Unevitable | Ryeji |

Chapter 44: So this is love?

Ryujin's Pov:

The next day, we gather at Mrs. Hwang's house for the meeting. The atmosphere feels tense yet strangely charged with purpose. As we settle into the spacious living room, it becomes clear that today is not just another meeting-it's a turning point.

Mrs. Hwang stands at the center, exuding the same commanding presence she did the night before. But there's a quiet intensity in her eyes now, something deeper. She glances at the group, taking a moment to let the weight of her next words sink in.

"My husband, Mr. Hwang, was the leader of this group-dedicated to exposing corruption in the highest levels of government," she begins, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "He started this mission, but he was murdered before he could see it through."

A silence falls over the room as we process her words. The murder of Mr. Hwang suddenly feels far more personal, tied directly to the corruption that now entangles all of us.

Mrs. Hwang's eyes harden as she continues. "I've taken up his mission. And I will finish what he couldn't." Her gaze sweeps over all of us, her voice unyielding. "We're not just fighting to bring down corrupt politicians-we're fighting for justice. For my husband. For everyone who has suffered because of this system."

I glance at Yeji, who is sitting beside me, her expression one of quiet resolve. The gravity of the situation is finally sinking in. We're no longer just chasing leads-we're part of something much bigger, something with deeper roots than we ever imagined.

"As of today," Mrs. Hwang declares, "you are all part of this mission. Whether you were ready or not."

Winter, standing off to the side, nods, clearly already aware of her mother's plans. Niki looks unsure, but the determination in Mrs. Hwang's voice leaves little room for doubt.

"We expose the corruption," Mrs. Hwang says, "we avenge my husband, and we protect those we care about. Starting now, there's no turning back."

The room is filled with a heavy sense of purpose. We all know this isn't just about taking down corrupt officials anymore-it's about survival, loyalty, and justice.

Mrs. Hwang listens intently, her sharp eyes scanning each of us as we explain our reasons for wanting to take down the President.

I'm the first to speak. "To avenge my parents," I say, my voice steady but filled with emotion. "They have my little sister, and I can't rest until I get her back."

Hyunjin speaks next, his voice firm. "Me and Niki are helping her because she saved us the day of our accident. Without her, we wouldn't be standing here."

Niki nods in agreement, staying silent, but the weight of his feelings is clear on his face.

Winter steps forward, her expression fierce. "Well, since Ryujin is my cousin, and her father and my father were brothers, he was murdered too. I'm in this to avenge him. This fight is personal for me."

Chaeryeong, standing a little apart from the group, takes a deep breath before speaking. "They have my elder sister," she says quietly, her voice tinged with pain. "I'll do whatever it takes to get her back."

Mrs. Hwang listens in silence, her face unreadable, but there's a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. She finally nods, taking a deep breath. "Each of you has your reasons, and they're all valid. But know this-this mission isn't just about revenge. It's about righting the wrongs of a system that has taken too much from all of us."

She steps closer to the center of the room, her voice growing more resolute. "You've all lost something or someone to this corruption. But together, we have a chance to end it. To expose everything, and ensure that no one else has to suffer like we have."