people originally worked for his father, their locality lies with him. Unfortunately said man is dead and they now work under Johnny. He knows he might have a few little scums to deal with but they know better than to cross him.

Taeyong comes out, holding a glass of scotch and kisses Johnny's cheek.

"You've been at this since morning. Are you going to come inside and at least eat?" Taeyong questions.

"I'm just here making sure nothing goes wrong."

Taeyong places down a gun on the table along with his drink. Johnny knits his eyebrows, questioning Taeyong's choice of action.

Taeyong looks around before choosing a woman and two men. They bow to him. "Names?" He asks.

"Kim Sena."

"Kim Junho."

"Jang kangtae."

Taeyong hands the gun to Kim Junho. "What are you doing, Taeyong-ssii?" Karina asks.

"Loyalty isn't determined by just words. Actions speak louder than words."

Johnny smirks, finally understanding what Taeyong is getting at.

"What do you want me to do, Sir?" Junho asks. Taeyong points at Sena and Kangtae.

"If you're truly loyal to John, I bet you wouldn't mind shooting these two." Taeyong says, taking the three by surprise.

"But Sir-"

Taeyong tilts his head, eyes sending a warning to him. Junho slowly raises the gun, hesitant as he points it at Kangtae. He looks back at Johnny before pulling the trigger, shooting Kangtae.

Kangtae falls back, clutching his shoulder as he groans in pain. Junho shoots Sena, this time with a little more confidence.

One of Johnny's men comes over to check on them. "No blood?" He questions. He helps the two up.

"It's a BB gun." Taeyong mentions so casually as he takes another sip of his drink.

Junho gulps. He's not sure if he's relieved or scared right now. Nevertheless, they're taken away to go get their wounds checked while Junho goes back to stand with the others.

"I love you so much." Johnny says as he pecks Taeyong's lips.

Yuta comes out too. Taeyong's mood drastically declines suddenly. He keeps his eyes on the new staff instead.

"You're doing all this but you haven't cared to check on Ningning?" Yuta asks Johnny, confusing him.

"What?"

Yuta shows Johnny the small black device. "Ningning placed listening devices all over the place." He tells him. Taeyong turns to them.

"No way. She wouldn't do that!" Taeyong argues but Yuta scoffs and rolls his eyes. He hands over the listening device to Johnny.

"Bring her in and we'll see."

🕊️

Taeyong smiles at Ningning as she comes into the meeting room. "I haven't seen you in so long." He beams. "I'm glad you're back safely." Ningning says before sitting down.