I sat in the dimly lit hall, lost in thought about the idea of involving Rein in this matter. The suggestion seemed logical given Rein's capabilities and skills, but I just couldn't get on board. Rein and I on the same team? Impossible. As these thoughts consumed me, my phone rang. I answered, "Why are you calling at this hour, Zaerim?"
"Well, Nara, I want to see you in person," he replied.
"Did something happen?"
"No, I just want to ensure that nothing does." His concern was palpable.
"Alright," I responded.
Before he could hang up, I quickly interjected, "Zaerim, do you know anything about the Phoenix Syndicates?"
"Phoenix Syndicates? Sounds familiar, but I'm not certain. I'll ask my father."
"Yes, please do."
With that, we ended the call.
Something felt off; his lack of reaction to the mention of the Phoenix Syndicates was surprising. Should I bring about drug smuggling up with the chief? If he discovers this on his own, he'll be livid.
A touch on my shoulder startled me. "What?" I queried.
Juan narrowed his eyes, sitting down beside me. "Lost in thought, huh? Who was on the phone?"
"Zaerim... he wants to see us in person," I replied.
Juan simply nodded in response.
"Summon everyone to the room, Juan," I blurted out.
He met my gaze and nodded, saying, "Alright."
He can be quite odd at times, or maybe it's just me.
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"So, what's the plan?" I inquired.
"Do we target the Eviscerators or the Phoenix Syndicates?" Jiwoon questioned.
"Our primary concern right now should be the Eviscerators," Juan stated with conviction.
"Indeed. The Phoenix Syndicates will inevitably cross our path, but the Eviscerators are the immediate threat," Kyoto chimed in.
"We need a solid strategy; it won't be simple to apprehend them," Suha pointed out.
"We should exploit their vulnerabilities," I suggested.
"Given the way Shadow Piercer moves, our priority is to immobilize him. Juan can deal with Viper," I continued, but as Juan began to interject, I signaled for him to be quiet and proceeded. "And for Eliminator and Devourer, the key is to disrupt their synergy and divide them."
"But Nara, are you sure I can handle Viper?" Juan questioned.
I arched my left eyebrow, replying, "Why wouldn't you?"
"I can match her, but they're using advanced tactics. I might not measure up," Juan admitted.
"I believe in you, Juan. Do your best," I said, giving him a reassuring wink.
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Next day....Glancing at the wall clock, it read 17:03. I'm scheduled to meet Zaerim at Neon Nectar at 6:30 this evening.
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I put on a brown shirt and beige pants, then glanced at the mirror. It took me back to simpler times, 8 years ago, when I was in college. My appearance has transformed . Once youthful and slender, I now sport a muscular frame, a face that has matured, and a noticeable scar on the left side of my neck. My hair, once at shoulder-length, now cascades just above my hips. So much has changed. I sighed and gently traced the scar on my neck while peering into the mirror. Abruptly, the door swung open to reveal Suha.
"Why are you taking so long-" she began but stopped upon seeing my expression.
"Are you okay?" she inquired. I straightened up and coldly responded, "Let's go." She hesitated for a moment, then followed as I walked away.
We all climbed into the car and drove to the Neon Nectar, our designated meeting spot. Once we parked, we made our way to the entrance. As we walked, Ji Woon suddenly asked, "Why do you think Zaerim wants to see us?"
"How should I know?" I retorted, annoyance evident on my face.
"Just asking," Kyoto interjected calmly.
I shot him a brief glare. As we approached the entrance, the guards greeted me with a bow. "We apologize for our previous behavior," one of them said.
They then bowed to the others.
Did they recognize me? Why the apology? Pushing my thoughts aside, we entered, only to be met by two unexpected faces.
"Oh no... This isn't good," Ji Woon muttered upon spotting the chief.
"He seems upset, doesn't he?" Suha whispered.
"Maybe, but maybe not," Kyoto speculated.
"But it looks like someone else here has caught someone's eye," Suha said, nodding subtly towards Rein.
I shot Suha a 'seriously?' glance. Meanwhile, Juan quietly observed, "Seems like Suha's digging her own grave," noting my expression.
YOU ARE READING
BEYOND THE LOVE
RomanceIn a fast-paced city where corruption seeped into society's deepest roots, a gang known as the Eviscerators emerged from darkness. The Eviscerators were no ordinary criminals; they were a cunning, elusive organization that had made it their mission...
