Heartless

{32}

While Jimin and San were busy, Runa took it upon herself to meet with an old friend. Kim Seokjin. He and his family owned most of the casinos and luxury hotels in every major city and behind closed doors had dealings with the mafia.

Most of everyone was involved with the business. It was a way of making money and staying on the winning side. From small businesses to corporations, they all knew who not to fuck around with. Meaning if you were lucky enough to get in contact with the head of a crime family you were to do what was asked of you. No exceptions.

Seokjin was the guy you went to if you needed something smuggled. He carried all kinds of illegal contraband and transported it through hotels and casinos without suspicion. Albeit he was a wildcard he was trustworthy. He adored Runa and always had a deep respect for her. Her father not so much.

These past few months, there was somehow no way of contacting him. For a while Runa thought Taemin might've gotten to him but it turns out he was kept in the dark on purpose by spies who somehow got their way in. He killed those people of course and flew back to the States from Paris to assist her in the ongoing war as soon as he was made aware of the situation.

Too much sensitive information was to be shared so they were mindful of what they said over the phone and decided to meet at his condo in Brooklyn. When her and her bodyguard entered the building his assistant was waiting for them in her usual tight fitting blouse and pencil skirt, her pearl necklace and earrings gleaming from the lavish chandelier hanging above them in the lobby.

They followed her into the elevator until they reached the top floor and followed her out, taking in the vast space that was all for Kim Seokjin. You could see everything from up here, the left wall entirely made of glass that reached high ceilings. Everything about him screamed luxury and if it wasn't what he owned it was the attitude he carried. He never accepted anything less and she admired him for that.

Two double doors pushed open reveal his office, and the man himself seated behind his desk with reading glasses on his face. His attention pull from the papers in his hand to his guests and he stands with a proud smile.

"Runa! It's been too long. How have you been?"

She approached and hugged him, his expensive fragrance reminding her of all the times they had together in which she cherished. Late nights at clubs, business meetings at the Italian restaurant downtown. It all comes rushing back now that he's here again and she feels slightly better than she has been lately. She knows he'd never betray her. He was far too committed to do such a thing.

"I'm alive. That counts for something right?"

He hums, taking her face in his hands and eyeing her carefully. Under his attentiveness she blushes in embarrassment but doesn't bother smacking his hands away because this was Seokjin. He was like an annoying older brother. He said whatever was on his mind which was much appreciated considering the gray area they lived in.

"You look pale. And thin."

She scoffed under her breath as he turns her head from side to side, and she catches Jungkook's careful eye. "I don't like tanning. And I have a fast metabolism."

Seokjin clicks his tongue disappointedly, moving his hands from her face to hold his hips. "Excuses."

"Reasons." She argued, and he shakes his head before pulling her back into another meaningful hug.

"I missed you."

"I can tell."

Her dry sarcasm isn't unwelcome. Matter of fact Seokjin is quite relieved to see that regarding all that's happened she's still herself. Albeit she's always been bad with expressing her feelings, it's enough that she's got a hint of a smile on her face. It means somehow she's managed to keep her sanity.