Silent Echoes

.10.

The next day, Taeyong paced back and forth in the room, running his fingers through his hair, clearly frustrated.

Taeyong: "Did you find anything?"

Ran shook her head, leaning against the table.

Ran:- Nope.

Taeyong clenched his jaw but quickly softened his expression when he saw her exhaustion.

Taeyong:-Don't worry, we'll find another way.

A sharp knock interrupted their conversation. Taeyong opened the door to find Johnny standing there, his usual no-nonsense look on his face.

Johnny: Mr. Vegas told you both to join the meeting.

Ran and Taeyong exchanged a glance before following Johnny. The room was filled with Vegas's men, all seated and waiting for instructions. Vegas leaned back in his chair at the head of the table, his usual smirk creeping onto his lips as they entered.

Vegas: We've got a new mission. (He looked to Johnny) Tell them.

Johnny stepped forward, reading from his notes.

Johnny:-Target is Ken, 45 years old, and owns a casino. He's always holed up there, but we've got word he's planning to leave the country soon.

Vegas: We need to catch him before he slips through our fingers. (His eyes moved around the room, landing on each of his men) Ten, Rick, Taeyong-you'll go with Johnny. (Then, his gaze slid over to Ran with that same smug smirk) You're coming with me.

Taeyong tensed, grabbing Ran's arm as Vegas stood up. He leaned in, his voice low.

Taeyong: Be careful. If he tries anything, tell me, and I'll kill him.

Ran smiled softly, trying to ease his concern.

Ran:-Don't worry. I'll be okay.

After they got their orders, everyone split off to get ready for the mission.
Vegas and Ran walked to his car, the air between them charged with unspoken tension. Vegas slid into the driver's seat and started the engine.

Vegas: Can I ask you something?

Ran: What?

Vegas kept his eyes on the road but smirked.

Vegas:-Why are you still with your father?

Ran's eyes darkened, her voice cold.

Ran:- Mind your own business.

Vegas's smirk didn't matter.

Vegas:-Soon, you'll know the truth.

Ran felt a chill run down her spine at his words, her stomach twisting with unease. Even she didn't fully,understand why she stayed loyal to the man who destroy her life. She closed her eyes, trying to calm the storm of thoughts in her mind. After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at the casino. Vegas parked and turned to her, his
expression unusually serious.

Vegas: No matter what happens, don't leave my sight.

Ran simply nodded, her expression unreadable. Together, they entered the casino, the atmosphere buzzing with the usual noise-people shouting, money clinking, and the endless ringing of slot machines. They moved through the crowd, unnoticed, but as they approached the back offices, the real trouble began.

Ken's men spotted them. Guns were drawn, and the air filled with tension.
Ran was the first to react, ducking behind a slot machine as bullets started flying. Vegas fired back, his aim precise as he took down two men in quick succession. Ran grabbed a nearby fallen man's gun and took out another guard, her movements fluid and practiced. Vegas watched her from the corner of his eye, admiring her precision and fearlessness, even as the chaos of the fight unfolded around them.