A Kiss For A Kiss

22

Four Weeks Later

The lights of the city stretch far into the horizon, casting a glow that reflects off the glass windows of Chin-hae's high-rise. I stand at the edge of the rooftop, the wind whipping through my hair, the weight of my decision pressing down on my chest like a stone. The city looks peaceful from up here, but I know that beneath the surface, war is brewing. And I'm at the center of it.

It's been four weeks since I joined Chin-hae's empire.

Four weeks since I crossed a line I swore I never would.

Jungkook doesn't know the truth. Hell, no one does. To them, I've turned traitor, switched sides, and aligned myself with the very man who's been hunting me—and Jungkook—down. And maybe I am a traitor in their eyes. But I didn't do it for power, or money, or survival.

I did it to protect Jungkook.

The deal was simple: if I joined Chin-hae, he would leave Jungkook alone. No more ambushes, no more attacks. I'd bought him peace—at least, that's what I told myself. But peace has come at a steep price, and every day I'm forced to stand by Chin-hae's side feels like another piece of my soul is being carved away.

I can still feel Jungkook's anger from the last time we spoke—his words still cut deep, even now.

"You betrayed us. You betrayed me."

I close my eyes, the memory of his face seared into my mind, the hurt and disbelief etched in his eyes like scars. He didn't understand, and I couldn't tell him the truth. I couldn't risk it.

The sound of footsteps behind me pulls me from my thoughts. I turn, finding Chin-hae standing there, his cold eyes watching me with that unnerving calm he always carries.

"Chaeyoung," he says smoothly, hands tucked into the pockets of his tailored suit. "Enjoying the view?"

I force a smile, masking the unease that's become second nature around him. "Just taking in the city. It never sleeps, does it?"

Chin-hae steps closer, his gaze lingering on me in that way that always sets my nerves on edge. "You've done well these past weeks. I had my doubts about you at first, but I'm pleased to see how quickly you've adapted."

I swallow the bile that rises in my throat. "I told you I'd be useful."

He smiles, but there's no warmth in it. Just calculated interest. "Indeed. Though I imagine your... former associates are less than pleased."

I stiffen at the mention of them—of him. Jungkook.

"They'll get over it," I say, forcing the words out.

Chin-hae's eyes narrow, as if he's studying me, peeling back layers to see what's underneath. "I wonder. Loyalty runs deep, Chaeyoung. Betrayal even deeper."

I grit my teeth, refusing to rise to the bait. He knows exactly what he's doing, and I won't give him the satisfaction of seeing me crack.

"I'm not here to discuss the past," I say, my voice steady. "I'm here to do a job."

Chin-hae smirks, clearly amused by my defiance. "Very well. You've proven yourself useful. But there's still more to do. You're not finished yet."

Before I can respond, one of his men steps onto the rooftop, his face tense. "Boss, we've got a situation. It's him."

Chin-hae's demeanor changes in an instant, the playful mask slipping as something dark and dangerous surfaces. "Him?"

The man nods. "Jeon Jungkook."