Crimson Shadows

Chapter 19

-Seokjin's Pov-

I clenched my fists just wanting to punch Hyunjin in the face but I had to act smart or else something might happen to my darling.

"Let him go Hyunjin. I'll end you right here. I told you not to lay a finger on him. I fucking told you!"

"Hm...Now now Seokjin. You're scaring your baby more with your yelling" he turns to Namjoon "See how much of a monster he is now?"

I gritted my teeth, barely restraining the fury that surged through me. Hyunjin held Namjoon tightly, a smug grin on his face, clearly enjoying the power he wielded. Namjoon, my innocent, sweet Namjoon, looked at me with wide, fearful eyes, trembling slightly.

"Hyunjin, I swear to God, let him go." I repeated, my voice low and menacing. "You know what will happen if you don't."

Hyunjin chuckled, tightening his grip on Namjoon's arm. "Oh, I know, Seokjin. But the question is, do you? Look at him, he's terrified. What kind of man would put someone he loves in such a dangerous position?"

Namjoon whimpered, and my heart ached. I wanted nothing more than to rush over and pull him into my arms, to reassure him that everything would be alright. But I couldn't, not with Hyunjin standing between us, always the thorn in my side.

"You're the monster here, Hyunjin." I hissed, trying to keep my voice steady. "Using an innocent person to get to me? That's low, even for you."

Hyunjin's smile widened. "Innocent? Maybe. But he's also your weakness. And that makes him my perfect target." He looked down at Namjoon, who flinched. "Don't worry, little one. This will all be over soon."

"Hyunjin, please...." Namjoon pleaded, his voice shaking. "P-please don't hurt seokie... I won't tell anyone, I promise."

"Shh, darling" I said, trying to soothe him. "I'm going to get you out of this. I promise."

Hyunjin laughed again, the sound grating on my nerves. "Promises, promises. But can you really keep them, Seokjin? Can you save him from me?"

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. "Hyunjin, think about what you're doing. You know I'll stop at nothing to protect Namjoon. You're putting yourself in a dangerous position."

"Maybe" Hyunjin said, shrugging. "But I've always loved a good gamble. And this one? This one is worth the risk."

I looked at Namjoon, his eyes filled with tears, and felt a surge of determination. I had to get him out of this, no matter the cost. "Hyunjin, this is your last chance. Let him go, and we can talk. We can work something out."

Hyunjin's eyes glinted with amusement. "Talk? Oh, Seokjin, you know I don't negotiate with family. It's either my way, or no way at all."

I clenched my fists tighter, my mind racing. I had to find a way to save Namjoon, to get him away from Hyunjin once and for all. And I would. Because he was my everything, and I couldn't bear to lose him.

"Fine." I said, my voice cold and hard. "You want to play games, Hyunjin? Let's play. But know this... I will win. And when I do, you'll regret ever laying a finger on him."

Hyunjin's smile faltered for a moment, and I saw a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. Good. Let him doubt. Because I was going to bring him down, and I was going to save Namjoon. No matter what it took.

The room was thick with tension, my eyes locked on Hyunjin as he toyed with Namjoon's fate. I needed to find a way to turn the tables. Hyunjin's arrogance was his weakness, and I would exploit it.

"Do you really think you can win this?" Hyunjin sneered, dragging Namjoon a step closer to the edge of a very deep hole on the ground. I took a deep breath, forcing calm into my voice.

"Hyunjin, you've always been second-best. Always trying to prove yourself. But deep down, you know you'll never surpass me."

"Oh, but I do"

I continued, taking a step forward. "All those years in our father's shadow, never being good enough. It's driven you mad, hasn't it?"

"Stop it!" he shouted, his face contorting with rage. I saw my chance and seized it.

"You've always been a failure, Hyunjin. You'll never be more than a parasite, feeding off others' successes."

Hyunjin's control snapped. He released Namjoon, pushing him to the ground as he lunged at me with a roar. I sidestepped, catching his arm and using his momentum to flip him over my shoulder. He hit the ground hard, dazed but still dangerous.

"Run, Darling!" I shouted, not taking my eyes off Hyunjin. Namjoon hesitated for a moment, then scrambled to his feet and ran towards the door. Relief flooded through me, but I couldn't let my guard down. Hyunjin was already recovering, fury blazing in his eyes.

"You'll pay for that!" he snarled, reaching for a knife tucked into his boot. I kicked it out of his hand, sending it skittering across the floor.

"It's over, Hyunjin. You've lost."

He laughed, a hollow, bitter sound. "You think it's that easy? I've planned for this moment, Seokjin. You're the one who's lost."

But I wasn't listening. My focus was on ending this once and for all. I moved quickly, pinning him down and delivering a swift punch to his jaw. He struggled, but I was stronger, driven by the need to protect Namjoon.

"This is for Namjoon!" I said through gritted teeth, striking him again. "And this is for everything you've taken from me." With one final blow, Hyunjin went limp, unconscious. I stood over him, breathing hard, the adrenaline coursing through me. It was finally over.

I turned to find Namjoon standing at the doorway, eyes wide with fear and concern. I rushed to him, pulling him into a tight embrace. "It's okay, darling. It's over. You're safe now." He clung to me, shaking.

"Seokjin, I was so scared..."

"I know" I whispered, holding him close. "But I'm here now. I'll always protect you."

As we stood there, the weight of what had happened settled over me. I had finally ended the threat that had haunted us, but at a cost. I would have to deal with the fallout, with the guilt of taking my own brother's life. But for now, all that mattered was that Namjoon was safe.

And I would do anything to keep him that way.