SKYFALL ↠ Haechan ✔

XIX

CHAPTER XIX: Double-Cross

❛ ━━･❪ ❁ ❫ ･━━ ❜

In their room, Haechan and Areum stood side by side in front of a full-length mirror, both dressed in their finest attire for the gala tonight. The air was filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation, their reflections casting a warm glow in the room.

Haechan adjusted his tie, his brows furrowing slightly as he concentrated on the task "Tying a tie shouldn't be this complicated"

Areum chuckled, her fingers deftly fastening her necklace "Here, let me help" She stepped closer to him, her fingers gently guiding his hands as she showed him the proper technique.

Haechan's heart skipped a beat as he felt Areum's proximity. He glanced at their reflections in the mirror, a small smile tugging at his lips "Thanks for rescuing me"

Areum met his eyes through the mirror, her own smile matching his "Anytime. You know, you clean up pretty well"

Haechan playfully ruffled his hair, giving her a mock-offended look "Hey, I'll have you know my hair is a work of art"

She laughed, a melodic sound that filled the room "Of course it is"

As they continued to prepare, their banter flowed effortlessly, the nervous energy of the evening's event dissolving into a comfortable camaraderie. Areum's fingers brushed against Haechan's as she fastened her earrings, sending a jolt of electricity through him.

Haechan cleared his throat, his voice a bit softer "You look stunning, by the way"

Areum's cheeks tinged with a faint blush as she looked at him, her eyes holding a mixture of appreciation and warmth "Thank you. You look handsome"

The final touches were complete, and they stepped back to admire each other. Their eyes met in the mirror, a shared understanding passing between them.

As they turned to leave the room, their shoulders brushed against each other, a subtle connection that spoke volumes. In the midst of the glamour and formality, the sweet simplicity of that shared moment was a reminder of the bond they were forging – one that held the promise of something beyond the surface, something real and genuine in the midst of a world filled with facades.

-

Entering the gala, Haechan and Areum blended into the crowd of elegantly dressed guests. The opulent ballroom was a dazzling sight, filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses.

The dim lighting cast a romantic ambiance over the event, as couples danced and mingled around them.

Walking side by side, Haechan and Areum exchanged quiet smiles, their fingers intertwined as they navigated the sea of attendees. Their presence, though not the focal point, seemed to radiate a subtle charm that didn't go unnoticed by those who crossed their path.

Haechan leaned in, his voice a soft whisper above the chatter "It's pretty, isn't it?"

Areum's eyes sparkled as she nodded in agreement "Come on let's go find our families" Haechan said

As they strolled through the ballroom, their interactions with others were brief but genuine. Polite nods and warm greetings were exchanged, and Haechan's playful quips drew smiles from those around them.

Finally, their path led them to the front of the event, the table where their families were seated. The atmosphere was lively, laughter and conversation filling the air. Haechan and Areum sat with them and Minwoo started to talk with Haechan about who everyone is.

The grand ballroom filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses would be described as perfect. Which is true. But not until an unknown bodyguard that was standing beside the entrance spoke to his earpiece.

"Both target arrived and line is clear" He exchanged final looks with another bodyguard that was standing across the room from him and they both shared a nod.

Amidst the grandeur of the gala, the air suddenly shattered with the sound of gunfire. Panic and chaos erupted as elegantly dressed guests scrambled for cover, their laughter and chatter replaced by screams and cries of alarm.

Haechan's heart raced as he grabbed his younger sister, Hanni, pulling her towards a nearby pillar for cover "Hanni, stay low and don't move"

Hanni's wide eyes were filled with fear as she clung to her brother's arm "Oppa, what's happening?" He tried to steady his racing thoughts "I don't know, Hanni. Just stay with me"

As the chaos raged around them, Haechan turned his head to his right side and noticed Areum wasn't there "Those assholes! They got Areum" Haechan said and loaded his gun.

Before Haechan could react, gunfire erupted nearby, forcing them both to take cover again. Hanni clung to Haechan, her eyes wide with terror.

"Hanni, just stay here. I'm going to find my wife" He said and Hanni stopped him "Let me follow you!"

"No! You don't have enough training. Wait here and call for backup" Haechan said sternly before he got up and walked out of their cover.

He scanned the room frantically, searching for Areum. His heart pounded in his chest, and a knot of worry tightened in his stomach.

Three people got into his way and he immediately shot them in the head and continued to look for Areum. Just then, two figures emerged from the shadows, and Haechan's heart stopped.

Areum, clad in black leather pants and jacket, totally different than the dress she was wearing originally. She moved with purpose, a gun in her hand. And also.. Jake?

"Lee Haechan.. I bet you're surprised" Jake started "I was too actually, but I guess there's more to your wife than we know" He laughed

"Leave her alone" Haechan said sternly and Jake smirked "Oh trust me Haechan, I did. But to my surprise, she was the one that looked for me" After Jake said that, Haechan felt like his world was spinning around and he dropped his gun out of disbelief.

"Areum?" Haechan's voice trembled, a mixture of shock and disbelief.

Areum's gaze met his, her gaze was dark. She pointed the gun at Haechan "Babe.. what are you doing?" Suddenly it was as if Haechan forgot how to defend himself anymore, he immediately froze up.

A hint of hesitation took over Areum and Jake noticed her hesitations "Kill. Him. Areum. Finish the job" Jake said those words one by one and she finally got a hold of herself again.

"Goodbye, Haechan" She said and shot Haechan on his stomach.

As the chaos continued to unfold, Areum and Jake slipped away, disappearing into the shadows once more. Coughing, Haechan pushed his wound to stop the bleeding.

His stomach was not in pain, it was his heart. It ached with a mixture of confusion and betrayal, as he grappled with the revelation that Areum was involved in the attack. Haechan fell to the ground and lost his consciousness.

❛ ━━･❪ ❁ ❫ ･━━ ❜

Well that was crazy LMAO
Anyway, I've been gone for a few months,
but i'm back! Merry Christmas everyone!!
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter <3

Love,
hyucgf.