Waiting To Bloom (BL)

Chapter 18

After Jin broke me out of Jun-myeon's house, we arrived at what looked like a massive penthouse. It felt like a sanctuary from all the chaos and confusion that had consumed my life. I found myself sitting on a plush couch, staring blankly at the luxury surrounding me, still shaken from the events of the past few days.

As the initial surge of fear subsided, my mind started to unravel the events that led up to this point. Tears flowed uncontrollably, my body ached from the emotional turmoil. I desperately tried to make sense of why Jun-myeon would betray me – why he would kiss me, promise to protect me, and then abandon me when I needed him the most.

"Why would he do this to me?" I sobbed, my voice barely audible. "Why would he leave me alone when I needed him the most?"

Jin, always reliable and compassionate, sat beside me, offering his steady presence and a comforting touch. He understood the pain I was going through, as he had gone through a similar heartbreak recently.

"It's going to be alright, Takeru," Jin reassured me, his voice gentle yet firm. "Jun-myeon made a terrible choice, but that doesn't define your worth or who you are. You deserve so much more than someone who abandons you when you need them."

My anxiety intensified, and a wave of panic washed over me. I felt like I was drowning, tormented by questions and self-doubt. Jin knew that soothing words alone wouldn't be enough – it was time for action.

"Close your eyes, take deep breaths," Jin instructed softly. "Focus on your breath, in and out. Feel the rhythm, let it calm your racing thoughts."

I followed Jin's guidance, my trembling hand moving to my chest, feeling the rise and fall with each controlled breath. Slowly, my heart rate began to steady, and the suffocating grip of anxiety loosened its hold.

once I was calm from my breakdown, my brother Jin knew it was time to confront our father again. I felt a chill run down my spine as memories of our previous encounter flooded my mind. I had watched in horror as our father, a powerful and feared man, coldly shot a man in the head right in front of us. From that moment on, I had been haunted by fear and anxiety whenever our father's name was mentioned.

Reluctantly, I followed Jin through the dimly lit streets, each step increasing the weight of my apprehension. We reached an inconspicuous storefront, guarded by two imposing figures. As the doors swung open, my heart raced, and I wondered how I had let myself be dragged into this situation again. But I knew deep down that in order to face my fears, I had to confront my father.

The room beyond the entrance was smoky, filled with an air of power, and my father sat at a lavish mahogany desk, his stern gaze fixed upon his sons. His eyes held the weight of his authority, and my fear intensified in his presence. Yet, there was also a glimmer of recognition in his eyes, as if he had been expecting my return after all this time.

As if reading my thoughts, my father spoke in a low, commanding voice, "I knew you would come back eventually. You are my blood, my legacy. The time has come for you to step into your rightful place as the heir to my gang."

Kwan suddenly interjected, his voice filled with righteous anger. "Father, Takeru knows nothing of the gang. He was never there to understand the bloodshed and the sacrifices we have made to create this empire."

Our father's face hardened, his eyes narrowing with determination. "He may not know it now, but he will learn. I will mold him into the leader I need him to be. Your objections are futile."

My mind raced, torn between my fear of my father and the unknown future that awaited me. Questions tumbled in my head, doubts and uncertainties rising to the surface. Could I truly become my father's successor, leading a life of violence and darkness? Did I have the strength to go against my father's wishes?