Dangerous Affection | Renmin | Jaemren

4

Renjun couldn't sleep. The tension from the past few days clung to him like a second skin, keeping his mind restless and his thoughts tangled. Jaemin's words echoed in his head: "Trust no one." It was sound advice, but Renjun found it impossible to heed, especially when the lines between friend and foe were becoming increasingly blurred.

Morning arrived too soon, bringing with it another round of clandestine meetings and whispered threats. Renjun was getting used to this-following Jaemin through the city, keeping his head low, and trying to stay one step ahead of whoever was working against them.

Today, however, felt different. There was a nervous energy in the air, and Jaemin was even more guarded than usual. Renjun could tell something was brewing, but Jaemin kept his plans close to his chest, offering only clipped instructions and vague reassurances.

They ended up in the heart of the city, in a high-end café that served as a neutral ground for business discussions. Renjun watched as Jaemin navigated the space with ease, greeting familiar faces with casual nods and half-smiles. But beneath the surface, Renjun could see the strain.

Jaemin led them to a private corner booth, away from prying eyes. A few moments later, a man joined them-a sharp-dressed figure with a shrewd gaze and a disarming smile. Renjun recognized him instantly: Jeno, a notorious broker who had his hands in every shady deal across the city.

Jeno slid into the booth, his eyes flicking between Jaemin and Renjun. "So, this is the famous Renjun. I've heard a lot about you."

Renjun tensed, unsure how to respond. He knew of Jeno's reputation-charming on the surface, but ruthless when crossed. Renjun could feel Jeno's scrutiny, like he was being weighed and measured, and he didn't like it one bit.

Jaemin, ever the master of maintaining composure, leaned back in his seat, his expression cool. "Let's skip the formalities. You know why we're here."

Jeno smiled, his demeanor unbothered. "I hear you've got a rat problem."

Jaemin's jaw tightened, but he didn't deny it. "I need names. Now."

Jeno chuckled, taking a sip of his coffee as if they were discussing the weather. "Information like that doesn't come cheap, Jaemin. And even then, there's no guarantee you'll like what you find."

Jaemin's eyes darkened, his patience wearing thin. "I'm not paying you to play games. Who's behind this?"

Jeno sighed, setting his cup down with exaggerated care. "Alright, since you're in such a rush. There's been talk-rumors mostly-that someone high up is working both sides. Feeding intel to your rivals and collecting a nice paycheck for their trouble."

Renjun's heart pounded. A high-ranking insider? That could mean anyone. Renjun tried to keep his face neutral, but the implication was terrifying. This wasn't just some small-time betrayal; it was someone close, someone with power.

Jaemin's expression didn't waver, but Renjun could see the fury simmering beneath the surface. "Names, Jeno."

Jeno shrugged, his smile never faltering. "Like I said, nothing concrete. But if I were you, I'd start looking at those closest to your father. The ones who've been a little too quiet lately."

Renjun felt a chill run down his spine. His father's inner circle was notoriously tight-knit, bound by years of loyalty and fear. But as Renjun glanced at Jaemin, he knew that loyalty in their world was as fragile as glass.

Jaemin tossed a thick envelope onto the table, payment for Jeno's intel. Jeno pocketed it without a second glance, his smile widening. "Pleasure doing business. And Jaemin, a word of advice? Watch your back. Betrayal isn't just a threat-it's a promise."

With that, Jeno sauntered off, leaving Jaemin and Renjun in a heavy, uncomfortable silence. Renjun could feel the tension radiating off Jaemin, his usually composed exterior cracking under the weight of the revelation.

Renjun tried to lighten the mood, but his voice wavered. "Do you think he's right?"

Jaemin didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stared out the window, his expression distant and unreadable. "It doesn't matter what I think. What matters is finding the truth."

---

The rest of the day passed in a blur of frantic phone calls, coded messages, and Jaemin's relentless search for answers. Renjun did his best to keep up, but he could feel the toll it was taking on both of them. The paranoia, the constant second-guessing-it was enough to drive anyone mad.

That evening, as they returned to the penthouse, Jaemin was unusually quiet. Renjun wanted to reach out, to offer some kind of reassurance, but he didn't know where to start. He was used to Jaemin being the unflappable one, the rock in the storm, but now Jaemin looked like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

As Jaemin poured himself a drink, Renjun finally broke the silence. "Jaemin, are you okay?"

Jaemin's hand paused, and for a moment, Renjun thought he might actually open up. But instead, Jaemin set the glass down and turned away, his voice tight. "I'm fine. Just tired."

Renjun knew it was a lie, but he let it slide. He watched Jaemin retreat to the balcony, staring out at the city as if it held all the answers. Renjun followed, stepping out into the cool night air.

Jaemin didn't acknowledge him, but Renjun stayed anyway. They stood side by side, the city's lights twinkling below them like a sea of broken stars. It was strange-standing so close to someone yet feeling a million miles apart.

"I've been thinking," Renjun said, his voice barely above a whisper. "About why I'm still here."

Jaemin glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "And?"

Renjun hesitated, the words heavy on his tongue. "I'm here because I don't want to be alone. And... because I don't want you to be alone, either."

Jaemin's breath hitched, the faintest crack in his stoic facade. For a moment, Renjun saw something in Jaemin's eyes-something raw and unguarded that he wasn't sure he was meant to see. But just as quickly, Jaemin masked it with a smirk.

"You really are a sap, aren't you?" Jaemin teased, but his voice lacked its usual bite.

Renjun rolled his eyes, but there was no real heat behind it. "Maybe. But you don't have to do this alone, Jaemin. I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere."

Jaemin turned to face him fully, the tension between them palpable. There was something different in the way Jaemin looked at Renjun-an unspoken understanding, a shared burden. For all their differences, they were in this together, whether they liked it or not.

Jaemin's smirk softened, just a hint of something genuine breaking through. "Thanks, Renjun."

Renjun nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. It wasn't much, but it was a start-a fragile truce in a world where trust was a luxury neither of them could afford.

As they stood there, the city stretching out before them, Renjun couldn't help but feel that, for the first time in a long while, he wasn't alone.

And maybe, just maybe, that was enough.

---

End of Chapter 4
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