Systemism

Hyeonwoo (5)

Yechan strutted down the centre of the warehouse, his gait confident and deliberate. The space around him seemed to shrink as he commanded it with his presence. The dim light of the warehouse cast long shadows, accentuating the madness in his eyes. His twisted smile was a grotesque mask of triumph, and his laughter, high-pitched and manic, reverberated through the vast emptiness. It was a sound that seemed to echo off the walls, a prelude to the chaos that was about to unfold.

Yechan: "It's time... to duel."

His voice carried a chilling finality, slicing through the tense silence. The words hung in the air like a decree, a signal that all pretence of camaraderie had been shed. Yechan's eyes, wide and almost wild, locked onto Hyeonwoo. He savoured the moment, relishing the discomfort and uncertainty that radiated from his former comrade. The air crackled with an electric intensity, thick with unspoken challenges.

Yechan's gaze flickered over to the other assembled factions—Samgawi, Jun Hao, William, and Kim Seol-Jin—all standing on the edge, their eyes reflecting the weight of the impending conflict. He could feel their anticipation, their unease, and it fueled his fervour.

Yechan: "Among you... who will kill me?"

The question was posed with a sneer, his voice dripping with scornful amusement. It was clear that Yechan viewed this not as a fight for survival, but as a grand performance. He was both the star and the conductor of this sordid play, and he revelled in the role.

Hyeonwoo, standing resolute among his allies—Kai, Evan, and Kwang Sun—remained silent for a moment. His calm demeanour was a stark contrast to Yechan's chaos. His face was a mask of steely determination, though the weight of what was to come was evident in the tight set of his jaw.

The tension in the warehouse was palpable, a coiled spring ready to snap. Every breath seemed to draw the moment closer, and the factions watched with bated breath. The space between Yechan and Hyeonwoo seemed to stretch, filled with the unspoken history and animosity that had brought them to this point.

Yechan's laughter subsided into a cruel smile as he took in the sight of Hyeonwoo. His eyes were alight with a dangerous mix of anticipation and malice.

Yechan: "Come on then. Who will be the one to make their move? Or are you all too scared to face me?"

He took another step forward, arms still outstretched as if welcoming the conflict. His gaze swept over the assembled figures, daring them to act, to make the first move.

Hyeonwoo's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, the silence was only broken by the distant sounds of the city—unaware of the turmoil brewing within the warehouse walls. The stage was set, and the players were poised, the air charged with the promise of impending violence.

Yechan's twisted smile never wavered. His laugh, a disturbing melody, rang out once more, echoing through the cavernous space. It was a sound that marked the beginning of the end, a prelude to the clash that would determine the fate of everyone present.

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Elsewhere, a phone buzzed in Lam Lee's hand. He answered, casually leaning back as Kim Jin's voice filled the line.

Kim Jin: "You bastard."

Lam Lee's brows furrowed slightly, confused at first, but a smirk began forming on his lips.