Silent Echoes

.09.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the room as Taeyong leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, watching Ran with a frown.

Taeyong: I didn't even have time to talk to you yesterday.

Ran shrugged, her gaze drifting.

Taeyong;- Vegas told me not to kill the guy, so I assume he's important.

Taeyong sighed, his mind racing with possible strategies.

Taeyong:- What should we do?

Ran stood up, her voice steady as she gave her orders.

Ran:- You find a way to contact my dad, and I'll take care of the rest.

He nodded, still uneasy.

Taeyong:- Got it. That Johnny guy told me they're going out, and said I should come with them. You wanna come?

Ran shook her head, her voice cold.

Ran:-Nope. You can go with them. Is Vegas going?

Taeyong:-Yeah

Ran's eyes narrowed slightly, her thoughts already forming a plan.

Ran:-Nice.I'll try to find something while they're gone that will help us get out of here.

Taeyong :-But I don't want to leave you alone-

Ran:- Don't worry. I'll be okay.(Ran cut him off, her tone soft but firm.)

With that, Taeyong left with Johnny and the others. The mansion felt emptier, but not completely deserted. Ran knew not all of Vegas's men had gone out.The guards stationed around the estate were always a concern. Whatever she planned to do, she'd need to be careful.She bided her time, waiting for the cover of the night.

Hours passed. Finally, the house grew quieter, the moon hanging high as darkness settled in. Ran slipped from her room, the hallway dimly lit. She moved cautiously, her senses alert as she began her search. Room after room revealed nothing-closets, guest rooms, empty offices, all fruitless.
The last door left was Vegas's office.
Her heart raced as she reached for the doorknob, turning it slowly. The door creaked open slightly, revealing the shadows inside. She was about to step in when the faint sound of footsteps echoed down the hall. Ran quickly closed the door and ducked into the shadows, pressing her back against the wall, her heart pounding in her chest.
She held her breath, waiting until the footsteps faded away.

Ran:- It won't be that easy to find something... (Ran whispered to herself, frustration bubbling up inside.)

Frustrated but determined, she decided to take a break. The garden always gave her some peace, and she needed to clear her head. She grabbed her cigarettes and slipped outside. The cool night air brushed against her skin as she walked into the garden, the stars above twinkling in the clear sky. She lit her cigarette and inhaled deeply, her eyes drifting up toward the night sky. For a moment, she let herself forget everything her, the smoke, and the stars.

"Can I join you?"

The sudden voice made her tense. She turned her head to see Vegas standing a few feet away, his usual smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

Ran:- Do whatever you want. (Ran exhaled slowly, her gaze turning cold.)

Vegas strolled over, standing beside her, lighting his own cigarette. The silence between them was thick, charged with unspoken tension. He took a long drag, exhaling the smoke slowly.

Vegas: "Why didn't you come with us tonight?"

Ran:- Because I didn't want to. (Ran barely glanced at him).

The air between them felt heavy.
Without warning, Vegas flicked his cigarette to the ground and in one swift motion, he pinned her against the wall, his body pressing close to hers. Ran's breath caught for a moment, but her eyes met his without flinching. The intensity in his gaze sent a ripple of something darker between them. He leaned in close, his lips brushing near her ear, their breaths mingling in the cool air.

Vegas: I haven't met someone like you in my life,(he whispered, his voice low and raw.)
I really like the way you are.
It's driving me crazy.

Ran:- You're horny as fuck. (Ran's lips curved into a dangerous smirk.)

Vegas:- Yeah, I am. You wanna help me get rid of it?

Ran:- Hell no. (Ran scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain.)

A mischievous smirk tugged at Vegas's lips, his eyes locking onto hers. The space between them was thick with unspoken desires and tension. He was enjoying this game, enjoying pushing her, seeing how far she'd go before she snapped.

But before he could respond, the door to the garden creaked open, and Johnny stepped into the space, oblivious to the heated moment he'd just interrupted

Johnny: boss, you have a meeting right now.

Vegas's expression shifted, irritation flashing in his eyes. He straightened up, pulling back from Ran, though his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer.

Vegas: I have to go now,(he said, his voice still low, almost a promise.)But we'll finish this conversation later.

Without waiting for a response, he turned and followed Johnny out, leaving Ran standing there, her heart still racing from the intensity of their encounter.

She took a deep breath, her hand unconsciously going to her cigarette, but the calm she'd sought in the stars was long gone now.

Ran:- What a fucking headache. (She exhaled sharply, muttering under her breath.)

But deep down, she knew this was far from over.