Twisted Desires

34. Easy Like Sunday Morning

It was reasonable to assume that the chaos was done. Maybe it was, but maybe it also wasn't. Hanni knew one thing for sure: she was definitely done. She didn't know how to tell them. The idea of wanting out of a gang seemed almost unfathomable, especially when that gang was her family.

She stood in the aftermath of their celebration, the echoes of laughter and triumph still hanging in the air. The group had dispersed, some retreating to their own corners of the makeshift party room, others sprawled out on the floor or furniture, basking in the glow of their success. Hanni's mind, however, was a tumultuous sea of thoughts and emotions.

The money was secure. The girl—Minji—was by her side, their bond stronger than ever. Hanni had achieved what she once thought impossible, but now, a new desire had taken root in her heart. She wanted out.

As she looked around the room, her gaze settled on each of her friends. Tyler and Maddie were huddled together, sharing quiet words and occasional bursts of laughter. Michael was still animated, recounting the highlights of their heist to Scott and Reggie, who listened with tired but appreciative smiles. Mr. Graham stood apart, his watchful eyes taking in the scene with a mixture of pride and weariness.

Her family. Her gang. The people who had fought alongside her, bled with her, and celebrated with her. The thought of leaving them was almost unbearable, but the yearning for a different life had grown too strong to ignore.

Hanni's heart pounded as she considered how to break the news. She could almost hear the incredulous responses, the questions, the disbelief. How could she even begin to explain that despite everything they had been through, everything they had achieved, she needed something more? Something different?

Minji's presence beside her was a comforting anchor. She glanced at Hanni, sensing the turmoil beneath her composed exterior. Minji reached out, her fingers brushing against Hanni's hand in a silent offer of support.

Hanni took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. She had to do this. She had to find a way to articulate the longing in her heart, the desire to step away from the life that had defined her for so long.

"Hey," she called out, her voice cutting through the soft murmur of conversations. The room quieted as everyone turned to look at her. Hanni swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry.

"There's something I need to say," she began, her voice steady but tinged with uncertainty. "I know this might come as a shock, but I've been thinking a lot about... what comes next. For me."

Her friends exchanged puzzled glances, but no one interrupted. Hanni pressed on, the words tumbling out now that she had started.

"We've accomplished so much together. We've faced down some of the toughest challenges, and we've come out on top. I'm so proud of everything we've done, and I'm grateful to each of you for being by my side."

She paused, her eyes scanning the room, taking in the faces of the people she cared about most. "But I need something different now. I need to step away from all this—the danger, the chaos. I want a chance to build something new, something outside of this life."

A stunned silence followed her declaration. She could see the shock and confusion in their eyes, the unspoken questions hanging in the air. Finally, Mr. Graham stepped forward, his expression thoughtful.

"Hanni," he said quietly, "are you sure about this?"

She nodded, her resolve firm. "Yes, I'm sure. I have the money, and I have Minji. Now I just want out."

Tyler was the first to speak, his voice hesitant but sincere. "If this is what you really want, we'll support you. You've earned that right."

As she laughed and shook her head at Michael's wild imagination, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Minji standing there, her face etched with worry. Recognizing the seriousness in Minji's eyes, Hanni excused herself from the conversation, promising to catch up with Michael and Maddie later.