Live or Die

CHAPTER 18

In the wake of Yeji's revelations and the abrupt cessation of the live broadcast, a palpable sense of urgency propels both Do Jin and Joon Ho into action. Their shared resolve to seek justice and protect Yeji from further harm becomes a beacon guiding them through the chaos that ensues.

Do Jin sits in front of the television, the abrupt end to the broadcast sending waves of dread coursing through him. His heart races as he grapples with the revelations and the immediate danger Yeji now faces. With tears blurring his vision, he makes a decision, his resolve hardening.

Do Jin: (wiping away tears, speaking to himself) "I have to get to her. I can't let her face this alone."

He stands up abruptly, determination etched into his features as he grabs his keys and heads out the door, the urgency of the situation lending speed to his steps.

Joon Ho arrives at the intelligence agency, his fears realized as he confronts a scene of disarray. The aftermath of a violent struggle is evident, with agency staff nursing injuries and the air thick with tension.

Joon Ho: (rushing up to Ki Tae, his voice tense with concern) "Ki Tae! What happened? Where's Yeji?"

Ki Tae, battered and bruised, looks up at Joon Ho, his expression a mix of frustration and helplessness.

Ki Tae: "It was SJ Corporations. They came in force, overwhelming us... We tried to stop them, but they were too powerful. They took Yeji."

Joon Ho's fists clench at his sides, anger and fear battling for dominance within him as he processes Ki Tae's words. The realization that Yeji is now in the hands of SJ Corporations sends a chill down his spine.

Joon Ho: (his voice laced with determination) "We have to get her back. We can't let them silence her."

As Joon Ho exits the agency, the urgency of the situation propels him forward, his mind racing with the need to act swiftly to save Yeji. In this moment of tumult, Do Jin, having just arrived, spots Joon Ho and immediately senses the gravity of the moment. He catches up, determination marking his every step.

Do Jin: (panting, concern etched across his face) "Joon Ho! What's going on? What was Yeji talking about on the news?"

Joon Ho stops, turning to face Do Jin. The chaos of the day reflects in his eyes, but beneath it lies a steely resolve. He knows the time for secrets has passed; transparency is their only path forward.

Joon Ho: (sighing, a hint of weariness in his voice) "It's a long story, Do Jin. But the short of it is, Yeji's death... it was staged. Staged by me."

Do Jin's eyes widen in disbelief, his brain struggling to piece together the implications of Joon Ho's confession.

Do Jin: "Staged? But why? How is that possible?"

Joon Ho motions for Do Jin to follow him to a quieter corner, away from prying ears. The gravity of the situation demands privacy.

Joon Ho: "That night, after what Ga Young did, Yeji came to me. She was scared, hurt, and desperate. She knew too much about SJ Corporations, and after Ga Young's attack, she realized her life was in danger."

Do Jin listens intently, the pieces of the puzzle slowly coming together in his mind.

Joon Ho: "We devised a plan. To fake her death, to protect her, and to gather enough evidence to bring down SJ Corporations and expose their corruption. It was the only way to keep her safe and to ensure that justice could eventually be served."

In the dimly lit confines of a safe house, Yeji sits across from Joon Ho, her eyes conveying the depth of her desperation and resolve. The air between them is thick with tension, the stakes of their conversation as high as they could possibly be.