SKYFALL ↠ Haechan ✔

XII

CHAPTER XII: Two Men Down

❛ ━━･❪ ❁ ❫ ･━━ ❜

The rain-soaked city of Seoul blurred past as the vehicle sped through the night. Inside the car, a tense silence hung in the air, punctuated only by the rhythmic sound of the windshield wipers and the occasional distant rumble of thunder.

Mark's focused expression remained fixed on the road ahead, while Jaemin's watchful gaze scanned their surroundings, ensuring they weren't being followed.

Inside, Haechan's gaze was fixed on Areum. Minor cuts was seen on her arms. He cleared his throat casually before speaking, his tone betraying a hint of concern.

"So, you holding up okay?" He asked and Areum glanced up "I've had worse" She replied

Haechan nodded "Good. Just making sure" Silence took over them again for a few minutes until Haechan started to talk again "What happened in there anyway?"

-

-3 hours before the ambush-

Areum found herself bound to a chair, her heart pounding and her breathing was fast resulting from her attempts to escape. Before her stood Jake. His cold eyes bore into hers, his voice dripping with malice as he spoke

"You see, my dear, your husband Haechan has meddled in my affairs for the last time. I admire his tenacity, but he underestimated my resolve. Now, you're the pawn in a dangerous game, and his choices will determine whether you leave this place alive"

Areum's jaw remained set, her gaze unwavering as she met Jake's stare "You made the wrong move of taking me, he won't save me, so don't bother with that plan of yours of making me your pawn" She said calmly

A sinister smile curled at the corner of Jake's lips as he circled her, his steps deliberate and predatory "Ah, the bravado of someone in your position. It's truly remarkable. But I can make even the strongest spirit crumble"

A fire of defiance blazed in Areum's eyes as she held Jake's gaze, her voice steady and unwavering.

"You may think you have power over me, but you underestimate who I am. I might be married to Haechan now but I am the daughter of Song Shadows and I will not bow down to your threats"

Jake's expression shifted from arrogance to surprise, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features "Song Shadows? That's just a legend" He scoffed, his bravado momentarily shaken

Areum's lips curled into a determined smile "Legends become real when they're lived, and my bloodline courses with the same resilience that has brought me face to face with you"

"You talk so much yet you're still the one strapped on that damn chair and i'm the one standing here" Jake masked his unease with a forced smile before swiftly exiting the chamber, his mind racing to recalibrate his plans

Outside the chamber, Jake's voice carried a subtle edge as he addressed his men "Guard that door. Make sure she doesn't escape" His thoughts consumed by the implications of fear and arrogance

-

It has been a few hours since she had the talk with Jake and she knew she had to escape. It was a moment of now or never for her.

Areum worked swiftly to free herself from the restraints that had bound her to the chair. Her fingers moved fast and as the last of the bindings fell away, she stood up, her heart pounding in her chest.

Areum cracked open the door to see what's going on outside. The door to the chamber was guarded by two of Jake's men, their expressions a mix of arrogance and complacency. Areum's lips curled into a confident smile as she assessed the situation.

Steeling herself, Areum stepped forward with a sudden burst of speed, catching the guards off guard. Her movements were fast as she defeated them one by one, using their momentary surprise to her advantage.

As the final guard crumpled to the ground, defeated and incapacitated, Areum's chest heaved with exertion.

The corridor was tense with the aftermath of the intense struggle and a sense of accomplishment coursed through her veins. She took a moment to catch her breath when four figures came.

"You didn't have to save me, babe" Areum said sarcastically with a smirk on her face showing him that she was capable of defending herself

Haechan scoffed out of disbelief and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

❛ ━━･❪ ❁ ❫ ･━━ ❜