ONESHOTS™✓

Shadows of the heart |seongjoong (1)

Part One: The Kidnapping

In the bustling underbelly of Busan, shadows lurked in every alley and whispers of power echoed through the city. The notorious Hanma Mafia had a grip over the region, feared and respected in equal measure. Within this chaotic world, Seonghwa was known as the "Ghost"-an enigma, a skilled strategist who handled the less savory dealings of the organization. With an air of elegance, he navigated through the murky waters of crime, always keeping his emotions indexed behind a cool facade.

On the opposing side was Hongjoong, a charismatic and audacious leader of a rival gang known as the 'Pride.' He had quickly made a name for himself by challenging the status quo, fighting against the oppressive reign of the Hanma Mafia. The two young men had crossed paths only once before-a dark exchange of glares during a turf conflict. The instant spark of animosity lingered in the air, thickening the tension between them.

One fateful night, Seonghwa received an urgent message from his boss. A deal had gone wrong, and as a consequence, they needed to send a strong message to Hongjoong's faction. The Ghost was tasked with the mission: kidnap Hongjoong and hold him for ransom. Although the plan left a bitter taste in his mouth, loyalty to the mob weighed heavier than his own moral compass.

The operation began quietly. Under the shroud of darkness, Seonghwa slipped through the narrow streets, a master of stealth. After hours of careful planning, he found Hongjoong at a nightclub-shimmering lights and pulsating music a stark contrast to the chaos about to unfold.

With practiced ease, Seonghwa confronted Hongjoong as he left the club, his heart racing as their eyes met. "Long time no see, Hongjoong," he said, an icy smile gracing his lips. Before Hongjoong could retort, Seonghwa maneuvered behind him, securing his arm and dragging him into the shadows of a nearby alley.

"Let go of me!" Hongjoong shouted, struggling against Seonghwa's grip. But the Ghost was unyielding. The roar of the music faded into distant echoes, and soon, Hongjoong found himself thrust into a van, the door slamming shut behind them, the darkness swallowing them whole.

Their destination was an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city, far from prying eyes. Bound and gagged, Hongjoong glared defiantly at Seonghwa while being strapped to a chair. Seonghwa stepped back, his chest tight with an unsettling mix of guilt and anticipation. He'd been sent to do a job, yet every fiber of his being screamed against hurting the rival leader.

"What is this?" Hongjoong finally managed, his eyes ablaze with anger. "You think this will intimidate me?"

Seonghwa's gaze hardened, but he couldn't maintain the wall he had built around his heart. "This is just business, Hongjoong," he said, swallowing hard. Yet, the truth was, he admired the rival leader's spirit. It was a perplexing feeling-this tug of attraction mixed with the bitterness of rivalry.

As hours passed, guards came and went, making their presence known with taps against the concrete walls. Hongjoong kept challenging Seonghwa, taunting him about his choices and the life he had committed to. The banter, initially fuelled by rage, turned into something unexpected-an exchange of vulnerabilities hidden beneath the bravado.

"What do you want from this life? You think power makes you strong?" Hongjoong asked one night, his voice steady despite his circumstances.

"More than you know," Seonghwa retorted, but as he saw the light flickering in Hongjoong's eyes, he felt an unsettling truth gather beneath his skin. Hours spent together shifted the dynamic; they both began to let their guards down ever so slightly.

That night, as Seonghwa sat on a wooden crate against the wall, Hongjoong began to speak of dreams beyond the crime world, of a life unshackled by violence. They shared stories-from childhood dreams to the burdens of leadership. There was a connection blooming amid the chaos, threading through their unexpected camaraderie.

As dawn painted the horizon with hues of orange and gold, Seonghwa found himself at a crossroads. The path he was on had forked into something unrecognizable.