Crimson Shadows

Chapter 14

~Later that night~

-Seokjin's Pov-

After dropping Namjoon off at his apartment, I decided to head to my secret base. It had been a while since I checked in, and there were always things that needed my attention. Plus, it would give me a chance to keep an eye on my operations without worrying Namjoon.

The drive to the base was quiet, giving me time to reflect on the past few weeks. Things with Namjoon had been perfect. He was everything I could have hoped for and more. But as much as I wanted to focus on him, I couldn't ignore my responsibilities.

I arrived at the base and entered through the hidden entrance. The security system recognized me immediately, allowing me access to the underground complex. My men greeted me with respectful nods as I made my way to my office.

"Report" I said as I sat down at my desk, ready to catch up on any developments.

One of my trusted lieutenants, Minhyuk, stepped forward. "We've been keeping an eye on our operations, boss. Everything is running smoothly. However, there's something you need to see."

He handed me a folder, and I opened it, scanning the contents. My heart sank as I realized what I was looking at. Detailed reports and surveillance photos of my brother, Hyunjin, meeting with rival gangs.

"What is this?" I growled, my eyes narrowing.

"Hyunjin's been making deals behind your back" Minhyuk said, his voice grim. "He's been leaking information and aligning himself with our enemies."

Anger and betrayal coursed through me. My own brother, plotting against me? It was almost too much to believe, but the evidence was right in front of me. I slammed the folder shut and stood up, pacing the room.

"How long has this been going on?" I demanded.

"We're not sure exactly..." Minhyuk admitted. "But it seems he's been at it for a few months now. We wanted to be certain before bringing it to your attention."

I clenched my fists, struggling to control my rage. "I knew he shouldn't be trusted. I thought... no, I need to deal with this."

Minhyuk nodded. "What are your orders, boss?"

"Keep an eye on him." I said through gritted teeth. "I want to know every move he makes. And find out who he's been talking to. We need to know the extent of his betrayal."

Minhyuk nodded again and left the room to carry out my orders. I sat back down, my mind racing. I had to think carefully about my next steps. Confronting Hyunjin directly could be risky, especially if he had powerful allies. But I couldn't let this go unpunished.

A part of me ached at the thought of having to go against my own brother, despite we never got along...but I couldn't allow his actions to jeopardize everything I had built. And most importantly, I couldn't let him threaten Namjoon.

Just as I was about to dive deeper into my plans, my phone buzzed with a text. It was Namjoon, sending me a picture of a cute cat that's outside his doorstep seeking some warmth. I couldn't help but smile, his innocence and joy a stark contrast to the darkness I was dealing with.

I quickly replied, telling him how adorable the cat was and reminding him to stay safe. My resolve hardened. For Namjoon, I would do anything. Even if it meant confronting my brother and the chaos that would ensue.

I spent the rest of the night strategizing, mapping out potential scenarios and responses. My men worked tirelessly, gathering more intel and tightening security. By morning, I had a plan in place.

As I prepared to leave the base, Minhyuk approached me again. "Boss, we've tracked down a meeting Hyunjin has scheduled for tonight. He's supposed to meet with the leaders of the Red Dragons."

The Red Dragons were one of our biggest rivals, known for their ruthless tactics and willingness to do whatever it took to come out on top. If Hyunjin was meeting with them, it meant he was serious about his betrayal.

"Good." I said, my voice cold and determined. "We'll crash their little meeting. And I'll make sure Hyunjin understands the consequences of crossing me."

Minhyuk nodded, a fierce look in his eyes. "We'll be ready, boss."

I drove back to namjoon's apartment, my mind still focused on the task ahead. Namjoon was waiting for me, his face lighting up when he saw me.

"Seokie! You're back!" he exclaimed, running to hug me.

I held him close, taking comfort in his warmth. "Yeah, I'm back, darling."

"Everything okay?" he asked, sensing my tension.

I kissed the top of his head. "It will be. I just have some business to take care of tonight. But don't worry, I'll be back soon."

He nodded, trusting me completely. "Be careful, Seokie."

"I will..." I promised, holding him a little tighter.

As night fell, I prepared for the confrontation. With my men by my side, we headed to the location of the meeting. The abandoned warehouse was dimly lit, shadows dancing across the walls.

We moved silently, surrounding the building and taking our positions. I watched as Hyunjin and the leaders of the Red Dragons arrived, unaware of the trap they had walked into.

"Showtime" I whispered, signaling my men.

We stormed the warehouse, weapons drawn. The Red Dragons tried to fight back, but we were prepared. Within minutes, we had them subdued. I stepped forward, facing Hyunjin.

"Seokjin" he spat, his eyes filled with hatred.

"Hyunjin" I replied, my voice cold. "You betrayed me. You betrayed our family. Father definitely made a mistake giving the business to you."

He sneered. "You were always too soft. Father saw that. That's why he chose me."

"Father was wrong." I said, my anger boiling over. "And now, you'll pay for your betrayal."

I nodded to my men, and they dragged Hyunjin away. The leaders of the Red Dragons were dealt with swiftly, their presence no longer a threat.

As I watched them go, I felt a mix of relief and sadness. My brother had chosen his path, and there was no turning back. But I knew I had made the right decision. For Namjoon, for my family, and for myself.

I returned home that night, exhausted but resolute. Namjoon was waiting for me, his worry evident.

"Seokie, are you okay?" he asked, hugging me tightly.

I held him close, burying my face in his hair. "I'm okay, darling. Everything's going to be okay..."