Solo Ruby in the Raven's lair | Taennie ff

11

THE HIDDEN THREAT
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The next morning, the atmosphere in the mansion was tense, a palpable reminder of the previous night's confrontation. The air felt heavy, charged with unresolved emotions and the weight of unspoken words. Taehyung stood in the main hall, his expression stern but controlled, addressing the assembled gang members.

"We have a new mission," he announced, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife. "And we need to be at our best. Ruby, Jimin, and I will take the lead on this one."

Jennie stood at the back of the room, her arms crossed and her face an unreadable mask. Despite the lingering anger from their argument, she nodded in agreement. She knew the mission was important, and personal feelings had to be set aside. Her cold exterior didn't waver, but there was a flicker of determination in her eyes.

Taehyung glanced at her, his gaze lingering for a moment longer than necessary. "We’re hitting the warehouse by the docks tonight," he continued. "It's a high-risk operation, but the payoff is worth it. We need to secure the shipment before our rivals do."

The rest of the gang exchanged looks, sensing the underlying tension between their leader and the newest member. Jimin stepped forward, trying to lighten the mood. "Alright, let's get to work. We don't have all day."

As the team prepared, the air was filled with a mix of anticipation and unspoken tension. Jennie and Taehyung exchanged brief, curt instructions, their interactions devoid of the usual camaraderie but efficient and focused. They moved like professionals, their cold attitudes creating a barrier that shielded them from the vulnerability of the previous night.

In the armory, Jennie checked her weapons meticulously, feeling Taehyung's eyes on her. She didn’t look up, but she could sense his presence, a silent acknowledgment of their shared responsibility.

“Make sure you’re ready,” he said, his voice low but firm. “We can’t afford any mistakes tonight.”

“I’m always ready,” Jennie replied, her tone equally firm, yet there was a subtle edge to her words. She holstered her gun, finally meeting his gaze with a steely determination.

The drive to the docks was silent, the tension between them palpable. Taehyung focused on the road, his jaw set. Jimin, sensing the need for some levity, tried to break the ice. "So, Ruby, you ever pulled a job like this before?"

Jennie glanced at him, her expression softening just a fraction. "Plenty of times," she said. "I know what I’m doing."

Taehyung’s grip on the steering wheel tightened, but he kept his eyes forward. “Good. We’ll need every bit of your expertise.”

As they neared the docks, Taehyung outlined the plan once more, ensuring everyone knew their roles. "Jimin and I will secure the perimeter. Ruby, you handle the extraction."

Jennie nodded, her mind already working through the details. The tension between her and Taehyung hung in the air, but for now, their focus was on the mission. They moved with a cold efficiency, their shared goal forcing them into a reluctant alliance.

As they approached the warehouse, the shadows lengthened, and the air grew colder. The stakes were high, and both Taehyung and Jennie knew that their ability to work together, despite their differences, would determine the outcome of the mission.

The warehouse loomed ahead, its massive, shadowed structure a stark contrast to the fading light of day. The team parked a short distance away, the only sounds the subtle hum of the engine and the distant cries of seagulls.

Taehyung, Jennie, and Jimin moved with practiced precision. Taehyung gestured for Jennie to take the lead. “Stay sharp. We don’t know what kind of security they’ve got,” he instructed, his voice clipped but authoritative.