Unevitable | Ryeji |

Chapter 18: Fractured Loyalties

Ryujin's Pov:

Few days ago

The cold metal of the blade felt heavy in my hand, the weight of the mission pressing down on my chest. I clenched my jaw, the memory of Yeonjun's terrified eyes flashing through my mind. He saw my face. I curse under my breath, furious at myself for letting him live. If it weren't for Hyunjin's careful hand, the President's precious nephew would be nothing but a memory by now. But I wanted more than just his death-l wanted him to know why.

The phone feels like ice against my ear as I call Chaeryeong. She's been monitoring Yeonjun ever since he was admitted to Seoul Hospital, our own little mole in their pristine white walls. It takes a few rings, but she finally picks up.

"Ryeongi," she says, her voice calm, masking whatever chaos she's surrounded by.

I don't waste a second. "I need you to do something. That day, Yeonjun saw my face. I need you to stop him from revealing it to anyone." The words tumble out in a rush, each syllable laced with desperation I hate to feel.

There's a pause, and I can almost see her pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration. "You should be more careful with him, Ryu," she replies, the anger in her voice barely restrained. "But I'll see what I can do without killing him."

The last part stings. She's pissed, and rightly so. But I can't let him die-not yet. I need to be the one to end him, to look into his eyes when he realizes who's behind it all. The thought makes my blood boil with a twisted sense of satisfaction.

"Thank you, Chaeryeong," I say, trying to soften my tone. "I'll handle the rest."

She sighs, and the line goes dead. I stand there, staring at the phone, trying to steady my breathing. This mission is spiraling out of control, but I won't let it slip through my fingers. I can't.

A few hours later, Chaeryeong texts me. It's done. He won't be talking anytime soon.

I close my eyes, letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding. He's in a coma -alive, but silent. And when the time comes, I'll be there to finish what I started.

Until then, I'll make sure every step I take brings me closer to the President's downfall. And Yeonjun... he'll be the first to fall.

As I lower the phone from my ear, a familiar buzz in my hand pulls my attention. I glance at the screen-it's a message from Hyunjin.

Hyun🤜🏻🤛🏻

Yeji and her team are out for hot pot. Thought you'd want to know.

For a moment, my heart betrays me, skipping a beat at the mention of Yeji. The thought of her, so close, sharing a meal with her team, completely oblivious to the truth about me-it sends a thrill through my veins. But I quickly shove that feeling down. I can't afford to be distracted, not now.

I type a brief response to Hyunjin, thanking him for the information, before slipping the phone back into my pocket. The cold metal of the blade is gone, but the weight of the mission is still pressing down on me, heavier than ever.

This mission might be spiraling out of control, but I'll regain control. I have to. If that means keeping an even closer watch on Yeji and her team, then so be it. I'll play this game to the end, and when the time comes, I'll make sure I'm the one standing tall though I'm probably the shortest one.

Present Day

The sound of the city hums in the background as I sit in the darkened room, the only light coming from the glow of my phone screen. It's late, but sleep hasn't come easily these days. My thoughts are tangled, and no matter how hard I try, I can't shake the image of Yeji from my mind.