Deep End | Hyunlix

11

*Trigger Warning (r*pe is mentioned)

Hyunjin stepped out of Felix's room, leaving the door to close softly behind him. He didn't respond to Felix's question, because honestly, he didn't know how to answer. Why was he keeping him alive? The thought had crossed his mind countless times since he'd brought Felix back to the compound, but no clear answer had ever come to him. Normally, he would have disposed of prisoners quickly after extracting whatever information he could, but Felix was different. There was something about him, something beyond the obvious beauty that drew Hyunjin in. The man had strength, determination, and a charisma that was hard to ignore. Even more, he could see Felix's capabilities as a leader. Over the years, he had watched Felix's team outmaneuver his own, evading capture despite their best efforts. Hyunjin had grown to admire him.

Maybe that's the problem, Hyunjin thought to himself as he made his way through the compound, his mind still focused on Felix. The idea of killing Felix had never sat right with him. Not that it would be the first time he spared someone, he wasn't heartless, but this was different. Why is it different?

He pushed the door open to his office, his expression blank as he made his way inside. He kept his baseball hat and mask on, doing his best to maintain his disguise as he passed a few of his men. Only a handful of people in the compound knew his true identity, he preferred it that way. In a world like theirs, anonymity was a valuable asset. After closing the door behind him, he pulled off the baseball hat and mask and threw them onto his desk. With a frustrated sigh, he poured himself a glass of gin and took a long sip, trying to clear his head. He walked over to the window, gazing out at the busy streets below. The city was alive, bustling, and it felt so far removed from the chaos he had created in his own life.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door, and he turned to face it. "Come in."

Lee Know entered, offering a respectful bow before sitting down on the couch. Hyunjin didn't return the greeting, his gaze still focused on the street below. Lee Know was second in command, the face of the Snake Eye Clan. He had been by Hyunjin's side since they were children, rising through the ranks together. They had built this empire from the ground up, and they trusted each other implicitly. But recently, Hyunjin had begun to feel the weight of his decisions, especially when it came to Felix. He couldn't explain it, but something about the prisoner had been eating at him.

Lee Know watched him closely, waiting for a sign that Hyunjin was ready to talk. He had been noticing the subtle shifts in Hyunjin's behavior, the way his mind seemed to wander, how he'd been distracted ever since they'd taken Felix. Finally, after a long silence, Lee Know spoke up.

"Are you going to tell me what's going on with the prisoner?"

Hyunjin froze for a moment before sighing, turning around to face Lee Know. "What is there to tell?" His voice was calm, almost indifferent, but there was a tension beneath the surface. He took another sip from his glass, trying to steady himself.

Lee Know wasn't fooled. He narrowed his eyes, studying Hyunjin with a quiet intensity. "Others are starting to talk, especially after the incident."

Hyunjin clenched his jaw, feeling the familiar surge of anger in his stomach. He tried to keep his composure, but the frustration was building. "And what are they saying?" he asked, his voice sharper than intended.

"Just surprised that he's still alive," Lee Know said, his gaze unyielding. "You aren't known for your leniency. I'm also curious, you killed one of your men because of him. It's not like it's the first time a prisoner was... treated poorly. What's different about him?"

Hyunjin's grip tightened around his glass, and his muscles tensed as he fought to control his emotions. The mention of the rape made his stomach churn, but he couldn't let his anger show. He turned away from Lee Know, unable to hide his frustration.

"You know I never approved of that," Hyunjin said, his voice low and tight. "Your style and how you handle prisoners was never my style. There's nothing different about him. Everyone is overthinking it. Keeping him here is keeping the authorities off our backs."

Lee Know leaned forward, studying Hyunjin carefully. "You aren't wrong," he said, his tone calculating. "But you're not giving me the full picture. I know you, Hyunjin. And this..." He paused, his voice becoming more cautious. "This isn't like you."

Hyunjin turned back to the window, taking another sip from his glass. He didn't want to engage further—didn't want to discuss the strange hold Felix seemed to have over him. But the more he thought about it, the more he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was drawing him to the prisoner in a way he couldn't explain.

Lee Know continued, trying to redirect the conversation. "Well, there's another shipment of guns coming in. We should talk about that."

Hyunjin was relieved for the change of subject. "Yes, let's talk about the shipment," he said, his voice cold again. He needed to refocus, needed to block out the growing thoughts about Felix. But as the conversation shifted to the shipment, Hyunjin found himself lost in thought again.

What am I even thinking? he asked himself. The realization hit him like a weight in his chest. What the hell am I doing with Felix?

Lee Know continued to speak, but Hyunjin wasn't really listening anymore. The thoughts about Felix kept swirling in his mind. What was it about him? And why couldn't he stop thinking about the prisoner?

Lee Know watched Hyunjin, already sensing something was off. I need to figure out what's really going on with this prisoner, he thought to himself. I don't buy Hyunjin's excuses, and I won't let him make excuses for this one. Maybe it's time to have a word with Changbin after this.

Lee Know's suspicion only deepened. He didn't know exactly what was going on, but he was determined to find out.

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1055 words