Between The Borders | Lee Heeseung

XXIII

As Taelyn paced back and forth in the living room, a restless energy coursed through her veins, urging her to break free from the confines of the house and taste the sweet freedom of the outside world. These walls felt like they were closing in on her, suffocating her.

She felt like the longer she stayed confined, the crazier she'd become. She didn't even know how her mother, her friends, and her brother were doing, so she had a lot on her mind.

Despite the risks, Taelyn found herself unable to resist the pull of the outside world.

She made up her mind, her resolve hardening with each step she took towards the door.

As she reached for the handle, she remembered Heeseung's warning to stay put. But even as she hesitated, her longing for freedom won out, driving her to throw caution to the wind and step out into the unknown.

She knew how to use a gun now, after all. Kinda. She grabbed it from the counter and stuffs it in a fanny pack she found nearby. And she hoped her new purple hair would also aid her.

Taelyn stepped into the cool night air.

She strolled along the riverside, the gentle lapping of water soothing her weary mind. A crisp breeze carried the scent of fresh blooms, a fleeting promise of peace.

But her freedom didn't last. A figure emerged from the shadows, their face obscured. Before she could react, strong hands closed around her throat, cutting off her breath.

Pain flared in her side. A sharp gasp escaped before an arm tightened around her throat, yanking her into the darkness.

"Are my eyes deceiving me? You're Target 43, aren't you? The target of every mafia right now?" a deep voice murmured in her ear.

Panic surged as she clawed at his arm, struggling in vain. The man's grip only tightened, pinning her against the cold ground.

"Let me go!" she gasped, her fingers digging into his arm.

His voice dripped with malice. "You're coming with me, sweetheart. If I take you now, I'll be glorified."

In the dim light, she caught sight of a "YG" tattoo on his arm. Her stomach twisted.

"I'm not going anywhere with you!" she spat.

He only chuckled. "We'll see about that."

Summoning her strength, she slammed her elbow into his ribs. He staggered back, cursing.

She ran away, lungs burning. She had a gun—she could have used it. But she hadn't.

Reaching home, she stumbled through the door, gasping for breath. Trembling fingers brushed the bruises forming on her neck, a sharp pain shooting through her at the touch.

She collapsed onto the floor, sobbing. Her side throbbed, her mind replaying the attack in sickening detail.

Her first instinct was to hide the bruises. With shaky hands, she grabbed a scarf from the coat rack and wrapped it around her neck. If Heeseung saw them, he'd be furious. She wasn't ready for that.

With the scarf in place, she forced herself to breathe. She had to stay strong—for herself, for Heeseung. Wiping away her tears, she stepped into the living room, forcing a smile and pretending nothing had happened.

=

Heeseung's return was sudden. Taelyn, still shaken by her encounter, forced a smile as she greeted him.

"Hey, princess. I'm home."

"Hey," she replied, her voice sounding too cheerful. She tried to act like nothing had happened, like she hadn't just been threatened by a mafia member.

Heeseung stepped closer, and Taelyn kept eye contact, hoping he wouldn't sense the tension. She couldn't bear for him to see the fear beneath her facade.

But Heeseung wasn't easily fooled. His sharp eyes landed on the scarf around her neck. Frowning, he moved toward her, studying the fabric before meeting her gaze.

"What's with the scarf?" he asked gently, yet probing.

Taelyn hesitated. "I... got a little cold earlier," she lied, nervously fidgeting with the scarf. "Just wanted to stay warm."

Heeseung watched her for a beat, his expression unreadable. Taelyn held her breath.

"Alright," he said casually, sitting beside her. "Just make sure you take care of yourself, okay? Don't want you getting sick on me."

Taelyn nodded, guilt creeping in.

Her mistake was thinking she could fool him.

Heeseung swiftly reached out, tugging at the scarf. Before she could react, it slipped away, revealing the bruises on her neck.

Taelyn's breath hitched as she instinctively covered the marks. But it was too late—Heeseung had seen, his face darkening.

For a moment, he froze.

"Who did this to you?" he demanded, teeth clenched.

She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her mind raced with excuses. Heeseung repeated, "Taelyn, what happened?"

With a shaky voice, she explained how she'd been attacked by a rival mafia member.

Heeseung frowned, listening intently. "What did he look like?"

Taelyn struggled to remember the details, her mind clouded by fear. "He had long hair, about 5'4, tattoos on his arms, a goatee... and a YG tattoo," she whispered, voice trembling. "Like Hyunsuk had."

Heeseung's eyes widened in alarm. "Are you sure?"

Taelyn nodded, meeting his eyes with a mix of fear and determination. "I'm sure."

"Another YG member. Shit." His anger bubbled up, but so did concern. "I told you not to leave."

Taelyn's heart sank at his sharp tone. She knew she'd disobeyed him, but hadn't expected such a reaction.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I just needed air. I thought I could handle it."

Heeseung's expression softened slightly. "I know, princess. But it's not safe for you. You know everyone's after you, and YG has come close twice."

"Will YG expose my location?" she asked.

"No," Heeseung replied. "They'll guard where they last saw you. But finding you's become a game. Whoever kills you wins."

Taelyn looked at him, and she saw the concern in his eyes, despite his anger. He wanted to protect her.

"I won't do it again," she promised. "I'll stay here, where it's safe."

Heeseung relaxed, a sigh of relief escaping him. "Thank you," he murmured. "I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you."