Twisted Desires

32. Now It's Just Us

As the Mustang sped down the highway, the tension in the air began to dissipate, replaced by a wary calm. Minji's hands finally relaxed their grip on the wheel, and she glanced over at Hanni.

"You okay?" Minji asked, her voice softer now, tinged with concern.

Hanni nodded, though her heart was still racing. "Yeah, just... I can't believe we made it out of that."

The radio continued to crackle with static, a comforting background noise in the silence that followed. Minji reached over and fiddled with the dial, trying to find a station. The static wavered, then cleared, and a radio channel , familiar tune filled the car. It was "Take The Money And Run" By Steve Miller Band.

Minji chuckled, a hint of disbelief in her voice. "Perfect timing."

Hanni leaned back in her seat, letting the music wash over her. "It feels like a sign," she said, a small smile playing on her lips.

Minji glanced at her, then back at the road. "Maybe it is."

For a few moments, they just drove, the tension of the chase melting away with each mile. The adrenaline high was giving way to exhaustion, but the music kept their spirits up. They had survived against the odds, and now they had to figure out their next move. Suddenly, Hanni spoke up, "I'm done with this."

Minji hummed, half-distracted.

"No, seriously," Hanni insisted.

"I'm done with this life. The constant running, the fear, the danger. I can't keep living like this, Minji. We've just risked our lives again, and for what? A bit of money? Revenge? I'm tired. I want out. I want a normal life, without looking over my shoulder every second."

Minji glanced at her, eyes widening in surprise at the outburst.

"I mean, what are we even doing?" Hanni continued, her voice shaking. "We're not invincible. Today could have gone so wrong, Minji. And what would we have to show for it? Nothing but broken bones and shattered lives. I want more than this. I want a life where I don't have to worry about getting shot at or chased down. I want a life where we can just... breathe."

Minji sighed, keeping her eyes on the road. "I know, Hanni. I know. But what choice do we have?"

Hanni's eyes glinted with excitement. "That's the thing, Minji. In life, we're surrounded by choices. We just became millionaires, Minji, millionaires. Our lives have just begun."

Minji tapped her fingers on the wheel, contemplating Hanni's words as they pulled into the familiar road leading to the motel. "We need to get out of here. I'm serious, Minji," Hanni insisted as Minji drifted into the motel parking lot, parking messily. The car jolted, and Hanni grabbed onto the bar on the roof for stability.

"We have the money, and Scott can cover our identities. I can even take my family too!" Hanni said, her voice full of hope.

Minji sighed deeply, the weight of their situation settling heavily on her shoulders. "Then what?" she asked, turning to look at Hanni.

Hanni faltered, her excitement dimming. "What do you mean?"

Minji leaned over, her presence imposing as she caged Hanni with her arms, their faces inches apart.
"Then will you finally give me a chance?" Minji asked, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

"Wh—" Hanni fumbled, caught off guard by the sudden question.

"Don't act like you don't know," Minji said, her frustration evident. "I've been trying for you for so long, and you never seem to notice. So tell me, Hanni, if you're leaving this place, would you even think to take me with you?"