Unevitable | Ryeji |

Chapter 40: Shadows of the Throne

Ryujin's Pov:

As I navigate the darkened hallways, my mind oscillates between the mission at hand and the revelations that have surfaced. Yeonjun is out of the equation, but his removal has left ripples that are now surfacing, some in the form of loose ends. Minho's connection to Chaeryeong... that was something I didn't see coming.

Chaeryeong, loyal to me, ensured Yeonjun wouldn't speak-without crossing a line she wasn't willing to breach. Her brother, though, has always been an unknown variable. Minho is smart, capable, and holds his cards close. It's clear he has suspicions, and if he finds out about Chaeryeong's involvement, it could shift the dynamics in ways I can't yet predict. Family can be dangerous, their emotions unpredictable, their loyalty easily swayed. That's something I've learned the hard way.

As I silently take down the last guard in this sector, my thoughts return to Yeji. The time we spent together outside that bar wasn't part of the plan. The attraction between us... it complicates things. Every time I think I've suppressed those feelings, they resurface stronger. The thought is dangerous, reckless even. But I can't help but wonder.

I shake off the distraction, knowing that letting emotions cloud my judgment is a weakness I can't afford. I've come too far, and the mission is too important. Yet, deep down, I know Yeji is going to be a problem. Not because of her skills as a detective-those I can handle-but because she's getting under my skin in ways I never anticipated.

I push that aside for now. The endgame is approaching, and I can't afford any slip-ups. This operation has to go off without a hitch.

I move swiftly through the halls, approaching the room where I suspect the President is hiding. Each step brings me closer to the final phase of the plan, the culmination of months of preparation. But as I round the corner, I come face to face with an unexpected obstacle-Beomgyu, Kai, and Taehyun. Yeonjun's best friends.

They stand in my path, eyes locked on me with grim determination. There's no hesitation in their posture. They know who I am, or at least, they know I'm a threat. The moment stretches out as we size each other up.

Beomgyu's hands clench into fists, his eyes narrowed with the kind of anger that only comes from loss. Kai stands beside him, calm and collected, but his stance gives away that he's ready to fight. Taehyun, sharp-eyed and focused, is already analyzing my every move, calculating. I can sense their resolve-they're not going to back down.

"You," Beomgyu growls, stepping forward. "You're not getting any further."

I hold my ground, my mind racing. Fighting them wasn't part of the plan, but now, I have no choice. Their presence here complicates everything. They're skilled, and there are three of them, but I can't let them stop me.

I exhale slowly, my body tensing in preparation. "You don't have to do this," I say, though I know it's futile. They won't listen. They've already made up their minds.

"We know what you've done," Kai says evenly, his voice carrying the weight of certainty. "You're not getting out of this."

The tension between us snaps. Beomgyu charges first, his movements quick but fueled by anger. I sidestep his initial strike, but Kai is already moving to flank me, forcing me to react swiftly. Taehyun hangs back, watching, waiting for the right moment to strike. He's the one I need to keep an eye on.

As the fight begins, I know I'm at a disadvantage. They know this terrain better than I do, and their loyalty to Yeonjun will push them beyond their limits. But I've trained for this. I've faced worse odds before.

I block Beomgyu's next strike and counter with a sharp elbow, catching him off guard. But before I can press the advantage, Kai closes in, forcing me back with a series of rapid blows. Taehyun moves in from the side, but I'm ready for him, dodging just in time to avoid a crippling hit.