Dangerous Affection | Renmin | Jaemren

2

Renjun couldn't get the encounter with Jaemin out of his head. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Jaemin's infuriating smirk and felt the weight of that gun in his hand. It was a constant reminder of the life Renjun was trying so desperately to escape-a life filled with violence, deception, and danger lurking around every corner.

But Renjun had no choice. As much as he hated it, he was still tied to his family's empire, and now, thanks to his father's latest scheme, he was tied to Jaemin, too.

The next morning, Renjun found himself back at the penthouse, begrudgingly ready to endure another day of Jaemin's smug attitude and unwanted lessons. He stepped off the elevator, expecting the usual taunts and challenges, but the suite was eerily quiet. Renjun's instincts immediately went on high alert.

"Jaemin?" Renjun called out, his voice echoing in the room. There was no answer, just the distant hum of the city outside. Renjun's eyes darted around, searching for any sign of movement. Something felt off, but he couldn't pinpoint what.

As Renjun cautiously moved further into the suite, he heard a faint noise-a soft thud followed by a muffled groan. He followed the sound to one of the back rooms, his heart pounding in his chest. Renjun pushed the door open, and his breath hitched at the scene before him.

Jaemin was pinned against the wall, a burly man twice his size holding him by the throat. Blood trickled from a cut on Jaemin's lip, and his usually composed expression was twisted in pain and defiance.

Renjun's mind raced. He knew he should call for help or retreat and regroup, but something inside him snapped. Before he could think twice, Renjun grabbed the nearest object-a heavy vase-and swung it at the man with all his strength. The vase shattered on impact, and the man stumbled back, releasing Jaemin.

Jaemin, quick on his feet despite the attack, wasted no time. He spun around, landing a swift punch to the man's jaw, sending him crashing to the ground. The room fell silent, save for the ragged breathing of all three men.

Renjun stood frozen, the reality of what he'd just done sinking in. He'd acted on instinct, something he never allowed himself to do. But seeing Jaemin in danger had flipped a switch in him, one that he didn't fully understand.

Jaemin wiped the blood from his lip, his gaze locking onto Renjun. For a moment, Renjun expected anger, maybe even blame. But instead, Jaemin's expression softened into something Renjun had never seen before-gratitude.

"Nice swing," Jaemin said, his voice rough but laced with a hint of amusement. "You really saved my ass there."

Renjun blinked, still processing the chaos. "Who the hell was that?"

Jaemin shrugged, still catching his breath. "Just a hired thug. Probably someone who wasn't happy with one of our deals. It happens."

"It happens?" Renjun repeated, incredulous. "You were nearly strangled, and that's your response?"

Jaemin chuckled, wincing slightly at the pain. "Welcome to my world, Renjun. You wanted to know how things work? This is it."

Renjun shook his head, frustration bubbling up inside him. "I didn't sign up to be your bodyguard."

Jaemin smirked, though his eyes were sincere. "And yet, you did a pretty good job."

Renjun glared at him, but his anger quickly faded. He couldn't deny the adrenaline coursing through him, the strange thrill of having stepped into the chaos instead of running from it. It was a feeling he hated and craved all at once.

Jaemin leaned against the wall, his cocky demeanor slipping for just a moment. "Why did you do it?"

Renjun looked away, unsure of how to answer. He hadn't meant to get involved, but seeing Jaemin in danger had ignited something in him. "I don't know," Renjun admitted, his voice quieter than he intended. "I just... couldn't stand there and watch."

Jaemin's gaze lingered on Renjun, intense and searching. It was as if he was trying to figure Renjun out, piece by piece. "You're full of surprises, Renjun."

Renjun crossed his arms, deflecting the compliment. "Don't get used to it."

Jaemin smiled, but there was a weight behind it, something deeper than his usual bravado. "I won't."

---

Over the next few days, Jaemin and Renjun settled into an uneasy routine. Renjun continued to shadow Jaemin on various jobs, learning the ropes whether he wanted to or not. Jaemin was always careful, always a step ahead, but Renjun couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than the carefree facade he presented.

One night, after a particularly tense meeting with a rival group, Jaemin and Renjun found themselves back at the penthouse, both worn out from the day's events. Jaemin poured himself a drink and offered one to Renjun, who reluctantly accepted.

They sat in silence for a while, the weight of the day hanging heavy between them. Renjun watched as Jaemin stared out at the city skyline, lost in thought. It was rare to see him so quiet, so vulnerable.

"What's your deal, anyway?" Renjun asked, breaking the silence. "Why do you do this?"

Jaemin glanced at him, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "You want the honest answer or the one that sounds cool?"

Renjun snorted. "I'd settle for honest."

Jaemin leaned back, his gaze turning distant. "I grew up in this world. My parents were nobodies-small-time criminals who never made it big. They got caught in the crossfire of some rival feud when I was a kid. After that, I had nothing. No family, no home, just... survival."

Renjun listened, surprised at how easily Jaemin spoke about his past. It was a side of him Renjun hadn't seen before-a side that made him seem more human, less untouchable.

"This life was the only thing I knew," Jaemin continued. "I'm good at it. And it's the only place where I feel like I have control, even if it's just an illusion."

Renjun nodded, understanding more than he wanted to admit. They were both trapped in a world they didn't choose, both searching for a way to make sense of it all.

"And what about you?" Jaemin asked, turning the question back on Renjun. "Why stick around if you hate it so much?"

Renjun hesitated, the answer tangled up in his chest. "Because it's all I've ever known," he said finally. "And because... sometimes, it's easier to stay than to try and leave."

Jaemin studied him, his expression unreadable. "You're different from anyone I've ever met in this business, Renjun. You're still trying to find a way out, even if you won't admit it."

Renjun didn't reply, but Jaemin's words struck a chord. He'd spent so long denying his place in this world, trying to distance himself from his family's shadow. But now, sitting here with Jaemin, Renjun couldn't help but feel the pull of something more-something dangerous, yes, but also exhilarating.

"Whatever happens," Jaemin said, breaking Renjun's train of thought, "just remember one thing: trust no one. Not even me."

Renjun nodded, but he knew it wasn't that simple. He was already in too deep, and the lines between ally and enemy were blurring faster than he could keep up.

As the night wore on, Jaemin fell asleep on the couch, his usual guard down for once. Renjun watched him, studying the sharp angles of his face and the vulnerability hidden beneath his tough exterior. Renjun knew he should be wary, that he shouldn't let his guard down around someone like Jaemin.

But as he sat there, Renjun couldn't help but feel a strange connection to the man who had become both his greatest annoyance and his closest ally.

And that was the most dangerous thing of all.

---

End of Chapter 2
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