The Legacy (Underworld 1) JC

26: A Big Family

The sunlight streamed through the narrow window of the dimly lit room, casting a soft glow over the worn furniture and bare walls. Jeonghan sat hunched over on the edge of the bed, his expression weary yet determined. It had been days since he was captured by the rival gang, his fate hanging in the balance as he awaited his inevitable confrontation with Seungcheol and the others.

As Jeonghan's thoughts swirled with uncertainty and fear, the sound of footsteps echoed outside the door, drawing his attention. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing Chan standing in the doorway, a hesitant expression on his face.

"Jeonghan," Chan greeted softly, his voice tinged with concern as he stepped into the room, closing the door behind him.

Jeonghan's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected visitor, his heart racing with a mixture of hope and apprehension. "Chan, what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Chan hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering with uncertainty before finally speaking. "I... I wanted to see how you were doing," he admitted, his voice tinged with guilt. "And... I need to go grocery shopping, but no one else is around. I was hoping... maybe you could come with me?"

A flicker of relief washed over Jeonghan as he realized the opportunity that lay before him. "Of course, Chan. I'd be happy to come with you," he replied eagerly, his spirits lifting at the prospect of a temporary reprieve from the confines of his captivity.

As they made their way through the bustling streets, Chan and Jeonghan fell into easy conversation, their laughter mingling with the sounds of chatter and the occasional honking of cars. With each passing moment, Jeonghan felt a sense of freedom and normalcy wash over him, grateful for the chance to escape the suffocating confines of the gang's hideout.

As they browsed the aisles of the grocery store, Chan couldn't help but notice the weariness etched in Jeonghan's features. "Jeonghan, I have to ask... Did you really betray us?" he asked tentatively, his voice laced with uncertainty.

Jeonghan's expression darkened at the mention of the betrayal that had torn their gang apart two years ago. "No, Chan. I swear I didn't betray any of you," he insisted, his voice tinged with frustration. "I loved each and every one of you, and I would never do anything to hurt you."

Chan studied Jeonghan's face for a moment, searching for any hint of deception or falsehood. But all he saw was sincerity and vulnerability, his heart softening with empathy for his friend. "I want to believe you, Jeonghan. I really do," he confessed quietly, his voice filled with uncertainty.

Jeonghan's eyes softened with gratitude as he reached out to place a reassuring hand on Chan's shoulder. "Thank you, Chan. I understand why you're hesitant to trust me, but I hope one day you'll see that I've always been on your side," he replied earnestly, his voice filled with conviction.

As they made their way back to the hideout, the weight of their conversation hung heavy in the air. But despite the lingering doubts and uncertainties, Chan couldn't shake the feeling of camaraderie and friendship that had blossomed between him and Jeonghan. And as they stepped through the threshold of the hideout, a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding washed over them, uniting them in their shared determination to overcome whatever challenges lay ahead.

                                        _

The atmosphere in the room was tense as all the members of the Midnight gang gathered together, their expressions reflecting a mixture of apprehension and determination. Seungcheol stood at the head of the room, his gaze sweeping over each of his comrades with a steely resolve.

"What's going on?" Seungcheol asked, his voice commanding attention as he addressed the group.

Chan stepped forward, his expression grave as he recounted his conversation with Jeonghan earlier that day. "Hyung, I... I talked to Jeonghan when we went grocery shopping," he began tentatively, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "He... he said he didn't betray us. He insisted that he loved each of us and would never do anything to hurt us."