Silent Echoes

.15.

The next morning, the tension broke as Vegas's phone rang. Ran stirred from sleep as Vegas picked up the call.

Johnny: Sir, everything's under control, and we're back at the hotel.

Vegas: Alright.

He hung up the phone, his jaw clenched tightly.

Ran could feel the unease between them as they made their waydownstairs. The moment they reached the lobby, Taeyong ran toward them, pulling Ran into a tight hug.

Taeyong: I was so worried!

Vegas stood there, his fists balled at his sides, eyes darkening with jealousy as he watched the scene unfold.

Ran (smirking): Don't worry, I'm still alive.

Taeyong: I know, but I couldn't help it.

They all headed back to the mansion, but Ran had plans stirring beneath her calm exterior.
Later that night, Ran and Taeyong met in her room, preparing to sneak out.

Ran: Tonight, we're leaving this place.

Taeyong nodded silently as Ran handed him a gun, her eyes burning with determination.

Taeyong: I'm ready.

They moved swiftly through the darkened hallways, avoiding the guards posted around the mansion. Ran knew the layout by heart, leading Taeyong with confidence. They slipped past the sentries near the garage, staying in the shadows until they reached a back exit.But just as they stepped outside, a guard spotted them.

Guard: Hey! Stop!

Without hesitation, Ran pulled her gun from her waistband and fired at the guard's leg, dropping him to the ground.Taeyong followed suit, taking out another guard who tried to raise the alarm. The shots echoed through the night, but they didn't stop. They ran towards the mansion gates, adrenaline fueling their escape.
Reaching the garage, they found a parked car.

Ran (breaking into the vehicle): Get in.
We need to be fast.

Taeyong jumped into the passenger seat as Ran hot-wired the car. The engine roared to life, and they peeled out of the driveway, leaving behind the chaos they had just created. Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Johnny barged into Vegas's room.

Johnny: Sir, Ran and Taeyong snuck out. They're gone.

Vegas's rage boiled over instantly. He grabbed the nearest glass off the table and hurled it at the wall, shattering it into pieces.

Vegas (gritting his teeth): Find them.
Now.

Out on the road, Taeyong dialed Tin's number.

Taeyong: We're out. What's the situation?

Tin: We've all arrived in Thailand. I'll send you the coordinates.

Taeyong: Got it

He hung up and looked over at Ran.

Taeyong: Your dad's in Thailand.

Ran (grimly): Looks like something big is coming.

They finally arrived at the hidden location Tin had sent. It was a nondescript building tucked away in the outskirts of the city. The workers greeted them silently, guiding them inside, where Tin stood waiting.

Tin: Your father's expecting you.

Ran nodded, her face emotionless, but inside she was bracing for what was to come. As they stepped into the main room, Mr. Kim was already standing there, his cold eyes fixed on her.
Without warning, he slapped her hard across the face.

Mr. Kim: You're fucking useless!

Ran's cheek stung, but she didn't flinch.
Her eyes, however, darkened with fury.
She had expected this, but the hatred she felt for the man in front of her was bubbling to the surface.

Mr. Kim: You're just like your mother.
Weak. Pathetic.(His voice dripped with venom as he glared at her, his expression full of disgust.)

Ran remained silent, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. But her hands trembled slightly, her nails digging into her palms as she fought to keep her composure.

Mr. Kim: Get out! I don't want to see your face again until you've done something right!

He screamed, the sound of his voice reverberating through the room.

Ran turned on her heel and left, her face unreadable, but the fire inside her was far from extinguished. She had reached her breaking point. And this time, she wouldn't hold back.
As she walked out, Taeyong glanced at her, concern etched on his face.

Taeyong: You okay?

Ran (coldly): I will be.

She wasn't just fighting to survive anymore. She was fighting for revenge.