Tripped |Jikook/Kookmin

The Calm before

"Seriously, is this really necessary?"Taemin whispered, eyeing the two bodyguards in black who looked almost comically overzealous. Behind us, two more guards hauled my luggage, accompanied by Jackson, Mr. Jeon's trusted man for my security detail. Their presence was a spectacle, attracting way more attention than I liked.

"It's like we're in a secret agent movie," I grumbled, dragging my feet as we waded through the crowded airport.

Taemin chuckled softly, "Yeah, but instead of saving the world, we're just trying to catch a flight."

I laughed so hard I had to clutch his arm for support. Taemin's humor was like a beacon in the middle of this absurdity, pulling me from my frustration and making me see the comedy in the chaos. Despite the overwhelming security detail, his witty remarks had me in stitches, my laughter echoing through the airport. We were both dressed casually—me in his oversized hoodie and sweatpants, my blonde hair tumbling into my eyes. As I leaned against him, still giggling, I could feel the warmth of his bicep beneath my fingers, grounding me in a moment of unexpected joy amidst the madness.

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Italy

The grand Italian villa exuded an air of opulence, but today, its luxurious décor seemed to amplify the tension in the room. Jeon Jeongguk, the head of Jeonafia, sat at the head of the table, his imposing presence making the marble and gold of the room seem almost secondary.

Enrico Moretti, the Italian Mafia boss, sat across from him, flanked by his trusted lieutenants. His usually suave demeanor was tinged with unease as he faced Jeongguk's unwavering gaze.

"Let us dispense with the pleasantries, Enrico. There are weightier matters demanding our attention. Despite your failure to fulfill your part of the agreement, I have graciously chosen to attend this meeting."

Enrico's eyes narrowed slightly, the flicker of tension visible before he composed himself. He leaned forward, intertwining his fingers as he rested his elbows on the table.

"Your presence is appreciated, Jeongguk," Enrico replied, his tone measured and diplomatic. "However, we both know the stakes here are far too significant to overlook. We must find a path forward."

Jeongguk leaned forward, his gaze unwavering, emanating a regal air that made even the shadows retreat.

"We?The path forward, Enrico, lies in your hands. My patience wears thin, and my trust in you is hanging by a thread. Convince me that this alliance is still worth pursuing, or prepare to face the consequences."

Enrico swallowed hard, the weight of Jeongguk's words settling heavily in the room. The tension was palpable, the air thick with the unspoken threat that lingered between them.

"The shipment," Enrico began, his voice steady but with an underlying edge of urgency, "was compromised. We both know the value and importance of what was lost. However, I have reason to believe there's more to this than mere incompetence. Leemin, the infamous rogue player in the underworld , has been stirring unrest. His movements have been erratic, and his reach is far greater than we previously assumed."

Jeongguk's eyes remained fixed on Enrico, his expression unchanging but his interest piqued.

"Kang Leemin." Jeongguk's voice was a low drawl as he pulled out a cigarette, placing it between his lips. Min Yoongi stepped forward, lighting it with a practiced flick. Jeongguk took a slow drag, letting the smoke swirl around his face before exhaling with a mirthless chuckle. "His name doesn't surprise me. After all, I do seem to be his favorite."

He leaned forward, eyes narrowing with a dangerous intensity. "But let us be perfectly clear: I am indifferent to the identity of the culprit. The fact that you are seated here, explaining the failure of my emerald shipment, is an affront in itself. I have navigated these treacherous waters long before you even grasped the concept of true power. And if Mr. Moretti's untimely demise left gaps in your education, I would be most pleased to provide you with an illuminating demonstration of the consequences that befall those who shirk their responsibilities."