BEYOND THE LOVE

CHAPTER 25:

After Corvus disappeared into the throngs of the club, Rein immediately signaled Ji Woon and Suha, both of whom began evacuating the club's attendees, ensuring their safety while keeping an eye out for any more of Corvus's associates.

"Clear out, everyone! This is a private event now," Ji Woon bellowed, her voice cutting through the chaos. A combination of hid authoritative tone and Suha's intimidating presence made the remaining clubgoers hurry to the exits.

Rein, meanwhile, pulled me aside to a more secluded section of the club.
His grip was firm, yet gentle, ensuring I was safe. "Nara," he whispered urgently, "Corvus knows more than we anticipated. We need to switch to plan B."

Before we could delve further into the situation, a group of men emerged from the club's shadows, each wearing a symbol on their jackets that was unmistakably associated with Corvus.

"That's them," Suha pointed, her eyes scanning each of their faces with precision. "He's brought reinforcements."

The club's ambient music had shifted to a tense silence, making each step of Corvus's men echo hauntingly. It was clear we were outnumbered, but not outwitted.

Ji Woon smirked, pulling out a small device from her pocket. "I hope they enjoy a light show," she muttered, pressing a button. Suddenly, the club's lights began to flicker and strobe, disorienting Corvus's men.

Using the momentary chaos to our advantage, Rein and I moved in synchronization, taking down two of the assailants with swift, practiced moves. Suha and Ji Woon weren't far behind, using their combat skills to incapacitate several more.

In the midst of the chaos, a flicker of movement in my peripheral vision caught my attention. It was unmistakably Corvus, lurking near one of the club's exits.  I made my way towards him.

Corvus saw me coming, his sardonic grin betraying his confidence. "Looking for me, Nara?" he taunted.

Determined, I lunged at him, aiming for a swift takedown. But the pain from my wrist's cut, coupled with the exertion of the earlier fight, hindered my moves. Corvus was quick to exploit this weakness, landing a blow that sent me staggering.

Just as Corvus was about to deliver another strike, Kyoto and Rein burst onto the scene. Ji Woon's swift kick knocked the weapon from Corvus's hand, while Rein's strong arms encircled him, pulling him away from me.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Rein hissed at me, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and concern.

Kyoto was equally furious. "You should've waited for backup!"

I tried to speak, but the pain was now overwhelming. Corvus, seeing an opportunity, broke free from Rein's grasp, but before he could act, Suha appeared, pinning him to the ground with a move that left everyone in awe.

"You're outnumbered, Corvus," she declared triumphantly."
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Before I could say something, the sound of sirens grew louder, and Chief entered the scene with a team of officers. They quickly apprehended Corvus, cuffing him and reading him his rights.

"Good work," Chief acknowledged, nodding at Rein, Ji Woon, and Suha. His gaze then shifted to me, a hint of reprimand in his eyes. "But risky moves like that could cost you next time."

I nodded sheepishly, recognizing my impulsiveness.

As the chief escorted Corvus away,  I put on my jacket and hastily  stepped outside the club without waiting for anyone.

My hands felt numb, and my body felt distant and disconnected. Just as I made my way out, Rein quickly approached, his face taut with anger.
"What was that all about earlier?" he demanded.

"It's not your business," I retorted.

His voice grew sharper. "Not my business? You're always so reckless!"

Before I could snap back, Juan rushed over, joining in on the reprimand.
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Juan's eyes blazed with a fire I hadn't seen before. "Nara, you could've been killed! And for what? A moment of glory? A fleeting chance to prove yourself?"

Rein nodded in agreement, his frustration evident. "He's right. It's not about taking risks for the sake of taking them."

Feeling cornered, I shot back, "I had a clear shot at Corvus. I thought I could handle it."

Juan shook his head, disappointment written all over his face. "It's not just about Corvus. It's about all of us, We can't have one member going rogue."

Rein added, "Every time you act on impulse, you don't just risk your life; you risk ours too."

The weight of their words pressed on me. But my pride and frustration bubbled up, and I couldn't hold back. " I thought I could handle it! And it was enough for me."
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There was a tense silence. The noise from the club's aftermath seemed distant compared to the heartbeats I heard pounding in my ears.

Juan's voice dropped to a whisper, laced with pain. "It's because we care about you, Nara."

Rein sighed deeply. "We just want to ensure we all make it out alive every time. But if you can't understand that..."

I interrupted, "What? You'll bench me? Keep me out of the action?"

Juan took a step back, shaking his head. "That's not what this is about, and you know it."

Feeling the weight of their disappointment and my own frustration, I shouted, "Enough! I don't need a lecture from either of you!"

Both men looked stunned at the raw emotion in my voice. We stood in a triangular deadlock, the air thick with tension. Finally, Rein, turned on his heel and walked away without another word.

Juan watched him leave, then turned his gaze back at me. "Nara, plea-" he began, but I raised a hand to stop him.

"Just go, Juan," I murmured, the fight drained out of me.

He stormed at that moment  retreating in the opposite direction from Rein.